Massage + Rimadyl = Ultimate Dog Arthritis Relief

Follow @PetPlusPlan

When your trusted companion is diagnosed with canine arthritis, it can be scary at first. When you hear there's no cure for this chronic condition, it can feel like you're losing your hiking partner, your fetch buddy, and your playful pal. The truth is there are treatments that can help your old dog feel as young and active as when you first took them home.Medications like Rimadyl can help relieve arthritic pain so that dogs can move without fear. Pair that with a massage routine and your dog will be feeling tip top despite the condition.

How do you massage a dog? 

When your dog's body is achy, nothing feels better than a simple massage. There are a variety of massage types, each with a specific purposes: alleviating anxiety, exercise warm-up, and even joint pain.

Modern Dog magazine explained that joint relief massages start with simple petting around the problem area. This works on dogs diagnosed with arthritis as well as younger pooches who might just have a bit of soreness. You can massage directly after athletics that may have caused discomfort or when you're both relaxing after a long day.After you start petting the region - which helps warm up the tissue -  you'll want to add slight pressure. Be cautious because this is a tender area. A little pressure can do a lot of good. Develop a rhythm with your hands. Apply pressure in a way that acts as a pump, Modern Dog advised. This helps move the fluid from the joint and into the surrounding muscle, relieving the tendon tension.Avoid directly touching the bone or poking the joint area. After the more intensive massage and fluid movement, you'll want to return to general petting to help relax your pooch and calm the nerves.

Massage with Rimadyl 

Massage can help provide momentary relief for dogs, but unfortunately that pain can return. Rimadyl is one of the most effective pain management medications for dogs who have arthritis. It's a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that blocks the enzymes that create the inflammation in arthritis that leads to lifelong pain.If your veterinarian recommends this Food and Drug Administration-approved medication for your pooch, use your PetPlus membership to buy it at a discount. PetPlus also carries the generic of Rimadyl, carprofen or Novox for Dogs.

Comparing Rimadyl vs. Novox for Dog Pain

In the world of veterinary science, one of the biggest breakthroughs is the development of superior pain medications for dogs. These medications have become much better at relieving pain due to arthritis and joint pain, postoperative pain, and fever in dogs, while improving in safety. A number of these pain medications are available for your pet by prescription from your vet. Two of the most well used are Rimadyl and Novox, which are compared and contrasted below.

WHAT TYPES OF PAIN DO RIMADYL AND NOVOX TREAT?

• Both Rimadyl and Novox are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which treat pain without the use of steroids.
• Both medications are effective in reducing pain associated with arthritis, joint pain, or a recent operation or procedure.
• Both NSAIDs can be used to reduce fever.

HOW LONG DOES A DOSE LAST?

Caplets or tablets of Novox and Rimadyl are each administered in doses of 25, 75, or 100 milligrams. The dose will depend on the size of your dog and the intensity of their pain. Each dose, prescribed by your veterinarian, is intended to treat pain for 24 hours.

Arthritic pain relief provided with these medications usually begins to take effect within the first few days of administration.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

All NSAIDs, including Novax and Rimadyl, can result in side effects in some dogs. Most NSAIDs should not be taken in conjunction with other NSAIDs, or corticosteroids.

The primary ingredient in Novax and Rimadyl is Carprofen. Common side effects with Carprofen include common reactions like diarrhea, drowsiness, and loss of appetite.

Additional side effects may include thirstiness and dark stools. Any additional behavior changes should be discussed with your vet. NSAIDs can be hard on a dog’s digestive tract, liver, and kidneys. Side effects should be taken seriously, and long term use should be avoided when possible.

MY PET IS ONLY A FEW WEEKS OLD. CAN I USE NOVOX OR RIMADYL SAFELY?

The active ingredient in both Novox and Rimadyl is Carprofen, and it’s safe to use in puppies that are at least 6 weeks of age.

MY PET IS PREGNANT OR NURSING. CAN I STILL USE ONE OF THESE MEDICATIONS?

Neither Novox nor Rimadyl have been studied for safety with pregnant or nursing dogs, so use should be avoided.

These medications are only available by prescription from your veterinarian, so speak with them about using Carprofen if you suspect your dog is pregnant, or if there are any other health concerns with your pet.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

Carprofen, the active ingredient in Novox and Rimadyl, treats pain by inhibiting the production of certain enzymes that lead to tissue inflammation. The inflammation is what causes the pain, and by reducing it, pain is alleviated.
These types of medications also reduce fever through enzyme inhibition.

Novox comes in caplet form, and may need to be hidden inside food. Rimadyl comes in both a capsule and a chewable tablet.

Novox is the lesser expensive of the two drugs, though both have the same active ingredient, the same dose levels, and will alleviate your pet’s pain in much the same way.

More on Arthritic Pain Medication

Options and Types of Pain Meds for Dogs
Deramaxx for Dogs: Arthritis Treatment Guide
About Etogesic (Etodolac for Dogs) - Pain Reliever

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.