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?
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.
|
Application
|
Pain controlled
|
Minimum age of application
|
Rimadyl
|
Oral; 24 hour dose by chewable tablet or capsule
|
Arthritis, joint, postoperative; fever reduction
|
6 weeks and older
|
Novox
|
Oral; 24 hour dose by caplet
|
Arthritis, joint, postoperative; fever reduction
|
6 weeks and older
|
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.