What Can I Give My Yorkie For Pain?

Yorkies suffer aches and pains just like we do.

The difference is they can’t just tell us about it.

At least not in words.

If your dog is in pain, it will let you know somehow. You just have to know what signs to look for.

And then you have to know what you can do to help alleviate your Yorkie’s pain.

Keep reading to learn how to tell your dog is in pain, and what you can give it to make it feel better. We’ll cover NSAIDs, other medications, and natural remedies.

 

What Can I Give My Yorkie For Pain?

One of the most common pain medications is NSAID. This acronym stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

These drugs are issued for short-term reduction of swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. They are primarily helpful for dogs that suffer from arthritis or dogs recovering from injury or surgery.

Let’s take a quick look at some common signs that your dog is in pain, before jumping into the best medicines and natural pain remedies available for dogs.

 

Signs Of Pain In Yorkies

Even though we form a deep connection with our dogs, it can still be difficult to know when they are in pain. They can’t talk, so you have to pay extra attention to them, so you pick up on the signs of pain.

One determining factor is their behavior. Yorkies become antisocial, and sometimes even aggressive, when they are in pain.

If your Yorkie is growling a lot and barks every time you touch it, this is a good sign that it is in pain. You can also often tell by the breathing. A lot of panting, heavy breathing, and erratic panting are all signs of a dog in pain.

In terms of food intake, if your pup loses its will to eat and drink water, there is a good chance it is not feeling well. Basically, any type of abnormal behavior usually indicates something is wrong.

 

Over-The-Counter Pain Relief For Dogs

These over-the-counter medicines are NSAIDs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are a group of medications that can help reduce swelling, pain, and fever.

There are some instances where a vet can prescribe human medication under NSAID. But not all NSAIDs are suitable for dogs. There are particular NSAIDs that are designed only for dogs.

NSAIDs for dogs include Carprofen (Rimadyl), Deracoxib (Deramaxx), Firocoxib (Previcox), and Meloxicam (Metacam). These types of medications need to be prescribed by your vet, who needs to perform diagnosis and see what is causing the pain.

 

Other Pain Medications

NSAIDs are the most popular type of medication to treat dogs that are in pain, but some instances require a different kind of medication.

One of the most commonly prescribed pain medications is Amantadine. This type of medication blocks certain neural transmitters, and it is usually prescribed to treat arthritis, some disk diseases, and cancer in dogs.

Then there is Gabapentin, which treats nerve pain and is used for seizure management, medical sedative, and to relieve the pain.

Another one is Tramadol, a mild opioid medication that is typically prescribed to aging dogs that suffer from constant pain all over their body.

All medications have side effects. You also need to be extra careful not to overdose your dog. And always consult your vet before giving any new medication. If you are worried that you can’t afford veterinary care, there is help available. Just follow that link.

 

Home Remedies

There are many herbs and other holistic options with anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties that can be as effective and safer than NSAIDs.

The main drawback of NSAIDs is that they come with health risks for your dog. They can result in kidney and liver damage, digestive issues, and chronic eye diseases.

The good news is you don’t need to use these risky medicines at all. You have a lot of home remedy options to take into consideration. Here are some of the most common home remedies you can consider to ease your dog’s pain.

 

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the popular remedies at home. Most of us already have it in our kitchens. It has powerful, anti-inflammatory properties that can treat pain in dogs.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a proven anti-inflammatory agent. Plus, it is rich in antioxidants.

Curcumin provides pain relief to dogs who suffer osteoarthritis. It is considered a complementary treatment and makes a great addition to your Yorkie’s diet.

Turmeric is safe for both dogs and humans who suffer from pain. You can make a dog treat with turmeric, black pepper, and healthy fat for Yorkies like coconut oil for easy absorption.

Or you can just buy some curcumin supplements like these:

 

Ginger

Ginger is a root that has many natural healing benefits for dogs and humans. Study shows that gingerol, which is a substance found in ginger, can reduce pain and inflammations.

Ginger can stop the immune system from producing leukotrienes, which cause inflammation. Ginger is especially suitable for aging dogs, because it also helps the circulation of blood. Poor circulation is often the reason dogs have a lack of mobility.

You can easily add ginger to your dog’s food. Get fresh ginger and peel it, then finely mince it. Give a quarter of a teaspoon for young breeds, a half teaspoon for dogs up to 35 pounds, and ¾ for larger dogs.

Ginger has a very distinct taste and a strong flavor, so you might want to give smaller doses in the beginning.

 

Oil

Most dogs suffer from joint pains. It is one of the most common illnesses, especially among aging dogs.

If your dog is struggling with this type of issue, fatty oils can help the joint pain. These oils are somewhat of a miracle remedy for them. They are not just great for the inside. They are also great for your dog’s coat and skin.

Coconut oil and fish oils have a wide range of benefits, not only for us humans but also for dogs. These oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been associated with reducing pain from joint diseases in dogs.

It is easy to incorporate these oils into your dog’s food, but you can also just buy some treats that include these healthy oils:

 

Cayenne

Cayenne is a type of hot chili pepper. Who would have thought that this ingredient can be helpful to a dog in need?

Cayenne’s main compound is called capsaicin. It is a substance that can block pain and increase the circulation of blood to connective tissues and joints.

It is one of the most proven pain relievers for dogs. Alternatively, you can find some ointments and creams that contain capsicum that can be used on desired areas.

There are also supplements and gel capsules that contain some of this compound. Or you can always add a little amount of powdered cayenne to your dog’s food. Either will work fine.

 

What To Give Yorkies For Pain: Conclusion

Overall, there is a wide range of medicine available, including over-the-counter, prescription medications, and home remedies. But not all are suitable in all instances.

If you see sings that your Yorkie is in pain, take it to see a vet. Do not just grab whatever pain medication you have lying around and give it to your dog.

You need to make sure you give it the correct medication and in the correct doses. This also goes for home remedies. It is always best to clear anything you want to give your pup with a vet first.