Dog - NSAIDs

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used to treat mild to moderate pain, to reduce inflammation and to reduce fever. Your veterinary surgeon may prescribe NSAIDs to reduce pain in arthritis or following surgical operations. It is difficult to predict which NSAID will help reduce the pain associated with arthritis in a given individual. Your veterinary surgeon may need to try different NSAIDs to find the drug that suits your pet.

Cats, in particular, can easily be overdosed with the NSAID aspirin and you should not give aspirin to your cat without first consulting your veterinary surgeon. Paracetamol is also used for pain relief. Cats cannot change this drug in the body (metabolise), therefore the drug accumulates and is toxic to the cat. Paracetamol should not be given to cats. It may also have serious effects on the kidneys of dogs so only use under veterinary direction.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinary surgeon. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• Some NSAIDs should be given with food; your veterinary surgeon will advise you.
• Try to give this medication at about the same time each day and try not to miss giving any doses.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.
• Some NSAID tablets must be given whole; do not crush or break tablets. Your veterinary surgeon will advise you.
• Wash your hands after handling the medication.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

• Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinary surgeon if you think your pet may be pregnant.
• The commonly reported effects of NSAIDs are mild stomach upset and vomiting. Notify your veterinary surgeon if these side effects appear and remain troublesome. Other potential side effects are skin rashes, liver problems, and changes to the blood. Other side effects may occur, if you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.