Dog Pain Medication Comparison Tool
Compare 11 veterinary pain medications side-by-side — NSAIDs, gabapentin, Librela, and more. Filter by your dog's health conditions and find the right options to discuss with your veterinarian.
Filter by Your Dog
| Medication ▲ | Class | Forms | Frequency | Arthritis | Surgical | Nerve Pain | FDA Approved | Prescription | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adequan Canine (PSGAG) | DMOAD | Intramuscular injection | Twice weekly for 4 weeks (loading), then as needed | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | Yes | |
| Amantadine | NMDA Antagonist | Tablet, capsule, oral liquid | Once daily | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | Yes | |
| Deramaxx (Deracoxib) | NSAIDs | Chewable tablet | Once daily | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | Yes | |
| Gabapentin | Gabapentinoid | Capsule, tablet, oral liquid | Two to three times daily | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | Yes | |
| Galliprant (Grapiprant) | NSAIDs | Flavored tablet | Once daily | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | Yes | |
| Librela (Bedinvetmab) | Monoclonal Antibody | Subcutaneous injection (given by veterinarian) | Once monthly injection | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | Yes | |
| Metacam (Meloxicam) | NSAIDs | Oral suspension (liquid), injectable | Once daily | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | Yes | |
| Onsior (Robenacoxib) | NSAIDs | Tablet, injectable | Once daily (max 3 days for dogs) | — | ✓ | — | ✓ | Yes | |
| Previcox (Firocoxib) | NSAIDs | Chewable tablet | Once daily | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | Yes | |
| Rimadyl (Carprofen) | NSAIDs | Chewable tablet, caplet, injectable | Once or twice daily | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | Yes | |
| Tramadol | Opioid | Tablet | Two to four times daily | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | Yes |
Popular Comparisons
Dangerous Pain Medications for Dogs
The following human pain medications are toxic to dogs and should never be given without explicit veterinary direction. Even a single dose can cause serious harm or death.
Toxic dose in dogs as low as 25 mg/kg. Causes severe gastric ulceration, kidney failure, and potentially fatal GI perforation. A single 200 mg tablet can be toxic to a small dog.
If ingested: Call Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian.
One of the most dangerous human NSAIDs for dogs. Toxic dose as low as 5 mg/kg. The 72-hour half-life causes rapid accumulation. A single 220 mg Aleve can seriously harm a medium-sized dog.
If ingested: Call Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) immediately. Time-critical — early decontamination improves outcomes.
Causes methemoglobinemia (inability of blood to carry oxygen) and severe liver necrosis in dogs. Toxic dose approximately 75 mg/kg, but liver damage can occur at lower doses. FATAL to cats at almost any dose.
If ingested: Call Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) immediately. Antidote (N-acetylcysteine) exists but must be given early.
While sometimes used historically at veterinary-directed doses, aspirin causes significantly more GI ulceration than modern veterinary NSAIDs. Its irreversible platelet inhibition creates dangerous drug interactions requiring a 7+ day washout before starting any veterinary NSAID.
If ingested: If your dog ingested aspirin accidentally, call Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) or your veterinarian. The risk depends on the amount ingested relative to body weight.
Emergency Contacts:
- Pet Poison Helpline: 1-800-213-6680 ($85 consultation fee)
Understanding Dog Pain Medications
Pain management is one of the most important aspects of canine healthcare. Whether your dog is dealing with osteoarthritis, recovering from surgery, or experiencing nerve-related pain, understanding the available medications helps you have informed conversations with your veterinarian. This guide covers the major categories of pain medications prescribed for dogs, their mechanisms, safety profiles, and what to watch for.
Types of Pain Medications for Dogs
Veterinary pain medications fall into several distinct categories, each targeting pain through a different mechanism. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) remain the cornerstone of canine pain management, reducing inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes. Gabapentinoids target nerve-related pain by modulating calcium channels. Opioids like tramadol act on mu-receptors in the brain. NMDA antagonists like amantadine help prevent central sensitization (where the nervous system amplifies pain signals). Monoclonal antibodies represent the newest approach, targeting Nerve Growth Factor. Finally, DMOADs (disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs) like Adequan address the underlying cartilage damage rather than just treating pain symptoms.
Modern veterinary pain management increasingly favors multimodal therapy — combining medications from different classes to provide better pain relief with fewer side effects from any single drug. For example, an NSAID combined with gabapentin targets both inflammatory and neuropathic pain pathways simultaneously.
NSAIDs for Dogs: How They Work and What to Watch For
NSAIDs are the most commonly prescribed pain medications for dogs. They work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. However, not all veterinary NSAIDs are equal. Rimadyl (carprofen), the first veterinary NSAID approved in 1997, inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2. Previcox (firocoxib) and Deramaxx (deracoxib) preferentially target COX-2, potentially offering better GI safety. Galliprant (grapiprant) takes an entirely different approach as a piprant — blocking the EP4 prostaglandin receptor rather than inhibiting prostaglandin production.
The key concern with NSAIDs is organ toxicity. All NSAIDs carry some risk to the GI tract, liver, and kidneys because prostaglandins play protective roles in these organs. Your veterinarian will check baseline bloodwork before starting an NSAID, recheck at 2-4 weeks, then monitor every 3-6 months. Never combine two NSAIDs or give an NSAID with corticosteroids — these combinations dramatically increase the risk of fatal GI bleeding.
What Can I Give My Dog for Pain?
This is one of the most commonly searched questions by dog owners, and the answer requires care. Never give your dog human pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol) without explicit veterinary direction. Dogs metabolize these drugs differently than humans — ibuprofen can cause fatal kidney failure, naproxen has a 72-hour half-life in dogs (vs. 12-17 hours in humans), and acetaminophen causes methemoglobinemia and liver necrosis.
Safe pain management for dogs requires veterinary-prescribed medications. Your veterinarian may prescribe an NSAID like Rimadyl, Galliprant, or Previcox, or a non-NSAID option like gabapentin or Librela depending on your dog's specific health profile. The "best" medication depends entirely on your dog's condition, age, organ function, and what other medications they take.
Rimadyl vs. Galliprant: Choosing the Right NSAID
Rimadyl (carprofen) and Galliprant (grapiprant) are the two most commonly compared veterinary NSAIDs, and for good reason — they represent fundamentally different approaches to inflammation. Rimadyl is a traditional COX-1/COX-2 inhibitor with 25+ years of clinical data and FDA approval for both osteoarthritis and post-surgical pain. Galliprant is a first-in-class piprant that blocks the EP4 prostaglandin receptor, offering potentially better GI and organ safety.
For dogs with sensitive stomachs, liver concerns, or kidney concerns, Galliprant's targeted mechanism may be preferable. For dogs requiring perioperative pain management, Rimadyl's broader approval covers that indication while Galliprant does not. Both require a prescription and veterinary monitoring. Many veterinarians start with Galliprant for mild-to-moderate OA and escalate to a traditional NSAID or multimodal protocol if needed.
Librela: The New Monoclonal Antibody for Dog Arthritis Pain
Librela (bedinvetmab) represents a paradigm shift in veterinary pain management. As the first monoclonal antibody approved for pain in any species (2023), it works by neutralizing Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a key protein in osteoarthritis pain signaling. Because it works completely outside the COX pathway, Librela has no known GI, liver, or kidney toxicity — making it a potential option for dogs who cannot tolerate NSAIDs.
Librela is given as a once-monthly subcutaneous injection at your veterinarian's office, eliminating the challenge of daily pill administration. However, it's important to note that once injected, its effects cannot be reversed — the antibody must clear naturally over the dosing interval. The FDA has received reports of adverse events including deaths and continues to monitor the product. Discuss the benefits and risks with your veterinarian.
Monitoring Your Dog on Pain Medication
Regular monitoring is essential for any dog on long-term pain medication. For NSAIDs, this typically means a comprehensive blood chemistry panel (liver enzymes ALT/ALP, kidney values BUN/creatinine) at baseline, 2-4 weeks after starting, and then every 3-6 months. Watch for early warning signs including decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dark or tarry stools, increased water consumption, or yellowing of the gums or skin.
For gabapentin, monitoring is less intensive — mainly watch for excessive sedation in the first few days, which typically improves. For Librela, monitor for injection site reactions and any unusual behavior changes. The CBPI Pain Calculator can help you objectively track your dog's pain levels over time, providing your veterinarian with valuable data to guide treatment decisions.
Dangerous Pain Medications for Dogs
Human pain medications are among the most common causes of pet poisoning. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen are all readily available over-the-counter and frequently ingested by dogs either through well-meaning but uninformed owners or accidental ingestion. Even aspirin, which was historically used in veterinary medicine, is no longer recommended due to its irreversible COX inhibition and high rate of GI ulceration compared to modern veterinary NSAIDs.
If your dog ingests any human pain medication, contact your veterinarian or call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680 immediately. Time is critical — early decontamination and treatment significantly improve outcomes. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinary professional.
Sources & References
- FDA. NSAIDs for Dogs: Know the Risks. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. fda.gov
- DailyMed. Rimadyl (carprofen) Chewable Tablets — FDA-Approved Labeling. National Library of Medicine. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- Elanco. Galliprant (grapiprant) — Full Prescribing Information. galliprant.com
- Zoetis. Librela (bedinvetmab) — Prescribing Information. zoetisus.com
- FDA. FDA Encourages Reporting of Side Effects for Pain Medication Librela for Dogs. 2024. fda.gov
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) — Pharmacology. merckvetmanual.com
- Budsberg SC, et al. Lack of effectiveness of tramadol hydrochloride for the treatment of pain and joint dysfunction in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis. JAVMA. 2018;252(4):427-432.
- Lascelles BDX, et al. Amantadine in a multimodal analgesic regimen for alleviation of refractory osteoarthritis pain in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2008;22(1):53-59.
- Pet Poison Helpline. Top 10 Medications That Poison Our Pets. petpoisonhelpline.com
- American Regent Animal Health. Adequan Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) — Product Information. adequancanine.com
Disclaimer: This tool is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Medication selection, dosing, and monitoring must be determined by a licensed veterinarian who has examined your dog. Drug data is sourced from FDA-approved labeling, DailyMed, and peer-reviewed veterinary literature. Always consult your veterinarian before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. In an emergency, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest pain medication for dogs?
There is no single "safest" pain medication — safety depends on your dog's individual health profile. Galliprant (grapiprant) and Librela (bedinvetmab) have among the lowest organ toxicity risks. Galliprant targets the EP4 receptor specifically, sparing GI, liver, and kidney function better than traditional NSAIDs. Librela works outside the COX pathway entirely, making it safe for dogs with organ disease. However, every medication has trade-offs. Your veterinarian can recommend the safest option based on your dog's bloodwork, age, and medical history.
Can I give my dog ibuprofen or Tylenol for pain?
No — never give your dog ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol). These human pain medications are toxic to dogs and can cause fatal kidney failure, liver damage, and GI bleeding. Dogs metabolize these drugs differently than humans, making doses that are safe for people dangerous or deadly for dogs. If your dog is in pain, contact your veterinarian for a dog-safe prescription medication.
What is the difference between Rimadyl and Galliprant?
Rimadyl (carprofen) and Galliprant (grapiprant) are both prescription pain medications for dogs, but they work differently. Rimadyl is a traditional NSAID that inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, while Galliprant is a first-in-class piprant that specifically blocks the EP4 prostaglandin receptor. This gives Galliprant a gentler GI and organ safety profile. However, Rimadyl is approved for both osteoarthritis and post-surgical pain, while Galliprant is only approved for OA. Rimadyl also has 25+ years of clinical experience.
Can dogs take NSAIDs long-term?
Yes, many dogs take veterinary NSAIDs safely for years to manage chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. However, long-term use requires regular veterinary monitoring. Your vet will typically check liver and kidney values at 2-4 weeks after starting, then every 3-6 months. Dogs with pre-existing kidney, liver, or GI disease may need non-NSAID alternatives. Never use NSAIDs with corticosteroids or other NSAIDs, and always use the lowest effective dose.
What is Librela and how does it work?
Librela (bedinvetmab) is the first monoclonal antibody approved for pain in any animal species. It works by binding and neutralizing Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein that drives osteoarthritis pain signaling. Because it works completely outside the COX pathway used by NSAIDs, Librela has no known GI, liver, or kidney toxicity. It's given as a once-monthly injection at your vet clinic. The main limitations are that it's only approved for OA (not surgical or nerve pain), requires monthly vet visits, and cannot be reversed once injected.
Can I combine pain medications for my dog?
Yes — multimodal pain management (combining medications with different mechanisms) is often more effective than any single drug. Common combinations include an NSAID + gabapentin, or an NSAID + amantadine. However, you should NEVER combine two NSAIDs, or combine an NSAID with corticosteroids, as this dramatically increases the risk of fatal GI bleeding. Librela and Adequan can also be safely added to most protocols. Always consult your veterinarian before combining medications.
How long does the aspirin washout period last?
A minimum 7-day washout period is required when switching from aspirin to any veterinary NSAID. This is because aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelets (unlike veterinary NSAIDs which are reversible). Combining aspirin with another NSAID before the washout period is complete can cause severe, potentially fatal GI bleeding. Your veterinarian may recommend an even longer washout depending on your dog's situation.
Is gabapentin effective for dogs?
Gabapentin is widely used in veterinary medicine, particularly for neuropathic (nerve) pain, post-surgical pain, and as part of multimodal protocols. While it's not FDA-approved for veterinary use (it's used off-label), it has a strong safety profile with minimal organ toxicity. The main side effects are sedation and mild ataxia, which typically improve over several days. Important: some human liquid gabapentin formulations contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Always verify the formulation with your veterinarian.
Why is tramadol no longer recommended for dogs?
While tramadol is still sometimes prescribed, its efficacy in dogs has been questioned by recent research. A 2018 study by Budsberg et al. found tramadol was no more effective than placebo for osteoarthritis pain in dogs. This is because dogs metabolize tramadol differently than humans, producing much less of the active pain-relieving metabolite (M1). Many veterinary pain specialists now prefer gabapentin as a non-NSAID add-on option. Tramadol is also a DEA Schedule IV controlled substance with potential for serotonin syndrome.
What monitoring does my dog need on pain medication?
For NSAIDs, your veterinarian will typically recommend baseline bloodwork (liver and kidney values) before starting, a recheck at 2-4 weeks, then monitoring every 3-6 months for chronic use. Watch for signs of GI upset (vomiting, diarrhea, dark stools, loss of appetite), which may indicate ulceration. For Librela, monitor for injection site reactions and report any unusual symptoms to your vet. For gabapentin and tramadol, watch for excessive sedation initially. Any sudden behavior changes warrant a vet visit.
What is Adequan and how is it different from pain medications?
Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan or PSGAG) is the only FDA-approved disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) for dogs. Unlike pain medications that mask symptoms, Adequan actually modifies disease progression by inhibiting cartilage-degrading enzymes and stimulating cartilage repair. It's given as an intramuscular injection — twice weekly for 4 weeks initially, then as needed. It's not a primary pain reliever and is typically used alongside NSAIDs and/or gabapentin.
Can I use aspirin for my dog's pain?
Aspirin is not recommended for pain management in dogs. While historically used, aspirin causes significantly more GI ulceration than modern veterinary NSAIDs due to its irreversible COX inhibition. It also creates dangerous drug interactions requiring a 7+ day washout before starting any veterinary NSAID. Some veterinarians prescribe very low-dose aspirin for anti-platelet (blood clot prevention) purposes only — not for pain. If your dog needs pain relief, ask your vet about safer veterinary-approved options.