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My dog was hit by a car, in pain. Can I give human meds or help her pee?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 9 years old | 35 lbs

My dog was hit by a car. She has been seen. Given gabapentin, methocarbamol, and a anti inflammatory. They gave her a buprenorphine shot. Said it’s probably just soreness but could be a neck vertebrae fracture. She is grunting & whining pretty constantly & is still in a lot of pain. I can’t even get her out to pee. What can I do? When she walks she tried to run from the pain then sits. Do I bother taking her out. Do I let her pee where she’s laying. Can I give her any human otc medicine?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on January 12th, 2018

Poor Raven! I'm sorry to hear that she was hit by a car. It's good that she's already been seen by a vet, and it sounds like she's on a few different medications to help control her pain level and keep her as comfortable as possible. It's not surprising that she's sore, given that she suffered a serious trauma recently. It's fine to let her just go to the bathroom where she is laying for now - you can put potty pads or towels underneath her, and just change them when they get wet or soiled. She'll likely be more comfortable if she stays quiet and still rather than trying to walk outside. I would not recommend giving any kind of human OTC medication, as she's on several different meds for pain already and this would not be safe to do. If you still think she seems overly painful tomorrow morning, you can call your veterinarian to ask about adding in another prescription medication such as tramadol, and/or increasing the dose on some of her other meds. Your vet can advise you on safe dosages based on her condition and her overall treatment plan.

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