Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My dog is in pain after surgery, can't give meds. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bulldog | Male | neutered | 60 lbs

Our english bulldog just had surgery today, and is in a lot of pain. We were told not to give him his prescribed Meloxicam until tomorrow. Is there anything we can do for his pain now?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 9th, 2017

Unfortunately, there are no safe OTC pain relievers you can give Tuck. Many are toxic to dogs and can fatal if given. He would have received pain relief before he left the hospital, which would be why you were told not to give him the Meloxicam until tomorrow. That being said, however, it's very concerning that he's in a lot of pain. By law, I can't say if it's safe or not for him to have it early, so I would either call the vet who did the surgery to let them know Tuck is in a lot of pain, or I would take him into an ER vet immediately who can prescribe him some safe pain relief.

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored