My dog has arthritis pain. Can I give him OTC meds until vet opens?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Pomeranian | Male | unneutered | 9 years and 4 months old | 7 lbs
Hello, my dog won’t sit/lay down for longer than 2 minutes. Recently was diagnosed with Arthritis (2 months ago) but was told it wasn’t severe enough yet to require surgery/meds. He’s been acting weird the last couple of hours, its Easter Sunday so vets are closed so is there any medicine we can buy at the store to ease his pain so he can sleep until we can see our vet tomorrow. Thanks
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 12th, 2020
Unfortunately there are no over the counter pain medications that I would recommend - while aspirin can be given to dogs it has a high risk for causing stomach ulcers with even a couple of doses and it will limit what your vet might be able to prescribe. While you could consider starting a gluocosamine supplement or fish oil it won't work right away. I think your best bet is to wait until you see your vet. If you feel Rufus is truly painful then you could see an emergency vet. tonight.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 1st, 2017
Aspirin can be used in dogs but it can have some serious side effects, like vomiting, diarrhea, and gastric ulcers. There are pain relievers that are specifically made for dogs that would be a better choice. Talk to your vet about trying him on a medication, like Previcox, Deramaxx, or Rimadyl. You could also try a joint supplement, like Dasuquin and see if that helps. Do not give Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or Aleve as they are toxic to dogs.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 10th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Zeus! Yes, aspirin is very hard on the dog stomach, that is why we do not recommend human pain medications in dogs. I would highly recommend stopping the medication and having him seen for his pain by your Vet. They can prescribe safer more tolerated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for arthritis. Also we tend to add in glucosamine/chondroitins like Dasuquin or Cosequin for arthritis as well. I wish you and Zeus the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 7th, 2018
Poor Lily! I agree that she sounds very uncomfortable. No, arthritis pain does not typically come on suddenly like this - it's usually quite gradual. Your description sounds more consistent with back pain due to a "slipped" or herniated disc, or some other type of acute injury. I do not recommend giving human aspirin to dogs, as it isn't terribly effective and can cause some serious side effects such as stomach ulcers and intestinal bleeding. In addition, it will severely limit your veterinarian's ability to treat her, because our safer and more effective pain medications for dogs cannot be given for several days after even a single dose of aspirin. I understand that she's frightened of vet visits, but I'm afraid it really sounds like this is what she needs. Since she sounds quite painful, it would be best to take her to an emergency clinic tonight or tomorrow to be seen rather than waiting until Monday. If this isn't possible, then I would try to keep her as quiet and still as possible to avoid making her injury worse, and taking her in to see your regular vet first thing Monday morning.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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