Anti-inflammatories for dogs. Are they safe? How effective are they?

Throughout its life, it is very likely that your dog will have to take at some point anti-inflammatories for dogs. These types of drugs are used for different purposes; Normally to reduce pain or inflammation due to a blow, joint problem or skin condition but also when dogs have a fever, undergo surgery or suffer from a pathology when they are old such as canine osteoarthritis.

Of course, anti-inflammatories for dogsare not the same ones we humans use. They are equivalent to our Ibuprofen or Paracetamol but have been specially formulated for them. In fact, one of the best ways to give this type of medicine to our pets is by resorting to vitamins and supplements for dogs that can be included in their daily food instead of having to opt for a pill.
At Kun-Kay, as specialists in natural supplements for pets, we have different supplements that They can be used as a safe, healthy, and natural alternative to chemically formulated and/or pill-based anti-inflammatories for dogs.
In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about using these types of drugs in dogs and the natural alternatives we recommend at Kun-Kay. Stay with us!
1. Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Anti-inflammatories are mainly divided into steroidal and non-steroidal. In the case of dogs and other small pets, corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) are always used to treat all types of diseases that cause pain and inflammation. They are also used after surgery as part of the postoperative care and to calm fevers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs usually have a stronger and faster action but also more negative short-term effects. At Kun Kay we have created a guide with the most common diseases in dogs, so that it can be useful for you. help.
Corticosteroids, on the other hand, are less specific and can have more serious medium- to long-term effects, as we will see below.
2. Are corticosteroids, or steroid-based anti-inflammatory drugs, dangerous?
Corticosteroids can be used occasionally as immunosuppressants or as anti-inflammatories for dogs, but their prolonged use is not recommended because they produce numerous long-term adverse effects, some of which are:
- Immunosuppression: This function can be beneficial at times, but in the long term, it predisposes the animal to suffer from infections more frequently.
- Gastrointestinal ulcers
- Diabetes: Corticosteroids affect the action of insulin and can eventually cause hyperglycemia.
- Cardiovascular problems.
- Delayed healing. Its use is not recommended after surgery or if there is an open wound.
- Effects on the kidneys.
- Changes in behavior, apathy.
- Effects on blood counts, biochemistry, and coagulation.
3. When should I give my dog anti-inflammatories? Can I give them ibuprofen or paracetamol?
Anti-inflammatories for dogs should only be used on the recommendation of a veterinarian. Under no circumstances should you give human medicines to your dogand this includes Ibuprofen and Paracetamol.
Never give medicines to your pet or leave them within their reach, you run the risk of suffering serious poisoning that could even lead to death.
4. Side effects of using anti-inflammatories in dogs
We have already seen that steroid anti-inflammatory drugs can cause numerous adverse effects and that is why their use is only recommended in very specific circumstances in favor of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
However,nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not free of side effectsalthough the number of problems that can appear in the long term is reduced.
The main problem with these anti-inflammatory drugs for dogs is thattheir continued use can end up affecting the dog's gastrointestinal system. Specifically, there is a risk of long-term gastrointestinal ulcers and temporary side effects including vomiting and diarrhea (Gastroenteritis in dogs. What is it?). )
Other side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include a decreased platelet aggregation capacity. andeffects on the reproductive tract and the fetus.
5. Are there natural anti-inflammatories? What do we recommend at Kun-Kay?

If you are concerned about the adverse effects that traditional anti-inflammatories may have on your pet, it is more than logical that you wonder if there are alternatives. There are! At Kun-Kay we have two supplements for dogs that have an anti-inflammatory effect.. Like all our products, they have been made with 100% natural ingredients and are very easy to incorporate into your furry friend's diet. Just add them to their food dish and that's it. Plus, your dogs love their flavor!
We'll tell you which of our supplements we recommend if you're looking for a natural substitute for anti-inflammatories for dogs:
- Arthrokun: This supplement helps reduce joint discomfort in your dog and prevent its appearance. It is especially recommended for older, overweight, or physically active pets.
- Dermakun: The go-to supplement for caring for your pet's skin and coat. It is ideal for reducing itching, redness, and inflammation of the skin. In addition, it has a healing function.
In addition to Arthrokun and Dermakun we also recommend you try Homadekun, the go-to supplement to provide your dog with all the vitamins and minerals they need to live healthy and happy.
