Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Vets treat arthritis pain in dogs mainly with veterinary NSAIDs (such as carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib, firocoxib, and grapiprant) and newer options like the monthly injection bedinvetmab (Librela), sometimes with add-on drugs like gabapentin or amantadine. Doses depend on your dog’s weight, health, and other medications, so they must come from your vet. Never give human pain relievers, and never combine NSAIDs with each other or with steroids.
This guide doesn’t give doses.
Common medications
- NSAIDs: reduce pain and inflammation. Most dogs tolerate them well with monitoring.
- Grapiprant: a different type of anti-inflammatory that targets a specific pain receptor.
- Bedinvetmab (Librela): a monthly injection that blocks nerve growth factor, a key driver of arthritis pain.
- Gabapentin and amantadine: add-ons for dogs needing extra relief.
- Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan injections: used by some vets to support joints.
NSAID safety
- Your vet will usually check bloodwork before starting and periodically during long-term use.
- Give with food, as directed.
- Stop and call your vet if your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, black or tarry stool, loss of appetite, increased thirst, yellow gums or eyes, or lethargy.
- Allow a washout period when switching between NSAIDs, as your vet advises.
- Store flavored chewables out of reach. Dogs may eat the whole bottle.
Accidental overdose
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (fees apply). See meloxicam overdose in dogs.
What to avoid
- Human pain relievers (ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, aspirin) unless your vet prescribes them.
- Combining NSAIDs, or NSAIDs with steroids.
- Adjusting doses yourself.
Medication works best with weight control and exercise. See arthritis treatment options.
Sources
- Mosley C, et al. 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2022
- US FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine: Get the facts about pain relievers for pets
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in animals
- US FDA: Dear Veterinarian letter on Librela (bedinvetmab) adverse event reporting. 2024
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.