NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)
Anti-inflammatory and pain medication used widely for arthritis and post-surgical pain. Vet-prescribed pet NSAIDs are very different from human ones and human versions are dangerous.
NSAIDs reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. In pets they are the mainstay of arthritis management and post-surgical pain control. Common veterinary NSAIDs in dogs include meloxicam, carprofen, firocoxib, robenacoxib, deracoxib, and grapiprant. In cats, meloxicam (limited use) and robenacoxib are available.
Critical safety points: - **Never give human NSAIDs** — ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, diclofenac. They cause severe ulcers, kidney damage, and death in dogs and cats at relatively low doses. - **Never combine** an NSAID with steroids — high ulcer risk. - Monitor kidney and liver function with baseline and periodic blood tests, especially in senior pets. - Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, or dark stool — stop the medication and call the vet.
When used appropriately, NSAIDs transform quality of life for arthritic pets. The decision is usually whether to use them, not which one — modern veterinary NSAIDs have much better safety profiles than NSAIDs from a generation ago.