Assessment of pain in dogs is difficult. Dogs are generally very stoic and often hide or fail to show outward signs of pain. HCPs should err on side of providing analgesia – if performed properly, it is safe and effective, and analgesia is critically important for safe handling and alleviation of pain.

  • Note that all protocols have analgesia incorporated into them. Additional analgesia can be provided by the IV, IM, or PO route, as necessary.
  • Scheduled administration of analgesics in the post-procedure period is preferred to as needed administration in dogs, because pain can be difficult to assess and to avert the ‘roller coaster‘ effect of unmanaged pain.
  • For intermittent IV or IM supplementary analgesia, use one of the following drugs:
    • HYDROMORPHONE 0.1-0.2 mg/kg q2-4h.
    • MORPHINE 0.2-0.5 mg/kg q4-6h
  • For CRI supplementary analgesia, use one of the following drugs:
    • FENTANYL 2-10 mcg/kg/h.
    • MORPHINE 0.1-0.25 mg/kg/h.
    • HYDROMORPHONE 0.02-0.05 mg/kg/h.
  • For PO supplementary analgesia, use TRAMADOL 5-10 mg/kg PO q8-12h for up to 5 days.

Caution: Do NOT use acetaminophen or ibuprofen in MWDs, as these drugs can cause liver toxicity. AVOID use of NSAIDs such as naproxen, meloxicam, and aspirin in emergently ill or injured MWDs.