Metamizole for dogs is not actually a drug, but an active ingredient with pain-relieving and fever-reducing effects.
You can find this active ingredient in medicines that are among the painkillers for dogs.
You will now find out what needs to be considered when using and dosing metamizole in dogs, as well as what side effects and alternatives there are.
Metamizole for dogs: what is it and what is it used for?
Metamizol – more precisely, metamizol sodium – is a drug that is mainly contained in painkillers for dogs.
The corresponding drugs, such as Novalgin for dogs, are used primarily for urinary tract diseases and colic, i.e. (dangerous) abdominal cramps.
In addition, a medicine containing metamizole can be administered for the following diseases:
back pain
Due to the antipyretic effect, metamizole can also be administered to dogs that have developed a fever due to an infection or inflammation.
The strength of metamizole depends on the particular drug in which the active ingredient is found.
In addition to Novalgin, metamizol is also a component of the drug Vetalgin.
Proper use and dosage of metamizole for dogs
Regardless of the strength and the manufacturer, the correct dosage of metamizole for dogs at 20 mg of metamizole per kilogram of body weight your fur nose.
He receives this dose up to 3 times a day, i.e. at intervals of 8 hours. The total dose of metamizol that a dog receives per kilogram of body weight is 60 mg.
As an example: If your fur nose weighs 12.5 kilograms, it gets 250 mg metamizol 3 times a day, i.e. a total of 750 mg metamizol a day.
IMPORTANT
If you are not sure about the dosage and use of metamizol, be sure to discuss this with your vet beforehand and do not decide for yourself how much your dog gets!
How long does it take for metamizole to work in dogs?
Depending on the drug that contains metamizole, you can expect a very rapid onset of action usually after 30 to 60 minutes has taken place.
After this time, your dog should suffer from significantly less pain and an elevated temperature may already have dropped.
The effect of metamizol lasts between 4 and 8 hours – hence the recommended administration every 8 hours.
Good to know
Metamizol can also be given intravenously by the vet, i.e. with a syringe. Here the effect usually occurs even faster than with the tablets.
What side effects can metamizole cause in dogs?
As a relatively strong active substance, metamizole can initially cause some side effects in dogs such as increased breathing, convulsions and increased salivation to lead.
It is also possible that metamizol hits the dog’s stomach and can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea as a result.
In addition, cases are known in which metamizole has led to allergic skin reactions and the associated itching.
However, these side effects should disappear after a short time.
However, if you have increased breathing and cramps, you should still play it safe and consult your veterinarian.
When should I not use metamizole in dogs?
You must not use metamizol on your dog, if you have any of the following diseases:
- bronchial asthma
- haematopoietic disorders
- blood clotting disorders
- Renal insufficiency/renal weakness
- Chronic gastrointestinal diseases
- Gastrointestinal ulcers and problems
Whether a pregnant or already lactating bitch should be treated with metamizol should also be clarified with the veterinarian. The same applies to puppies and young dogs.
Where is metamizole for dogs available?
All medicines containing metamizole fall into the “prescription and prescription only” category.
For you, this means: Please have your veterinarian issue you with a corresponding prescription for submission to an (online) pharmacy – if he does not give you the medicine immediately.
What alternatives are there to metamizole for dogs?
There are both pharmaceutical and herbal alternatives to metamizol for dogs, for example medicines with Carprofen or Traumeel for dogs or Arnica D6 globules.
Depending on an alternative choice is primarily whether your dog has had a bad experience with metamizolewhich makes another drug necessary.
If the active ingredient is to blame, the new drug should of course no longer contain it. On the pharmaceutical side, you can also use these remedies, among others:
- caretaker
- Rimadyl
- Metacam
- Meloxidyl
These painkillers – in the case of Meloxidyl, among other things, also with anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects – have a different active ingredient.
If you’re looking for an over-the-counter alternative, you may be able to use Buscopan if your dog is experiencing stomach pain and associated cramps.
For all the alternatives mentioned, please note the dosage and correct application that your veterinarian has given you.
Please also refrain from giving your dog painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin «just like that» – dangerous side effects can occur here!
Does your dog need to be treated with a drug containing metamizole? Then we look forward to reading his story and experiences in the comments!