Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 12/5/2006

Question
we have a 6 yr old golden retriever who  has arthritis-we have been giving her deramaxx but its so expensive--can we give her ibuprophen/ glucosamin/ or any other less expensive/otc meds? deramaxx doesn't really seem to be helping that much anyway. thx

Answer
Human pain relievers often cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, and sometimes ulcers. That's why there are special meds for dogs.  There is a drug called meclofenamic acid that is generic and relatively cheap if it works for your dog. It does require a prescription from you vet.