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Veterinary Prescription Pain Management Medications for Dogs: Clinician-Backed Top 5 Options in Canada 2025 — Metacam, Galliprant, Gabapentin, Tramadol & Rimadyl

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

This category covers prescription pain management medications commonly used for dogs in Canada in 2025, including opioids, alpha-2 agonists, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and adjunctive analgesics. It focuses on acute and chronic pain control — postoperative pain, osteoarthritis, and cancer-related pain — and emphasizes practical topics veterinarians and owners care about: evidence-based dosing, safety and monitoring, multimodal strategies to reduce adverse effects, and adjustments for age, breed, and comorbidities. Canadian consumers prefer solutions that balance clear veterinary guidance, predictable results, accessible formulations (oral suspensions, chewables, tablets, capsules), and safety profiles suited to an aging pet population and stricter controlled-substance rules. Availability, cost, and ease of administration also influence choices, with many owners opting for combinations that reduce overall opioid exposure while maintaining effective pain control.

Quick Menu

1. Best NSAID Liquid for Small Dogs

2. Best Targeted Osteoarthritis Therapy

3. Best Neuropathic Pain Adjunct

4. Best Short-term Opioid Analgesic

5. Best Established Carprofen Option

1
BEST NSAID LIQUID FOR SMALL DOGS

Metacam Oral Suspension for Dogs

Metacam (Boehringer Ingelheim)

Metacam is a meloxicam-based oral suspension positioned as a best-in-class NSAID for dogs because its liquid formulation allows precise, weight-based dosing and good short-term safety in many patients. Compared with chewable NSAIDs like Rimadyl, Metacam’s suspension can be more economical for small or finicky dogs and offers dosing flexibility that can simplify titration and administration in veterinary practices.

4.2
★★★★☆

  • Long-lasting comfort

  • Liquid easy-dosing — sips!

  • Long-lasting comfort

  • Liquid easy-dosing — sips!

Review Summary

82%

"Owners commonly report Metacam provides noticeable reduction in pain and improved mobility for osteoarthritis and post‑op recovery, though some note gastrointestinal upset or liver enzyme changes; generally considered effective when dosed and monitored correctly."

  • Vet-trusted anti-inflammatory

  • Meloxicam NSAID reduces inflammation and pain.

  • Vet-trusted anti-inflammatory

  • Meloxicam NSAID reduces inflammation and pain.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Metacam is a meloxicam-based oral suspension positioned as a best-in-class NSAID for dogs because its liquid formulation allows precise, weight-based dosing and good short-term safety in many patients. Compared with chewable NSAIDs like Rimadyl, Metacam’s suspension can be more economical for small or finicky dogs and offers dosing flexibility that can simplify titration and administration in veterinary practices.

  • Long-lasting comfort

  • Liquid easy-dosing — sips!

  • Vet-trusted anti-inflammatory

  • Meloxicam NSAID reduces inflammation and pain.

  • Liquid oral suspension allows precise dosing for small or picky dogs.

  • Long-lasting comfort

  • Liquid easy-dosing — sips!

  • Vet-trusted anti-inflammatory

  • Meloxicam NSAID reduces inflammation and pain.

  • Liquid oral suspension allows precise dosing for small or picky dogs.

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$35-80 CAD

2
BEST TARGETED OSTEOARTHRITIS THERAPY

Galliprant Tablets

Galliprant (Elanco)

Galliprant (grapiprant) is a targeted EP4 prostaglandin receptor antagonist marketed as a market leader for canine osteoarthritis pain because it directly blocks the primary receptor implicated in OA pain and inflammation, often providing improved gastrointestinal tolerability versus traditional NSAIDs. While typically priced higher than generic NSAIDs, Galliprant’s mechanism makes it a preferred option for patients at risk for NSAID-related adverse effects and for clinicians seeking a differentiated, veterinary-labeled alternative to drugs like Metacam or Rimadyl.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Targeted pain control

  • Gentle on stomach

  • Targeted pain control

  • Gentle on stomach

Review Summary

84%

"Users praise Galliprant for targeted osteoarthritis pain relief with fewer GI side effects compared with traditional NSAIDs; many find it well tolerated but some cite higher cost and variable response in severe cases."

  • Once-daily ease — tail-wag!

  • Grapiprant targets the EP4 receptor to specifically address osteoarthritis pain with potentially fewer GI side effects than some traditional NSAIDs.

  • Once-daily ease — tail-wag!

  • Grapiprant targets the EP4 receptor to specifically address osteoarthritis pain with potentially fewer GI side effects than some traditional NSAIDs.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Galliprant (grapiprant) is a targeted EP4 prostaglandin receptor antagonist marketed as a market leader for canine osteoarthritis pain because it directly blocks the primary receptor implicated in OA pain and inflammation, often providing improved gastrointestinal tolerability versus traditional NSAIDs. While typically priced higher than generic NSAIDs, Galliprant’s mechanism makes it a preferred option for patients at risk for NSAID-related adverse effects and for clinicians seeking a differentiated, veterinary-labeled alternative to drugs like Metacam or Rimadyl.

  • Targeted pain control

  • Gentle on stomach

  • Once-daily ease — tail-wag!

  • Grapiprant targets the EP4 receptor to specifically address osteoarthritis pain with potentially fewer GI side effects than some traditional NSAIDs.

  • Available as oral tablets in multiple strengths for dose tailoring.

  • Targeted pain control

  • Gentle on stomach

  • Once-daily ease — tail-wag!

  • Grapiprant targets the EP4 receptor to specifically address osteoarthritis pain with potentially fewer GI side effects than some traditional NSAIDs.

  • Available as oral tablets in multiple strengths for dose tailoring.

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$80-220 CAD

3
BEST NEUROPATHIC PAIN ADJUNCT

Gabapentin Capsules

Gabapentin (generic)

Generic gabapentin capsules serve as a widely used adjunctive analgesic for neuropathic and chronic pain in dogs, prized for affordability and compatibility with NSAIDs and other pain regimens. Although not a first-line NSAID, its low cost and ability to complement agents such as Metacam, Rimadyl, or Galliprant make gabapentin a practical, financially efficient choice for multimodal pain management in veterinary practice.

4
★★★★☆

  • Neuropathic pain relief

  • Calms anxious pups

  • Neuropathic pain relief

  • Calms anxious pups

Review Summary

76%

"Gabapentin is frequently reported to reduce neuropathic pain and help with anxiety or chronic pain adjunct therapy, though sedation and ataxia at higher doses are common; most owners use it alongside other analgesics."

  • Flexible titration

  • Gabapentin is used to treat neuropathic and chronic pain and as an adjunct to other analgesics.

  • Flexible titration

  • Gabapentin is used to treat neuropathic and chronic pain and as an adjunct to other analgesics.

Increased Safety & Security

Generic gabapentin capsules serve as a widely used adjunctive analgesic for neuropathic and chronic pain in dogs, prized for affordability and compatibility with NSAIDs and other pain regimens. Although not a first-line NSAID, its low cost and ability to complement agents such as Metacam, Rimadyl, or Galliprant make gabapentin a practical, financially efficient choice for multimodal pain management in veterinary practice.

  • Neuropathic pain relief

  • Calms anxious pups

  • Flexible titration

  • Gabapentin is used to treat neuropathic and chronic pain and as an adjunct to other analgesics.

  • Often combined with NSAIDs or other medications to improve overall pain control.

  • Neuropathic pain relief

  • Calms anxious pups

  • Flexible titration

  • Gabapentin is used to treat neuropathic and chronic pain and as an adjunct to other analgesics.

  • Often combined with NSAIDs or other medications to improve overall pain control.

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$30-120 CAD

4
BEST SHORT-TERM OPIOID ANALGESIC

Tramadol Hydrochloride Tablets

Tramadol (generic)

Tramadol hydrochloride tablets are a commonly prescribed oral analgesic option for moderate pain in dogs and are valued for being an accessible adjunct when additional central analgesia is needed. Efficacy in canines can be variable compared with the more predictable effects of NSAIDs or targeted agents like Galliprant, but tramadol remains financially practical for short-term use or combination therapy in multimodal pain protocols.

3.5
★★★☆☆

  • Moderate pain relief

  • Pocket-sized dosing

  • Moderate pain relief

  • Pocket-sized dosing

Review Summary

62%

"Reviews for tramadol are mixed — some owners see benefit for acute pain, but many report limited effectiveness in dogs and notable sedation or gastrointestinal side effects, making results inconsistent."

  • Synergy with other meds

  • Tramadol is an opioid-like analgesic used for moderate to moderately severe pain control.

  • Synergy with other meds

  • Tramadol is an opioid-like analgesic used for moderate to moderately severe pain control.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Tramadol hydrochloride tablets are a commonly prescribed oral analgesic option for moderate pain in dogs and are valued for being an accessible adjunct when additional central analgesia is needed. Efficacy in canines can be variable compared with the more predictable effects of NSAIDs or targeted agents like Galliprant, but tramadol remains financially practical for short-term use or combination therapy in multimodal pain protocols.

  • Moderate pain relief

  • Pocket-sized dosing

  • Synergy with other meds

  • Tramadol is an opioid-like analgesic used for moderate to moderately severe pain control.

  • Often used short-term or as an adjunct, but clinical effectiveness in dogs can vary due to metabolic differences.

  • Moderate pain relief

  • Pocket-sized dosing

  • Synergy with other meds

  • Tramadol is an opioid-like analgesic used for moderate to moderately severe pain control.

  • Often used short-term or as an adjunct, but clinical effectiveness in dogs can vary due to metabolic differences.

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From 83.10$
5
BEST ESTABLISHED CARPROFEN OPTION

Rimadyl Chewable Tablets

Rimadyl Chewable Tablets (Zoetis)

Rimadyl (carprofen) chewable tablets are a market-leading NSAID for dogs noted for a long clinical track record, palatable formulations that improve owner compliance, and consistent effectiveness for musculoskeletal pain. Compared to liquid options like Metacam or newer agents such as Galliprant, Rimadyl’s broad clinical familiarity and competitive pricing make it a go-to choice for many practices managing chronic osteoarthritis and post-operative pain.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • Vet-proven relief

  • Tasty chewable treat

  • Vet-proven relief

  • Tasty chewable treat

Review Summary

88%

"Rimadyl (carprofen) is widely regarded as effective and fast‑acting for reducing pain and inflammation in dogs, with many owners reporting clear mobility improvement; a minority report serious liver or kidney issues, so monitoring is recommended."

  • Quick mobility boost

  • Carprofen (Rimadyl) is a well-established NSAID for osteoarthritis and post-operative pain in dogs.

  • Quick mobility boost

  • Carprofen (Rimadyl) is a well-established NSAID for osteoarthritis and post-operative pain in dogs.

Increased Safety & Security

Rimadyl (carprofen) chewable tablets are a market-leading NSAID for dogs noted for a long clinical track record, palatable formulations that improve owner compliance, and consistent effectiveness for musculoskeletal pain. Compared to liquid options like Metacam or newer agents such as Galliprant, Rimadyl’s broad clinical familiarity and competitive pricing make it a go-to choice for many practices managing chronic osteoarthritis and post-operative pain.

  • Vet-proven relief

  • Tasty chewable treat

  • Quick mobility boost

  • Carprofen (Rimadyl) is a well-established NSAID for osteoarthritis and post-operative pain in dogs.

  • Flavored chewable tablets improve owner compliance for long-term therapy.

  • Vet-proven relief

  • Tasty chewable treat

  • Quick mobility boost

  • Carprofen (Rimadyl) is a well-established NSAID for osteoarthritis and post-operative pain in dogs.

  • Flavored chewable tablets improve owner compliance for long-term therapy.

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$60-200 CAD

What the Research and Clinical Guidance Say

A growing body of veterinary research and clinical guidance supports multimodal analgesia for dogs and documents the benefits and limitations of the most-used agents. Evidence includes randomized clinical trials, pharmacokinetic studies, and guideline recommendations emphasizing NSAIDs as first-line for many chronic pain syndromes, targeted agents for dogs with NSAID risk factors, and adjunctive medications for neuropathic or refractory pain. Canadian prescribing must also account for controlled-substance regulations for opioids and best practices for monitoring liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal function when using systemic analgesics.

NSAIDs (meloxicam, carprofen): Multiple controlled trials and longitudinal studies show consistent reductions in pain and improved mobility after surgery and in canine osteoarthritis when dosed appropriately and monitored for hepatic and renal effects.

Grapiprant (Galliprant): Clinical trials indicate meaningful improvement in osteoarthritis pain and a favorable gastrointestinal safety profile compared with traditional NSAIDs, making it a useful option for dogs at higher risk for NSAID-related adverse effects.

Gabapentin: Pharmacokinetic studies and clinical case series support gabapentin as an adjunct for neuropathic pain and as part of perioperative multimodal protocols, though large randomized trials in dogs are limited.

Tramadol: Evidence in dogs is mixed because variable metabolism leads to inconsistent levels of active metabolites; many clinicians now use tramadol mainly as an adjunct rather than sole analgesic, with attention to individual response.

Multimodal analgesia: Randomized and observational studies show combining agents with different mechanisms reduces pain scores and can lower doses of individual drugs, decreasing adverse-effect risk.

Monitoring and safety: Research and national guidance emphasize baseline bloodwork (liver, kidney), periodic reassessment, and individualized dose adjustments, especially for geriatric patients and those with comorbidities.

Regulatory context in Canada: Opioids are controlled substances and require veterinary oversight; this affects availability and shapes a trend toward nonopioid and adjunctive strategies where appropriate.

In the Canadian context for 2025, veterinarians commonly use the five products highlighted on this page — Metacam Oral Suspension for Dogs, Galliprant Tablets, Gabapentin Capsules, Tramadol Hydrochloride Tablets, and Rimadyl Chewable Tablets — as part of tailored pain plans. For many chronic osteoarthritis patients, Galliprant Tablets are often a preferred option because of their targeted EP4 mechanism and a safety profile that can be easier to manage in dogs at risk for typical NSAID side effects; however, Metacam and Rimadyl remain important first-line NSAIDs for many postsurgical and chronic cases, gabapentin is valuable for neuropathic or adjunctive control, and tramadol is used selectively as an adjunct. I hope you found the information you were looking for; you can refine or expand your search using the site search to compare dosing, interactions, and monitoring recommendations for each product.

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