3. Anti-inflammatories and Pain Relievers Many dogs experience pain due to injury, surgery, or chronic conditions such as arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as carprofen and meloxicam, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. It's important to only administer medications specifically formulated for dogs, as human pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be toxic to them.