Handwriting Chemical formula of Ketamine. Close up.

Can You Give Ketamine to Your Pet For Pain Relief?

For most of us, our pets are a part of our family. That’s why it can be tough to watch when they get diagnosed with an illness or suffer an injury that causes them chronic pain. Ketamine is a drug that has recently been breaking ground in different medical areas and may be a potential source of relief for some pets.
Today we are going to take a closer look at Ketamine and whether it can be used to relieve pain for pets with chronic pain issues. 1

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Ketamine IV therapy may promote brain healing and correct chemical imbalances that can help treat PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more. Our treatments are administered onsite by a licensed nurse for quality care and peace of mind.

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What is Ketamine, and how do veterinarians use it for pain relief?

Ketamine is described as a dissociative anesthetic. It has been the subject of groundbreaking research in humans and has been a mainstay in veterinary medicine for several years.

It has primarily been used as a sedative when treating animals (mainly dogs and cats) at the veterinary clinic. 2

The medication works by interfering with how the central nervous system processes pain. One of the reasons veterinarians use it so frequently is because it does not need to be administered via IV to take effect on the animal; it can be injected directly into the muscle, making it much easier to administer than other sedative medications or anesthesia.

Ketamine nomenclature (C13H16CINO)

When used in pain relief, it relaxes muscles and induces sleepiness, which helps control chronic pain in animals. The medicine serves a dual purpose, easing the animal’s pain and providing a calming effect. However, due to the dissociative effect, the medication must be used in a very controlled manner.

A man in a blue shirt is holding a small dog

Do I have to go through a veterinarian to get Ketamine for my pet?

Yes, Ketamine must be acquired through your veterinarian. This is because Ketamine is also used for humans and is categorized as a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse.

In humans, Ketamine can produce a hallucinogen-like effect 3 and is known to be a party drug. When prescribed, it is given in controlled dosages, or the patient must be given the medication in a clinical setting. Vets follow the same rules and must tightly control how they give the medication to pet owners.

The vet will need to evaluate your pet’s health and chronic pain state and determine if they are a good candidate for Ketamine to manage their pain.

If they determine your pet is a good candidate for Ketamine to manage pain, then they may prescribe an injection that can be given to control chronic pain.

Ketamine has mild side effects, but misuse or administering too much can cause severe side effects and complications in animals. This is why it is never a good idea to try and give your pet ketamine without speaking with a vet first.

The vet will discuss the risk factors and potential benefits of using Ketamine to manage your pet’s pain and will help you find the proper treatment plan. Administering the drug incorrectly or without proper supervision can be dangerous to your pet, in addition to the normal side effects.

Conclusion

Having a pet that is dealing with a chronic pain condition is a heartbreaking situation. The drug ketamine is an effective anesthetic used by veterinarians to treat animals for years and may be an effective method of pain management for your pet.

Consult with your veterinarian about using Ketamine to manage your pet’s pain and whether or not it is a viable solution. Remember that Ketamine is a controlled substance and should only be used when prescribed by your vet to avoid potential side effects.

At-Home Ketamine IV Therapy

Ketamine IV therapy can help restore brain synapses and correct chemical imbalances, providing relief from conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more. Due to its high bioavailability and fast effect, an IV infusion is the optimal way to maximize the benefits of this treatment. IV ketamine is administered at your location by a licensed nurse, saving you time and helping prevent serious side effects or misuse of ketamine.

Schedule a free consultation with our team, or click the button below to make an appointment for Ketamine IV therapy.

Ketamine IV - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for a ketamine IV appointment?

Don’t eat anything 4-6 hours before treatment. Clear out your schedule for much of the day to lower your stress levels. It is not recommended to have the session late at night as treatment may impact sleep.

Ketamine IV post-session recommendations?

Avoid large social gatherings and work obligations in the coming days as you may feel vulnerable. Avoid driving or the use of machinery for 4-6 hours after treatment.

Can you use ketamine for depression treatment?

Yes, ketamine can be used as a treatment for depression. It is a fast-acting medication that has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression in people who have not responded well to other forms of treatment. 

Can you use ketamine for chronic pain treatment?

Yes, ketamine can be used to treat chronic pain. It is a fast-acting medication that has been shown to be effective in reducing pain in people who have not responded well to other forms of treatment.

Read more: Ketamine iv FAQ

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