Orajel is a topical anesthetic that is generically called Benzocaine topical.
Orajel contains Benzocaine as the primary ingredient that functions by blocking the nerve signals in the body and numbing the mouth surface.
It temporarily takes the pain caused by sore throat, cold sores, fever blisters, irritations, canker sores, and injured mouth and gums.
You must be worried when your dog suffers a toothache, which results in discomfort to the dog.
Yes, Orajel has been used by pet owners with issues of relieving toothache in dogs.
The topical Benzocaine is used to deal with pain.
In your Dog’s Orajel is used to solve:
- Gum inflammation
- Skin irritations
- Earaches
- Pain due to trauma in any body part
Orajel for Dogs
Although Benzocaine is safe for humans, it can be dangerous to your dog if carelessly used.
When you notice that your dog is having pains such as canine toothache, it is not advisable to get human-grade Orajel or over-the-counter mouth pain-relieving Orajel.
Likewise, it is not advisable to use Anbesol for dogs.
Many people confirm that Orajel has relieved the canine pains in their dogs.
But, you have to visit your vet or a certified pharmacy to give you the prescription based on the condition.
The vet has experience of administering medications for veterinary use.
Orajel is mostly not recommended for puppies and small breeds in your home.
The combination of antipyrine and Benzocaine is formulated to treat ear pains in dogs.
The formulation of antipyrine and Benzocaine is also used for treating canines, but it requires the vet’s advice before applying.
How Do You Know Your Dog has a Painful Tooth?
It might be challenging to tell if your dog is suffering from a painful tooth.
The best way to understand is by learning the signs and symptoms.
Some of the dog pains may result from swollen gums, broken teeth, and tartar building up.
The signs to tell that your dog has a painful tooth include unusual drooling, bad breath, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, regular sneezing, chewing using one side of the mouth, shyness, and visible change in your dog’s mouth.
Safe Use of Orajel
Orajel is not harmful to your dog if used correctly.
However, the high amount of Orajel is toxic to your dog; hence it is mostly safer when applied in lower concentrations.
In most instances, 10% of Benzocaine is effective in controlling the pain.
The Orajel is for topical use.
However, in some instances, the dog can suffer the side effects if the Orajel is administered to the dog.
This is because when you apply Benzocaine on the skin or gum of the dog, the Benzocaine will be absorbed relative to the amount applied.
Ingesting a tube of Orajel to the dog will give it a chance to absorb even excessive amounts of the drug, which is not advisable and, in turn, exposing the dog to more dangers.
In addition, Orajel is not supposed to be applied on the open sores and should not be used in the mouth if there is bleeding.
Always ensure that Orajel is kept in a place away from the dog, such as a medicine cabinet.
Ensure your Dog does not keep licking the surface where the Benzocaine was administered.
You could consider using an Elizabethan collar to keep the dog away from the surface where Benzocaine has been applied.
Side effects of using Orajel on dogs
Methemoglobinemia
Methemoglobinemia is a kind of anemia that affects dogs.
The condition is a result of treating a dog using human-grade Benzocaine.
The blood condition turns out to be very harmful to any dog.
Anemia dramatically reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen.
In an adverse situation, it results in death if not addressed with urgency.
The blood affected by methemoglobinemia has a brownish color that shows there is little oxygen in the circulation.
Other signs due to methemoglobinemia are:
- Weak body
- Strain when breathing
- Â Continuous vomiting
- Depression
- Facial swelling
- Skin discoloration
Exposure to toxic amounts of Benzocaine will make dogs develop conditions if they ingest a lot of acetaminophens.
Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol or ibuprofen.
Methemoglobinemia can even call for blood transfusion to the affected dog.
Methemoglobinemia does not only affect dogs but also children who are less than two years old.
The case of children suffering from methemoglobinemia due to drugs containing Benzocaine was confirmed by the U.S Food and Drug Administration in 2018.
The issue led to the administration warning against the use of Benzocaine on infants due to this risk imposed.
Orajel Sensitivity and allergies
Every dog, as in the case of human beings, has a different sensitivity to any medicine.
Benzocaine is safer for dogs, although some dogs may have different responses to this medicine.
In most dogs, it will have the desired effect, although some dogs may have side effects.
Skin irritation is the most common adverse effect on dogs, specifically on the applied region.
Dogs that are too sensitive to Orajel may suffer from skin rashes.
The rashes may increase the discomfort to your dog.
Allergy is also associated with adverse effects on sensitive dogs towards Benzocaine.
The allergy reaction may show out in the form of wheezing and vomiting by the dog.
When these signs start to show, it calls for cleaning the Orajel that has been used and seeking veterinarian assistance.
Alternative Ways of Controlling the Pain in Dogs
It is important to note that Orajel gives a temporary solution to the pains affecting your dog.
However, preventive maintenance is essential in ensuring the dog does not suffer from pain.
These preventive measures include cleaning your teeth and gums.
In the case of puppies, you can consider using a gum massager.
Using pain-relieving medicines made for humans to dogs is very dangerous.
Likewise, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin are harmful to your dog depending on the dose.
Some NSAIDs have been made explicitly for relieving pain in dogs.
The drugs that have been developed include deracoxib, meloxicam, firocoxib, and carprofen.
Before using any medication for your dog, ensure you consult a vet and follow the procedures and precautions keenly.
Conclusion
When your dog is in high dental pain, then using a little Orajel won’t be dangerous, but it will only give you a short-term solution.
The best thing when you notice discomfort in your dog is vital if you seek the root of the problem.
A dental check-up with your veteran will be the best solution.