Our Final Thoughts On Aspirin For Dogs
The most popular drug in the medicine cabinet, human Aspirin, is relatively safe and can be beneficial to dogs as long as it is used in accordance with the vets instructions, careful monitoring, and for a limited timeframe.
However, if your dogs condition could benefit from long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it is best advised to look into NSAIDs formulated for dogs as these are safer and less likely to cause side effects.
Is Aspirin Safe For Dogs
Aspirin is safe for dogs as long as you keep within the recommended dose and stipulated times. It is not common to appreciate any side effects for most dogs if you are only giving aspirin for a few days.
Puppies and small dogs such as Chihuahuas are at the biggest risk of developing problems due to overdosage and prolonged administration. You need to be extra careful when calculating the correct dosage. Known side effects of aspirin for dogs include
- Irritation or damage of the gastrointestinal lining
- Interferes with the blood clotting process
- Can affect the kidneys and liver
- False glucose tests
Caution regarding aspirin and dog dangers
Best aspirin for dogs formulas include:
- Nutri-vet K-9 Aspirin Chewables for Small, Medium and Big Dogs
- Excel Enteric Coated Aspirin for Dogs
- Ecotrin Coated Aspirin
Chewable Aspirin For Dogs
Your dog may find it hard to swallow or keep down whole tablets. You can give a chewable aspirin as it is convenient and easy to administer compared to the coated type. Liquid aspirin for dogs may even be a better option.
Caution:
- Never give your dog human grade medicines unless your vet directs so.
- Make sure the chewable aspirin does not contain xylitol as a sweetener- it is poisonous to dogs.
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Risks Of Aspirin For Dogs
Aspirin can be an excellent resource for animals in pain. For most canines, aspirin will do its job and soothe the pain. Yet, there are always risks involved, especially if its not used properly. So, is aspirin safe for dogs? In most cases, the answer is yes. But here are some negative sides to aspirins healing properties.
What Is Aspirin For Dogs
Aspirin might sound familiar as a human drug, but what is it and how does it work for dogs? Its a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug , which is a type of medication used for pain relief. Its also known as acetylsalicylic acid and it falls under the same category as ibuprofen and carprofen.
Not all aspirin is equal, so what kind of aspirin can you give a dog? Regular adult aspirin is usually fine, but depending on your dogs needs, baby aspirin or buffered aspirin might be more effective and safer.
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Aspirin Can Cause Liver And Kidney Problems
For most dogs, aspirin should be rarely used. Regular use could lead to severe problems, especially related to the liver and kidneys. Your dogs liver absorbs the toxins from aspirin. The liver can detoxify items, but frequent aspirin could be too much for it to handle, leading to liver failure.
Also, prostaglandins can help blood get to your dogs kidneys. Aspirin could reduce blood flow to the kidneys, making them not function as well.
In most cases, your dog will be fine after taking aspirin. These risks only further prove the importance of using the proper aspirin dose for dogs.
Aspirin And Other Pain Relievers For Dogs
Pet parents might assume the same pain relievers they take are safe to give dogs but in a smaller dosage. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen , naproxen , and aspirin are effective for humans, they are not good pain meds for dogsnot without direct supervision of a veterinarian. Even the smallest dose can be toxic. It can cause many different issues, such as gastrointestinal hemorrhage and irritation, renal failure, gastric ulcers, anemia, hepatic problems, etc., says Amanda Nascimento, DVM, head of integrative veterinary medicine and research at NHV Natural Pet. NSAIDs are particularly dangerous if your dog is young or an aging senior because they dont have the same metabolic capacity as healthy, adult dogs. Worse, if your dog is already taking medications, NSAIDs can interact and with those and enhance or diminish the effects of each other, Dr. Nascimento says.
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Why Aspirin For My Dog
Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, also called an NSAID. It is often given to dogs because of its quick acting properties when it comes to reducing swelling and relieving discomfort secondary to inflammatory disease.
What can you give aspirin to dogs for? This is an often asked question because pet parents, understandably so, are looking for economical ways to take care of their best canine buddies.
Dogs with osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal issues may be given aspirin. Dogs with blood clotting diseases may be prescribed the drug, and as well, it is used in fever reduction. Aspirin can be recommended after surgery or a serious injury and is sometimes given in the case of short-term palliative care.
What About Side Effects
The Merck Veterinary Manual states, Gastric ulcers were seen by day 30 in 66% of dogs given aspirin at 35 mg/kg, PO, TID.3
Gastric ulcers and kidney failure are the most common adverse side effects of NSAID toxicity in canines. Symptoms of aspirin toxicity include but are not limited to diarrhea, vomiting, bloody stools, seizures, or death.
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Brand Names And Other Names Of Acetylsalicylic Acid
How Do Aspirin And Other Nsaids Affect Dogs
Some of the most common OTC pain relievers fall into the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .
Common examples include aspirin, baby aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. They all work by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase, which produces hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that promote inflammation, fever and pain.
But prostaglandins also play many other roles in the body, like maintaining adequate blood flow to the kidneys, producing a layer of mucus that protects the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract, and allowing blood to clot normally.
When these functions are adversely affected by NSAIDS, dogs can develop issues like:
-
Gastrointestinal ulcers
-
Kidney dysfunction
-
Liver damage
Dogs may die without appropriate treatment. It is not safe to give your dog any amount of aspirin, ibuprofen , naproxen or other anti-inflammatory meant for humans without first talking to your veterinarian.
Cats are especially sensitive to the adverse effects of NSAIDs, but because more dogs are exposed to these medications, a greater number of NSAID toxicity cases are reported in dogs in comparison to cats.
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Uses/benefits Of Baby Aspirin For Dogs
Managing pain, inflammation, and blood clots are the main roles of Aspirin. However, this popular tablet comes with several benefits. Lets take a closer look at the different Aspirin uses for adult dogs.
Aspirin for Pain Relief. The most popular Aspirin use is for pain control. In dogs, common causes of pain and discomfort are osteoarthritis, leg injuries, and dental issues.
Aspirin for Inflammation and Fever. As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Aspirin can control inflammation and decrease fever. This feature can also be used in dogs with arthritis.
Aspirin for Blood Clotting Prevention. Aspirin affects platelet function. Its blood-thinning or anticoagulant effect prevents the formation of blood clots and decreases the risk of strokes in dogs.
Aspirin for Cancer Management. A groundbreaking study showed that Aspirin may prevent cancer spreads in dogs by stopping the malignant cells from hijacking the platelets.
Aspirin for Eye Problems. Another exciting study suggests that Aspirin use helps decrease the incidence of retinopathies in diabetic dogs.
What Aspirin Does To Your Dogs Body
So, what exactly does aspirin do to your dogs body that makes it so dangerous?
The answer lies in the prostaglandins. It turns out that they do more for your dogs body than promote pain and inflammation. Prostaglandins are important for other functions, like maintaining the layer of mucus that lines the gastrointestinal tract so that stomach acid doesnt eat away at the tract, making sure blood clots normally, and maintaining adequate blood flow to the kidneys.
When prostaglandin production is inhibited too much, those functions start to fail. Thats what leads to the dangerous side effects associated with NSAID poisoning.
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What You Should Know About Natural Pain Relief For Dogs
Dr. Krause uses a myriad of natural remedies as pain relief for dogs in her practice, including traditional Chinese medicine, such as acupuncture and herbs, CBD oil, and massagewhich pet parents can learn to do. When are natural solutions suitable when it comes to what can you give a dog for pain? Mild to moderate pain caused by overuse or arthritis, but moderate to severe pain is best handled with pharmaceutical and natural remedies together, says Dr. Krause. Essential oils can help with pain relief for dogs, but heres what you should know before you use them on your pets.
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Human Aspirin For Dogs
Your veterinarian may prescribe aspirin designed for humans to your dog such as baby aspirin. However, aspirin designed specifically for dogs is the safest choice. Most aspirin varieties made for dogs are buffered in order to protect the dog’s stomach. Enteric-coated aspirin, which is different from buffered, does not work well in dogs as they cannot properly digest the coating in time for the aspirin to have a useful effect.
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Is Bayer Aspirin For Dogs Safe
Can I give Bayer aspirin to my dog? Bayer aspirin is a form of branded aspirin. The Bayer Corporation invented aspirin at the end of the 19th century which makes them a big name for it. Later the company sold and lost its trademark rights to many countries. Any drug company can now make and distribute aspirin. So, while it is not necessary to give this specific brand of aspirin, it is safe to give your dog Bayer aspirin.
Aspirin For Dogs Side Effects
Aspirin can be a great source of pain relief for your dog. But for some canines, it can also have its downsides. Whenever you give your dog a new medication, keep an eye out for unusual behaviors.
Here are some common side effects of aspirin for dogs:
- Nausea
- Tiludronate
- Vitamin E
If your dog takes any other medications, always make sure your vet knows before they recommend aspirin. This can help you avoid any future complications.
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Signs Of Aspirin Side Effects
If your dog takes aspirin, watch for these adverse reactions:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting, especially with blood in vomit
- Diarrhea
- Blood in urine
- Weakness
- Collapse
If your dogs taking aspirin and you see any of these symptoms, consult your vet.
Even if your dog isnt on aspirin, the more serious symptoms could mean toxicity from some other cause. Or your dog could have got into your own supply of aspirin or other medicines.
Correct Dog Aspirin Dosage Chart
The dose recommendations below are offered for educational purposes only and are not intended to substitute expert veterinary advice and care. Consult your veterinarian to see if aspirin is the ideal medication for your dog and to get the proper dosage based on his or her precise weight. Aspirin may not be suitable for dogs with underlying medical issues. As a general guideline, the following table may be utilized:
Aspirin for Dogs
| Weight |
The recommended dosage is 5 mg to 10 mg of aspirin per pound of a dog’s weight, as recommended by your veterinarian, and it can be given once every 12 hours. For comparison’s sake, 81 mg of aspirin for dogs is equivalent to one baby aspirin, and an adult aspirin starts at 320 mg. Let your vet know how many milligrams are in the type of aspirin tablet you intend to use, as found on the container label, and your vet will recommend how to cut the tablet down to reach the proper dosage.
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How To Use Aspirin For Arthritis Pain Relief In Dogs
This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 8,068 times.
Aspirin can help to relieve pain caused by arthritis, but should not be given to dogs with certain conditions. Since aspirin is linked to an increased risk of stomach ulcers and other intestinal complications in dogs, you should only give your dog aspirin if told to do so by your vet. In order to treat your dog’s arthritis, it is important to know if your dog should get aspirin, and how much aspirin to give it to maximize pain relief.
Aspirin Dosage For Dogs
Lacking FDA approval for canine use, not many studies look into the exact Aspirin dosage for dogs. Based on the guidelines provided by the Merck Veterinary Manual, dogs can be given between 10 and 40 mg of Aspirin per kg of body weight.
However, which dosage is best for your dog depends on its underlying condition and is something you should discuss with your veterinarian. Aspirin is given by mouth every 12 hours and needs between 1 and 2 hours to start working.
Aspirin is available in two forms regular and Baby Asprin . If you have a Chihuahua, Baby Aspirin would be a more practical choice. On the other hand, a Great Dane needs regular Aspirin. If you plan on giving your dog aspirin, always consult with your veterinarian first for specific dosage guidelines.
Regardless of the Aspirin potency form you choose, sticking to the recommended dosage is vital. This is because an Aspirin overdose can be fatal. Aspirin toxicity in dogs manifests with the following signs and symptoms:
- Rapid breathing
- Steroid anti-inflammatory drugs
- Spironolactone and furosemide
If your dog is prone to low-dose Aspirin side effects or you prefer a more natural approach, do not worry. Here are some natural Aspirin alternatives:
Finally, just because your dog has adverse reactions to Aspirin does not mean it is sensitive to all NSAIDs. Talk to your vet about other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like carprofen, naproxen, and meloxicam.
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When To Use Aspirin For Dogs
Aspirin is a salicylic acid metabolite popularly used to relieve pain and discomfort, decrease fever, and reduce the likelihood of blood clot formation.
Aspirin works by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. The cyclooxygenase is responsible for the production of prostaglandins. These hormone-like chemicals have several beneficial roles in the body .
However, in addition to the beneficial roles, prostaglandins also support pain, fever, and inflammation. Therefore, in simple words, Aspirin prevents these processes by inhibiting their support mechanisms.
Can I Give My Dog Aspirin Vet
Its heartbreaking to see your dog in obvious pain and not being able to help him or her feel better. Its tempting to reach into your medicine cabinet and pull out whatever pain reliever is close at hand to relieve their whimpering and wincing. Most of the time, that would be aspirin or some other common over-the-counter painkiller.
But is aspirin safe for dogs? The answer is no. While aspirin can be prescribed to dogs, and often is, its not safe to simply give your dog the same pills that you and your family members take for headaches, muscle soreness, and other minor aches and pains. That medication is made for humans, not for our canine companions.
Lets dive deeper into how aspirin and other common pain medications work, what kind of danger they present to dogs, and how you can give your pet some pain relief if theyre suffering.
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Aspirin For Dogs With Arthritis
Arthritis is a common problem in dogs especially older ones. Aspirin is a common over the counter medicine used to treat pain due to arthritis and other joint inflammations. There are quite a number of pain medications that can be used in pain treatment due to arthritis, it can be dangerous with a whole lot of side effects.
Aspirin for dogs with arthritis helps to reduce swelling and ease the pain in the affected joints. Note that while all NSAIDs are very effective in pain management due to arthritis, they all have side effects. I will suggest you have your dog examined by a vet including blood work to determine what pain medication is best for him.
Holistic Pain Relief For Dogs
There are several options for natural pain relief for dogs. CBD oil is purported to be a natural painkiller for dogs, and a recent study published out of Cornell showed that CBD oil is effective at helping to control pain in arthritic dogs.
Another option for natural pain relief for dogs are the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA found in fish oil. A 2016 study reported that fish oil statistically improved symptoms in dogs with osteoarthritis dosed at 75 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day.
Turmeric has been getting a lot of attention in the press for its anti-inflammatory properties in human pain control. But turmeric is not well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, and is generally not very effective in pain control.
Even though these are natural alternatives, always discuss any supplements with your veterinarian, as some supplements may be contraindicated in some conditions and/or interact with prescription medications. In addition, these natural painkillers for dogs usually do not provide enough relief on their own for dogs in moderate to severe pain, and may need to be combined with additional medications to provide adequate relief. Remember: Whenever youre in doubt, consult with your veterinarian about what to give your dog for pain.
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