Can You Give a Dog Aspirin? Tips on Other Medications To Try!

When uncomfortable, it may be customary to reach out for aspirin in your medicine cabinet like many people. Can you do the same with your dog when they're in pain? Can you give a dog aspirin to alleviate pain? Short answer: no.  You cannot even provide baby aspirin to a dog. You may think that baby aspirin comes in safe doses, but it is still not suitable to treat a dog's pain.

 

 

However, you can give my dog or low-dose aspirin when the vet prescribes it. You need to follow the vet's prescription to the letter to avoid an improper aspirin dosage. You should not give your dog the same other medications or forms of pain reliever you take, such as naproxen and ibuprofen, when you feel pain — doing so can lead to all kinds of complications in your dog, namely kidney disease.

 

 

Even in a small dose, naproxen, ibuprofen, or other pain medications can be toxic to dogs. How often can I give my dog baby aspirin? Always consult your veterinarian before you give medicines to your pet. 

 

 

What Is Aspirin?

Aspirin is a pharmaceutical drug that relieves mild to moderate pain and reduces fever. It may reduce some swelling and pain as well. Again, this is true for most humans when you take aspirin, but this is not the case for pets. It is always essential to consult a vet first to know the correct dosage.  Aspirin falls in the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

 

 

It is the first drug discovered in this class. The active ingredient in aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid or salicylate, which is present in plants such as myrtle, willow (typically in leaves and bark), and poplar trees. The first recorded use of salicylate was around 4,000 years ago. Famed classical Greek physician Hippocrates relied on willow bark to relieve pain and ease the fever. Some people prefer a natural remedy still use willow bark to treat minor pains and headaches.

 

 

 

NSAIDs are not steroids, which often provide similar benefits. However, steroids have unfavorable side effects, and they are not suitable for everyone. NSAIDs are excellent analgesics and are likely to be non-narcotics. This means they do not cause stupor or insensibility. If you are apprehensive about giving aspirin to your dog due to its classification and choose to give my dog Tylenol, you are putting your dog in danger.

 

 

Although Tylenol is not a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, it is still dangerous for your pet. It would be best if you did not give your dog anything to treat its illness unless you have consulted the vet.

 

 

What Can Aspirin Be Used For?

Aspirin is in the same category as carprofen, naproxen, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs used to treat fever, inflammation, and pain. Aspirin can also serve as an anticoagulant or blood thinner. Anticoagulants may reduce or stop blood coagulation, prevent blood clotting, or prolong the time the blood starts to clot. 

 

 

Acetylsalicylic acid has antipyretic or temperature-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic or pain-relieving effects. Most people have no problem ingesting medicines or food that contain acetylsalicylic acid or salicylate. However, salicylate can cause discomfort to some individuals who are extremely sensitive to it. Acetylsalicylic acid may cause gastrointestinal irritation and be toxic when taken in large quantities.

 

 

Do NSAIDs Work for Dogs?

Between steroids and NSAIDs, the latter generally have fewer side effects than human aspirin. Veterinarians usually prescribe aspirin to dogs with musculoskeletal inflammation or osteoarthritis. Aspirin's anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen the inflammation and pain associated with these conditions.

 

 

Most vets may also prescribe aspirin to treat your dog's conditions. If you have questions or doubts, you can ask your vet for a further explanation until you are satisfied. Otherwise, you can always ask for a second opinion. You may also try to contact the American Kennel Club for advice or assistance. 

 

 

Aspirin comes with side effects. It doesn't matter whether the side effects are serious; you should check in with your veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. It is also essential to pay close attention to your vet's instructions. You cannot afford to be careless when your pet's health is on the line.

 

 

How Does Aspirin Work?

Aspirin blocks the prostaglandins, the body's pain messengers, in delivering pain signals. It works in the same manner as when dogs ingest aspirin, which can temporarily alleviate the inflammation and pain in the body. How often can you give a dog baby aspirin? Aspirin can effectively reduce pain in the body, but it can also decrease the ability of your pet to heal itself. 

 

 

Can You Give a Dog Aspirin?

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications or NSAIDs can put the joint health of your dog in danger or even cause death. It would help if you did not give your dog ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen, aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or other pain relievers unless your veterinarian prescribes the right dosage for your pet. The question is how often can dogs have aspirin? It is vital to know the correct dosage of aspirin that you need to give your adult dogs.

 

 

However, it would be best never to give your puppies aspirin, no matter what happens. Their immune systems are still not capable of breaking aspirin down. Remember that you need to give your dog aspirin with food to avoid giving it an upset stomach. It would be best if you also asked your veterinarian about the possible side effects of aspirin on your dog once ingested for pain relief. Knowing can help lessen your worries once the side effects manifest.

 

 

Do They Make Aspirin for Dogs?

When you look for dog aspirin on Amazon, you're sure to stumble upon some brands claiming they have the best dog aspirin. Some brands even cause vomiting and other health risks. However, most reviews favor aspirin for dogs regardless of the brand name.  It is possible that some brands only work with certain dog breeds, age, gender, and/or weight.

 

 

The problem is that no one can be certain that the brand they intend to buy will work wonders for their pets or if it'll even be safe. Consulting a vet before dosing is the best way to avoid this. Whether there's an effective dog aspirin or not, the best thing you can do for your dog is let a veterinarian examine them first. The vet may prescribe aspirin and give instructions on the proper dosing for your dog. Never make your dog take any of the NSAIDs without their vet's advice.    

 

 

What Happens if a Dog Ingests Aspirin?

Aspirin can be absorbed into the bloodstream fast. A pill of aspirin with a low dosage may cause grave side effects or complications for your dog. It is relatively common for dogs to have adverse reactions to aspirin. You need to know the symptoms and risks of aspirin overdose or adverse reaction before you give the drug to your dog. That way, you will be prepared in case you see an adverse reaction or signs of overdose. Your prompt action can save the life of your pet.

 

 

Can you give a small dog baby aspirin? Giving too much aspirin to your dog may result in aspirin toxicity. This usually occurs when your pet takes too much aspirin at once. Your pet may also suffer from aspirin toxicity if they ingest it every day, and the aspirin begins to accumulate in their system. If you see any of these symptoms in your dog (especially after ingesting aspirin), you must take it to a vet for a checkup. Don't delay because every second counts.

 

 

Dog Aspirin Poisoning Symptoms

If you suspect your dog has ingested aspirin without your knowledge (whether it was accidental ingestion or someone gave it to them), you should monitor its condition and behavior. 

 

 

To prevent possible tragedy, you need to take your dog to a vet when you see any of the following signs of aspirin poisoning:

 

 

- Presence of Black, Tar-colored Stool

If your dog has black-colored feces, there is blood in its digestive tract. Aspirin's most common side effects are ulceration or bleeding in the intestines or stomach and gastrointestinal irritation.

 

 

- Bloody Vomit

Even if your dog only vomits a small amount of blood and still looks fine, you should not take chances. They could've been poisoned already, and it is prudent to consult the vet immediately.

 

 

- Change in the Amount of Water Intake or Urination

Your dog is unusually thirsty and must drink lots of water to quench his thirst and recover the lost body fluid. Your dog is thirsty for many possible reasons, including aspirin poisoning.

 

 

- Sudden Collapse/Exhaustion

There are various reasons behind your dog's sudden collapse; one of them could be aspirin poisoning. You must take your pet to the veterinarian to check whether it is due to blood disease, heart disease, respiratory disease, other health issues, or aspirin poisoning.

 

 

- Diarrhea

Since ulceration and gastrointestinal irritation are aspirin's most common side effects on dogs, expect your dog to have diarrhea, abdominal pain, and/or other stomach issues. Due to gastrointestinal irritation, it may also vomit.  

 

 

- Loss or Lack of Appetite

Due to gastrointestinal tract irritation that aspirin may give your dog, it is no longer surprising for your dog to lose appetite. The stomach pain may intensify over time.

 

 

- Respiratory Changes

High doses of aspirin can give your dog damaged organs. Once their blood becomes too acidic, expect that there will be an increase in their respiratory rate. Your dog may also have decreased blood clotting, wobbly gait, high temperatures, and/or other health issues.

 

 

- Seizures

Before a seizure, your dog may appear dazed, confused, unsteady, or give a blank stare. Shortly after, your dog may become temporarily blind, wobbly, disoriented, and even drool. Dog seizures usually last between 30 and 60 seconds.

 

 

- Tremors

Unlike seizures, dogs are generally fully aware of their surroundings, responsive, mobile, alert, and conscious during tremors. They shake or tremble, which may seem nothing to be alarmed about. But tremors may be telling you that your dog's food has been poisoned by aspirin.

 

 

- Weakness

Your dog may feel weak and become unconscious but can be awakened using a robust external stimulus, unlike when it is comatose. Don't delay; take your dog to a vet when you see any symptoms or signs of aspirin poisoning. 

 

 

What Should I Do if My Dog Eats Aspirin?

If you suspect your dog ingested aspirin, you must contact your vet immediately or the animal poison control center. How long does aspirin stay in dogs system? Aspirin takes about 7 hours to get out of your pet's system with normal consumption. However, your dog may need to stay in the hospital for a couple or more days if it is acute toxicity. The hospital needs to monitor the recovery of your dog.

 

 

Are There Safe Aspirin Alternatives for Dogs?

There are safe alternatives to aspirin that you can give to your dog. But, you will still need the veterinarian's approval when giving other NSAIDs that are safer than aspirin.

 

 

Rimadyl

This is one of the most commonly used NSAIDs for dogs. However, some dogs have an adverse reaction to Rimadyl. This drug usually causes gastrointestinal irritation, including ulcers, diarrhea, and vomiting. Kidney and liver side effects are rare but could be severe in some cases when they occur. 

 

 

Meloxicam

This is another NSAID that is safer than regular aspirin alone. The most common side effects are diarrhea and nausea. It is advisable only to give your dog one NSAID.

 

 

Etodolac

Etodolac is a better choice when treating dogs over 11 pounds and older than 12 months. It is good for treating pain, fever, and inflammation in dogs. However, it may damage the intestines and stomach, especially when used for a long time. Side effects include skin itching, dizziness, constipation, and diarrhea.

 

 

CBD

Studies show positive results in utilizing CBD (cannabidiol) as a holistic alternative to aspirin in treating discomfort in dogs, including inflammation, joint, and mobility issues. Some dogs may experience drowsiness, lowered blood pressure, or dry mouth when using CBD. However, these issues can be reversed when the dosage of CBD is reduced or stopped. Other suggestions for aspirin substitutes include turmeric, glucosamine, phytoplankton, and fish oil. It is essential to consult your vet first before trying the listed alternatives.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Every decent owner will look far and wide to alleviate their dog's life stresses. That's why reaching for ole reliable aspirin for dogs makes sense, but hold off for now, pet parents. You may give aspirin to your dog, but only under your vet's supervision. You may try CBD as an alternative, but it is still recommended you consult your vet first before trying any medication for your dog.  

 

 

Again, anyone wondering if they should give their dog aspirin should consult their veterinarian prior. Doing so ensures the safety of your pet! And with so many alternatives to aspirin for dogs out there (like CBD), you shouldn't ever feel pigeon-holed when finding the right medication to help your dog feel their best. 

 

 

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