Aspirin is a common medication used for pain relief. It can be safely used by humans, but can you give a dog aspirin?
There are many misconceptions about giving dogs this over-the-counter drug.
So, it’s important to understand the potential dangers and benefits of giving your furry friend aspirin.
Can You Give a Dog Aspirin? No, Stay Away From Aspirin
No, you can’t give your dog aspirin because dogs do not process certain medications the same way we do and it can have toxic effects, namely damage to their stomach lining and GI tract. Also, aspirin doesn’t do much for pain relief compared to other medications that a vet can prescribe.
The problem with aspirin is that it’s not actually very safe for dogs. Even the dog version of aspirin has been shown to have toxic side effects such as GI irritation, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Aspirin is a very poor pain reliever for dogs. It has the smallest safety range of any medication in its class. Meaning, it’s incredibly easy to overdose into a toxic range. Even if you give aspirin in its ”safe” range, it can still have potentially life-threatening side effects.
The biggest concern of aspirin overdose is causing GI ulceration and even rupture of the stomach. It also interferes with a normal clotting ability which can be deadly for the dog.
If you have given your dog aspirin, the vet cannot prescribe any medications in this class. The effects of aspirin last in the dog’s body for a long time and just giving more medications that work similarly can skyrocket the chance of bad side effects.
(See also: Can You Give a Dog Pepto Bismol? No, Stay Away From Pepto Bismol)
What Aspirin Can I Give My Dog For Pain?
You shouldn’t give your dog aspirin, not the human version nor the dog version. The primary risk associated with administering aspirin to dogs is gastric ulcers. Not only are they painful, but they can lead to other issues such as vomiting and internal bleeding.
Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, is a common over-the-counter medication used to reduce pain and inflammation. While it may be helpful in treating pain and inflammation in humans, aspirin can be dangerous for dogs, and even potentially deadly. As a result, veterinarians almost always advise against giving an animal aspirin without the explicit direction of a professional.
Other side effects that have been reported include depression, panting, dehydration, liver damage, and even death if large doses are administered. It should also be noted that certain breeds including Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Silken Windhounds are particularly sensitive to aspirin. So, it is especially important to consult a veterinarian before giving any kind of medication.
In addition, because aspirin has an anticoagulant effect (it thins the blood), it can interfere with certain medications that are prescribed for dogs with existing heart problems or arthritis. Therefore, if your dog is taking any other type of medication for pain relief or another condition, you should never give them aspirin without first consulting your vet.
Is Dog Aspirin The Same as Human Aspirin?
No, dog aspirin is not the same as human aspirin. Dog aspirin is usually buffered or specially formulated to be easier on the stomach and less irritating to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, while human aspirin may not be.
Dog aspirin is made in a similar fashion as human aspirin, but with a few important differences. The active ingredient in dog aspirin is usually buffered or chemically modified so that it is more easily tolerated by dogs than the standard form of human aspirin.
In addition, other ingredients such as flavoring agents, preservatives, and binders are often added to make the medication palatable for your pup.
The other difference between canine and human aspirin is that the dosage per pound of body weight for dogs is much lower than for humans.
It’s important to talk with your vet before giving any medication to your dog, including aspirin. An incorrect dose could lead to serious problems or even death. Additionally, some veterinarians recommend against giving canine aspirin at all due to potential side effects in some breeds such as liver toxicity or gastric ulcers.
Is Aspirin or Paracetamol Better For Dogs?
Both aspirin and paracetamol are bad for dogs and can lead to life-threatening scenarios. Instead, you should give your dog Carprofen, Deracoxib, Firocoxib, Meloxicam, or Gapriprant.
Aspirin is generally not recommended for treating ailing dogs. It can cause serious side effects such as stomach ulcers, liver damage, and gastrointestinal bleeding. It may also interfere with the effectiveness of other medications your dog is taking, so it is important to speak to your veterinarian before administering aspirin.
Aspirin can also be toxic in large doses or if given frequently over an extended period of time. If your dog ingests too much aspirin, he may experience an overdose which could be fatal. Symptoms of an aspirin overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, labored breathing, and extreme weakness.
Paracetamol can be very toxic for dogs, even in small amounts. The most common signs of paracetamol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and yellowing of the eyes and skin (known as jaundice). In extreme cases, it can lead to liver failure, kidney damage, and even death.
This is why it is important to never give your dog aspirin or paracetamol.
What Can I Give My Dog For Immediate Pain Relief?
Approved dog medications for immediate pain relief include Novox, Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Previcox, Metacam, Galliprant, Gabapentin, and Tramadol. These are all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications that are safe for dogs.
Topical creams or ointments might also provide relief from minor aches and pains. You should always ask your veterinarian which products are safe for use on animals first as some topical treatments meant for humans may not be suitable for pets.
Always talk with your veterinarian before giving any type of medication to your pet and follow the dosing instructions carefully. If the injury is severe, it’s best to seek veterinary care right away as more potent medications may be necessary to manage their pain.
In Conclusion
Aspirin is not safe for dogs and it can cause more harm than good. It can cause gastrointestinal upset, internal bleeding, vomiting, and diarrhea. There are a lot better medications that the vet can prescribe. This is why it is important to consult with your vet first.
