Aspirin for Dog
Aspirin can be used, but with caution. Aspirin is in a class of drugs called NSAIDs - Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, and dogs are particularly sensitive to the gastrointestinal effects of; pain, bleeding, and ulceration that can be a side effect of these drugs.
Aspirin for dog may also cause birth defects, so it should not be given to pregnant animals.
Dogs are most commonly given aspirin for treatment of arthritis and associated joint pain. There may be other situations where your dog is in pain, where aspirin may give relief.
Aspirin for dog has good anti-inflammatory effects that reduces swelling. It can also reduce pain and fever. These effects will help make your dog more comfortable.
Note that a dog is not a human. Just because your dog "does not feel good" is not a reason to give it an aspirin. Usually, aspirin is given to relieve extreme conditions of discomfort. Also note that most vets prescribe Rimadyl as a better pain-killer and anti-inflammatory than aspirin.
You should use caution in administering any medication to a pet, because too much may be toxic, the medicine may not be tolerated, or it can cause an upset stomach or ulcers in the animal.
It can be toxic if given in high doses of about 30 mg per pound of the dog. This means that even baby aspirin could be poisonous for dogs weighing two pounds or less. An adult aspirin which is 320 mg. would be toxic for a 10-pound dog. To be sure that you are using the aspirin for the right reason and at the right dose, you should consult your veterinarian first.
Aspirin is poorly tolerated by young dogs, since they lack the enzymes necessary to process the aspirin. The same is true for most cats.
Aspirin can cause gastrointestinal upsets and ulcers in dogs, just as in humans. You should pay attention to your dog's eating habits when administering aspirin for dog, and watch for signs of an upset stomach. If there are any signs of ulcers, such as blood-tinged vomiting, it is important to stop the aspirin.
Giving the aspirin with food and using buffered aspirin is the best to prevent stomach problems.
Grinding up the aspirin for dog and putting it in some food to make sure it does not irritate the stomach lining will help.
You should not give your dog such products as Tylenol or Motrin as a substitute for real aspirin, as this is poison to dogs.
Most veterinarians recommend between 5 mg and 10 mg per pound of the dog's weight every 12 hours. Going on the safe side, a recommended dosage of aspirin of about 5 mg/lb seems to work well for most dogs. If you are going to give more, it is a good idea to check with your vet. Also, note that a small dog should take less per pound.
Enteric coated aspirin is not recommended in dogs because most of the time the coating isn't digested and the aspirin is excreted whole in the stool.
It is better to start off small and work your way up to the maximum. If your dog has relief with a smaller dosage, that is great.
A standard aspirin is 320 mg. A baby aspirin is typically 80 mg. That means that 5 mg/lb works out to be one baby aspirin per 16 pounds of body weight twice a day.
The proper dosage of aspiring for dog can give your pet
relief from pain and inflammation. You should be aware of
possible problems and know the proper dosage. It is good to
check with a vet before giving any medication, and remember
that dogs are not humans and don't need an aspirin for minor
pains.
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