Can I give my dog aspirin?
Aspirin is easily available over-the-counter and you probably already have it at home in your medicine cabinet, but the risk of side effects usually outweighs the convenience. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe a dog-specific painkiller rather than risk an aspirin overdose.
Aspirin is another NSAID painkiller, like ibuprofen. Overdoses can easily cause stomach bleeding, kidney failure, or death. If your dog ingested aspirin and vomits a dark substance that looks like coffee grounds, or has stools that are tarry or black, it could be a sign of life-threatening internal bleeding or a stomach ulcer that needs medical attention.
Furthermore, aspirin should not be used to treat dogs with arthritis. The problem is that aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid that destroys joint cartilage when it is given to dogs for long periods of time. Aspirin can also cause bleeding disorders due to its blood-thinning effects.
Veterinarians usually prescribe Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain and inflammation in dogs, especially in dogs with arthritis. NSAIDs can also be used for mild post-surgical pain.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following veterinary NSAID painkillers for use in dogs:
Like for humans, NSAIDs have beneficial traits in treating pain in dogs. However, because the dog’s body works differently from the human body, you should only give your dog NSAIDs that are specifically developed to treat dogs. This will help avoid the potentially deadly side effects for dogs if they take NSAIDs designed for humans.
However, dog-specific NSAIDs can have negative side effects as well – especially if it is used incorrectly, or if the dog has other health conditions in conjunction with pain. The most common side effects of NSAIDs for dogs are vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, and diarrhea. Severe side effects include stomach or intestinal ulcers, liver failure, kidney failure, and even death. The reason for these side effects is because of how NSAIDs work.
NSAIDs relieve pain chemically. They block the effects of special enzymes – Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes. These enzymes play a key role in making prostaglandins, which are a group of lipids created where tissue damage or infection occurs. They control inflammation, blood flow, and the formation of blood clots. By blocking the Cox enzymes, NSAIDs prevent your dog’s body from producing excess prostaglandins – meaning less swelling and less pain.
For dogs, too much NSAID can damage their stomach lining, which is far less hardy than a human’s. By reducing prostaglandins, NSAIDs are taking down an internal line of defense in dogs. It’s a bit like robbing Peter to pay Paul. The right dose will not negatively affect most dogs, but an overdose of NSAIDs can have devastating consequences. Even through dog-specific NSAIDs block only the COX-2 enzyme (the COX-1 is needed by dogs to protect their organs), a dog can still overdose.
What are the potential side effects of NSAIDs?NSAIDs are the most frequently prescribed analgesic (pain medication) in dogs. NSAIDs are effective, but like all medications, certain side effects can occur. Some are mild and resolve spontaneously, while others are serious and even life threatening. The most common side effects are:
How are NSAIDs used in dogs?Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory medications, also called NSAIDs, are primarily used to treat pain in veterinary medicine. NSAIDs can also be used to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis and post-operative pain in dogs. In addition, NSAIDs are used off-label to lower fevers, decrease inflammation and treat acute pain.
2. Keep NSAIDs out of reach Sadly, one of the most common reasons for NSAID-related side effects is overdose. Many of the veterinary-approved NSAIDs are flavored to make them easier to administer. Unfortunately, this also makes them enticing to pets that may eat all of them if they get ahold of the bottle.
In addition, your veterinarian will obtain blood work to look for pre-clinical disease. Kidney disease, for example, often does not show outward signs until the patient has lost two-thirds of kidney function. Thats why blood work is so important! Blood work allows your veterinarian to evaluate for pre-existing diseases before the signs and symptoms become evident so that they can determine if your pet is a good candidate for NSAIDs. [Click here to learn more about kidney disease in cats.]
What can YOU do to make NSAID use safer for your dog? 1. Learn to recognize potential side effects Become familiar with the potential side effects of NSAIDS. If you notice any side effects or issues after starting your dog on NSAIDs, be sure to STOP the medication immediately and call your veterinarian.
Key takeaway Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are an effective tool for reducing inflammation, which can help treat a lot of medical conditions in dogs. However, there may be side effects if your dog takes anti-inflammatories, and choosing an FDA-approved anti-inflammatory is important. Before you give your dog any medication, including anti-inflammatories, talk to your vet about potential side effects and whether NSAIDs are right for your dog.
Inflammation can cause a lot of problems for your dog, so you might be wondering if you can give your dog anti-inflammatory medication. In fact, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed or recommended by your veterinarian if your dog is dealing with certain medical conditions. These medications work to reduce inflammation, which provides relief from dog joint pain and other associated disease processes1. However, NSAIDs also come with side effects, so there are downsides to be aware of.
While an anti-inflammatory for dogs may be the right treatment option in some cases, these drugs aren’t always the best route. Some dogs are also more susceptible to NSAIDs, so it’s important to talk to your vet before administering medication. If you’re wondering about using an anti-inflammatory for dogs, here’s what you need to know first.
Pet Tips – Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Inflammation can cause a lot of problems for your dog, so you might be wondering if you can give your dog anti-inflammatory medication. In fact, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed or recommended by your veterinarian if your dog is dealing with certain medical conditions. These medications work to reduce inflammation, which provides relief from dog joint pain and other associated disease processes1. However, NSAIDs also come with side effects, so there are downsides to be aware of.
While an anti-inflammatory for dogs may be the right treatment option in some cases, these drugs aren’t always the best route. Some dogs are also more susceptible to NSAIDs, so it’s important to talk to your vet before administering medication. If you’re wondering about using an anti-inflammatory for dogs, here’s what you need to know first.