As we all know, aspirin helps reduce pain and fever. But the real question is: is it safe and helpful for your dog? Dogs normally have to deal with injuries (and sometimes sickness), as they are very playful and always run around everywhere. Our article will tell you everything about aspirins and if they are safe for your furry companion.
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) VS Acetaminophen
First and foremost, here are some medicine examples that belong to NSAIDs:
- Metacam
- Ibuprofen
- Carprofen
- Naprofen
- Rimadyl
- Aspirin
They aim to offer relief from pain and inflammation. They can be given to animals with mild to severe fever. However, they each can be only administered in properly controlled doses for treating conditions in dogs. Otherwise, your dog could have some negative side effects.
Another type of med is Acetaminophen (Paracetamol). It is available under the famous brand name Tylenol. This med is another common derivative of aspirin that can also be administered to your dog for pain and inflammation. It can also be used when your dog has a cold or the flu. That being said, Tylenol may not be useful for inflammation compared to Ibuprofen and Rimadyl (NSAIDs). Thus, if you are looking for a pain-killer pill for treating arthritis in canines for example, it may be best to use NSAIDs rather than acetaminophen. Of course, you should seek a veterinarian adviser on the best options for your dog.
How to correctly use aspirin for your dog?
Your best bet is to go with the doctor’s or vet’s advice as they know how much drug you need to administer to your dog. They will also tell you how many doses and if there are any risks. Normally, if you have a big dog, the latter will require bigger doses over a longer period of time compared to a small-sized dog.
How much aspirin can you give a dog?
The considered dosage to use depends on the type of pills and what your dog is suffering from. Some meds are best for one short treatment, while other meds may be used for a longer treatment. Commonly, experts consider that dogs can begin with a treatment of up to 40 mg, depending on the ailment your dog is suffering from. When you are choosing aspirins, you should go for coated or buffered tablets. These medicines are available in 81 mg tablets which are often referred to as baby aspirin. Other meds come in 165 mg, 325 mg, and 500 mg tablets, which are more suitable for adult dogs and should be avoided for smaller or younger dogs.
Another important point is your dog’s health history. Additionally, make sure to let your vet know if your dog is pregnant. Your dog’s vet will use this information for the best treatment possible. If your dog suffers from allergies to any meds, your vet should carefully give treatment with this information in mind. That is why you always have to consult with a vet before self-administering any meds to your pet in order to avoid any risks.
Side Effects that could happen to your dog after using aspirins
Like humans, an overdose or an allergy to aspirin could lead to side effects in dogs, which could both be mild and severe. Thus, special care is needed when using painkillers for treating your four-legged friend. There are specific side effects from the use of both NSAIDs and Tylenol. That is why it is best to keep your dog under close observation so that you can determine when there is a need to discontinue the treatment.
The common side effects often distort the digestive system of your pet and then lead to changes in appetite or frequent stooling. Here are some of the common problems associated with the use of painkillers in dogs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mucosal erosion
- Ulceration
- Black, tarry stool
Here are the symptoms of an aspirin overdose in dogs:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Acid-based abnormalities
- Hemorrhage
- Seizure
- Coma
- Death (yes, it can happen, thus why you absolutely need to visit your nearest vet before doing anything)
Please take note: if you found any of the above symptoms, stop treating your dog aspirin immediately and call your vet.
Alternatives to aspirin that your dog can take
Of course, some pet lovers would never give aspirin to their animal companions. If this is the case for you, other choices can be considered for treating pain, inflammation, and fever. Here are some of the alternatives if you don’t want to give your pet aspirin:
- Dietary modification
- Dietary supplementation with omega–3 fatty acids or other supplements
- Regular exercise
- Physical therapy
- Cold-laser therapy
- Acupuncture
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
Now you know aspirin may be useful in relieving pain and inflammation in animals. However, you have to make sure it is safe for your lovely friend by asking the vet first. Therefore, you will not have to worry about using any form of medication with your dog.
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