Can Dogs Have Aspirin?

If your dog is in pain, is it okay to give them an aspirin or two?

While veterinarians may prescribe aspirin for dogs in certain situations—like pain relief or inflammation—there are important considerations pet parents should make before reaching into their medicine cabinet and administering aspirin to their canine companions. There are a handful of home solutions that can work, but all pain relief options are important to run by your veterinarian.

Most importantly, your dog shouldn't consume human medications. Human drugs are overwhelmingly unsafe for pets for a number of serious reasons.

Can You Give Dogs Aspirin?

The only human aspirin sometimes recommended by veterinarians for dogs is baby aspirin, due to its low dosage. Still, even low dose aspirin is typically an enteric-coated aspirin, which dogs aren't able to easily digest. These coatings can also restrict proper absorption which may lead the pill to pass through the system undissolved.

Plus, aspirin of any kind isn't FDA-approved as a veterinary medication, and there's a lack of research about safe dosages and effective use. Your vet's approval is the only thing that should prompt you to use aspirin for your dog's pain, even if you're considering baby aspirin.

If you're looking for a short answer, there are two primary risks using aspirin for your dog's pain.

1. The aspirin in your pantry might be too strong for dogs. High doses of aspirin can cause a number of issues with the most significant being damage to major organs.

2. Aspirin often has a coating that dogs can't digest, most commonly enteric. This can cause a strain on their digestive system and internal organs, as enteric-coated aspirin can build up in their system.

Can I Give My Puppy Aspirin for Pain?

This is highly unadvised because the high mg of Acetylsalicylic acid in most aspirin tablets could cause aspirin poisoning in your puppy.

Talk to your veterinarian before giving your puppy any over-the-counter pain relief medicine. They may recommend aspirin, or they may warn you against it. Pain medication comes in many forms and many strengths, so it's important to speak with a veterinarian.

What to Do If Your Dog Has Eaten Aspirin

Dog Aspirin vs Human Aspirin

Aspirin can be effective for dogs, but there are important differences between dog aspirin and human aspirin that pet owners should be aware of:

Key Differences

• Dosage: Dog aspirin is formulated with specific dosages for canines, while human aspirin dosages can be too high for dogs.

• Coatings: Human aspirin often has enteric coatings that may not dissolve properly in a dog's digestive system.

• Ingredients: Some human aspirin contains additional ingredients, like caffeine, which can be harmful to dogs.

• Purpose: Dog aspirin is designed specifically for canine conditions, ensuring efficacy and safety.

Always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication, including aspirin, to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your dog.

Adverse Reactions at High Doses

If your dog has an adverse reaction to Aspirin, you may notice one or more of these signs.

• Gastrointestinal Issues

  • Symptoms: Vomiting, loose bowel movements, trouble with the digestive tract, and stomach ulcers.

  • Onset: Symptoms can occur within 1 to 2 hours after ingestion.

  • Severity: Moderate to severe, depending on the dog's overall health.

• Liver Damage

  • Symptoms: Jaundice, lethargy, and increased thirst.

  • Onset: Symptoms may develop within 24 to 48 hours.

  • Severity: Severe; can be life-threatening.

• Kidney Dysfunction

  • Symptoms: Increased urination, lethargy, and lack of appetite.

  • Onset: Symptoms can appear within 1 to 3 days.

  • Severity: Moderate to severe, can lead to kidney failure.

• Central Nervous System Effects

  • Symptoms: Seizures, tremors, and disorientation.

  • Onset: Symptoms may occur within 1 to 2 hours.

  • Severity: Severe; requires immediate veterinary attention.

• Respiratory Distress

  • Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, coughing, and panting.

  • Onset: Symptoms can appear within 1 to 3 hours.

  • Severity: Moderate to severe, could be life-threatening.

• Internal Bleeding

  • Symptoms: Vomiting of blood, potentially with "coffee grounds" appearance.

  • Onset: Symptoms can occur within 1 to 2 hours after ingestion.

  • Severity: Moderate; can lead to dehydration if persistent.

Aspirin Drug Interactions

There are a variety of medications for dogs that could interact negatively with aspirin. If your dog's prescribed medication is listed below, absolutely avoid aspirin as the combination could cause serious side effects.

• Other NSAIDs: Combining aspirin with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen or carprofen) can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.

• Corticosteroids: Concurrent use with corticosteroids (like prednisone) may also raise the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.

• Anticoagulants: Medications that thin the blood, such as warfarin, can have increased effects when given with aspirin, raising the risk of bleeding.

• Diuretics: Aspirin can interfere with the effectiveness of diuretics, which are often used for heart conditions.

• Certain Antibiotics: Some antibiotics, like aminoglycosides, may have increased toxicity when used with aspirin.

Conclusion: Don't Give Your Dog Aspirin.

Don't give your dog aspirin without professional advice. If they consumed aspirin, or other medications designed for human use, you may need to make a visit to an emergency facility.

Under certain circumstances, vets may recommend aspirin to improve your dog's condition. However, you shouldn't use aspirin or any other new medication without your vet's advice.

When you give a dog a product intended for humans, you put them at risk of severe health complications. So, don't give a dog aspirin or any other NSAIDs designed for use in humans!