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.
Related product
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 form, which dogs aren't able to easily digest. These coatings can also restrict proper absorption and may cause the pill to pass through the system undissolved.
Aspirin of any kind isn't FDA-approved for veterinary use, and there's limited research about safe dosages and effective use. Your vet’s approval is the only justification 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 to using aspirin for your dog's pain:
- The aspirin in your pantry might be too strong for dogs. High doses of aspirin can cause serious organ damage and internal bleeding.
- Aspirin often has a coating that dogs can't digest, most commonly enteric-coated forms. These can irritate the digestive tract and build up in the system, potentially causing toxicity.
Can I Give My Puppy Aspirin for Pain?
This is highly unadvised because the high milligrams 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 a safer option or warn you against aspirin use entirely.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Eaten Aspirin
- How much aspirin did they eat? Check the mg per pill on the bottle. Most aspirin tablets are either 81 mg or 325 mg.
- Check below to see if action is needed.
Dogs 20 Pounds or Less
| Aspirin Dosage | Toxicity Risk |
|---|---|
| 1 pill (81 mg) | High Risk |
| 1/4 pill (325 mg) | High Risk |
Dogs 20 to 50 Pounds
| Aspirin Dose | Toxicity Risk |
|---|---|
| 2 pills (81 mg) | Moderate Risk |
| 1/2 pill (325 mg) | Moderate Risk |
Dogs 50 to 100 Pounds
| Aspirin Dose | Toxicity Risk |
|---|---|
| 3 pills (81 mg) | Lower Risk, but call vet |
| 1 pill (325 mg) | Lower Risk, but call vet |
Dogs 100 Pounds or More
| Aspirin Dose | Toxicity Risk |
|---|---|
| 4+ pills (81 mg) | Lower Risk, but call vet |
| 1+ pill (325 mg) | Lower Risk, but call vet |
Rule of Thumb Aspirin Dosage for Dogs:
More than 22 mg/lb could cause an aspirin overdose and requires an immediate visit to the vet.
How Long Before Symptoms Arise?
Symptoms of toxicity can appear within 1 to 2 hours after ingestion.
Locate an Emergency FacilityDog 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 specifically for canines, while human aspirin dosages are often too high.
- Coatings: Human aspirin often has enteric coatings that may not dissolve properly in a dog's digestive system.
- Ingredients: Some human aspirin contains caffeine or other additives that can be toxic to dogs.
- Purpose: Dog aspirin is designed for canine safety and effectiveness under veterinary supervision.
Adverse Reactions at High Doses
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Vomiting, loose stools, stomach ulcers (onset: 1–2 hours; severity: moderate to severe).
- Liver Damage: Jaundice, lethargy, increased thirst (onset: 24–48 hours; severity: severe).
- Kidney Dysfunction: Increased urination, loss of appetite (onset: 1–3 days; severity: moderate to severe).
- Central Nervous System Effects: Seizures, tremors, disorientation (onset: 1–2 hours; severity: severe; emergency care required).
- Respiratory Distress: Difficulty breathing or panting (onset: 1–3 hours; severity: life-threatening).
- Internal Bleeding: Vomiting blood or “coffee ground” material (onset: 1–2 hours; severity: serious).
Aspirin Drug Interactions
- Other NSAIDs: Combining aspirin with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or carprofen increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Corticosteroids: Concurrent use may raise the risk of stomach ulcers and internal bleeding.
- Anticoagulants: Medications like warfarin can enhance bleeding risks when used with aspirin.
- Diuretics: Aspirin can reduce diuretic effectiveness, affecting heart medications.
- Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides, can have increased toxicity with aspirin.
Conclusion: Don't Give Your Dog Aspirin
Never give your dog aspirin without veterinary guidance. If they’ve consumed aspirin or other human medications, contact a vet or emergency facility immediately.
Under professional supervision, vets may prescribe aspirin in specific cases, but self-administering human medication can cause severe health complications. When it comes to your dog’s pain relief, always consult your veterinarian first.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dogs and Aspirin
Can dogs have human aspirin safely?
No, human aspirin can cause stomach ulcers, kidney issues, and toxicity in dogs. Only use medications prescribed by your vet.
Is baby aspirin safe for dogs?
Even baby aspirin should only be used under veterinary direction, as dosage depends on the dog’s size, health, and condition.
What should I do if my dog ate aspirin?
Call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately. Bring the aspirin bottle for dosage reference.
What are signs of aspirin poisoning in dogs?
Look for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or black stools. Seek emergency care immediately if symptoms occur.
Are there safer alternatives to aspirin for dogs?
Yes. Vet-approved NSAIDs like carprofen or natural options such as hemp-based pain relief may be safer alternatives.
