Has your dog played too much at the dog park and now he favors one paw? Wondering if your dog can now take aspirin?
No, you should not give your dog aspirin unless your veterinarian specifically asks you to do so.
Although aspirin is a common over-the-counter pain reliever in humans, it can cause serious side effects in dogs, including stomach ulcers, bleeding and toxicity.
Let's look at some things you need to know about aspirin.
Key takeaways
- Do not give your dog aspirin unless directed by a veterinarian. There are no FDA-approved aspirin products for dogs, and even small doses can cause serious side effects.
- Aspirin can cause toxicity in dogs. Potential complications include stomach ulcers, internal bleeding, kidney damage, and in severe cases, liver damage.
- See a veterinarian immediately if you suspect aspirin poisoning. Prompt treatment greatly improves the chances of preventing long-term organ damage.
Can dogs take aspirin?
Let's start by clarifying something important: There are no FDA-approved aspirin products for dogs.
Although it is marketed for dogs, any over-the-counter canine aspirin product you can find is considered an unapproved animal drug. This means it has not undergone rigorous FDA testing to determine whether it is safe and effective in dogs.
However, aspirin is sometimes recommended off-label by veterinarians to temporarily relieve pain.
This means that even if it is not the best option, a veterinarian may sometimes ask you to give what is considered a safe dose until a better option becomes available.
Aspirin administered in this manner is considered “off-label” because this recommendation is not based on product testing and labeled dosages. The most commonly recommended timing is for young, otherwise healthy dogs who have mild pain or swelling of the soft tissues.
Even in these cases, this is usually only recommended temporarily, for a day or two.
The reason aspirin is not recommended as a first choice for dogs is that there are many other anti-inflammatory pain relievers that work better and are safer for long-term use.
What is aspirin poisoning in dogs?
Aspirin poisoning in dogs occurs when dogs are given too much aspirin, either all at once or cumulatively over an extended period of time.
Aspirin belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). This type of medication works by blocking an enzyme called COX (cyclooxygenase). COX plays several roles, including signaling pain and triggering inflammation. By blocking COX, NSAIDs help reduce pain and inflammation.
COX enzymes also have other tasks. The COX enzyme produces prostaglandins, which help maintain blood flow to the kidneys, protect the lining of the stomach and intestines, and promote blood clotting through platelet function.
Dogs appear to be more sensitive to NSAIDs than humans, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
During aspirin poisoning in dogs, several body systems that rely on COX enzymes may be affected. With reduced COX function, affected dogs may not receive enough blood to their kidneys, which can lead to decreased kidney function and even kidney failure.
Aspirin poisoning can also cause liver damage in severe cases because the liver works to metabolize and eliminate the drug from the dog's body.
In addition to effects on the kidneys and liver, dogs can develop ulcers in the stomach or intestinal lining. These ulcers can become severe enough to cause a hole in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing gastrointestinal contents to leak into the abdomen.
Platelet function may also be decreased, which can lead to dangerous and difficult-to-control bleeding.
Symptoms of Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs
Signs of aspirin poisoning in dogs may include:
What to do if you suspect your dog has aspirin poisoning
If you suspect your dog has aspirin poisoning, take him to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
Consider putting a blanket or disposable pee pad underneath when driving to the clinic.
This can make cleaning up easier if they get sick along the way.
Bring the aspirin bottle with you so the emergency veterinarian can see exactly what product and how many milligrams of aspirin your dog may have consumed.
Timing is very important in these situations. The sooner you can get your puppy medical attention after an overdose, the more likely he is to avoid long-term damage to his organs.
How to Prevent Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs
Always talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication.
Even seemingly “safe” over-the-counter medications can carry serious risks of side effects in some puppies.
Your veterinarian knows your dog's medical history and can tell you if aspirin is a safe choice for your dog.
Make sure all household medications are kept out of reach and locked safely in cabinets and away from pets.
Can dogs take aspirin? FAQs
How much aspirin is toxic to a dog?
The amount of aspirin considered toxic varies from dog to dog. Toxicity is determined by dosage.
This means that a very small dog may develop side effects from a single dose of regular aspirin, while a larger dog may tolerate a higher dose before experiencing toxicity.
How long does it take for aspirin to leave the dog's body?
The half-life (when half of the drug has been eliminated from the body) is about eight hours for aspirin.
Despite this, side effects on the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys and clotting can last for several days.
What will happen if I give my dog aspirin?
Some dogs tolerate aspirin well and experience the desired effects, meaning they experience less pain and inflammation with the recommended dose.
Other dogs may develop vomiting or diarrhea. Depending on the amount administered, more serious side effects, such as liver damage, kidney failure, or clotting problems, may occur.
