Baby aspirin taken in low doses can temporarily relieve your dog’s pain, but it is not a recommended supplement for heart health.
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We hate to see our dogs in pain. It can be tempting to administer an aspirin or other painkiller to your dog if he is in pain due to an illness or injury. Speak to your veterinarian prior to opening your medicine cabinet. Aspirin is occasionally prescribed by veterinarians for dogs, but dog owners should be aware of its serious side effects.
Aspirin is an NSAID, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This places it in the same class as a long list of other NSAIDs used by both humans and animals, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and carprofen.
NSAIDs are used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. Aspirin also acts as an anti-coagulant, preventing blood from clotting. Although some NSAIDs, like Rimadyl, are better suited for long-term use than others, in general, NSAIDs have fewer side effects than steroids. However, each of them has potential side effects, so consult your veterinarian about the best analgesic for your dog’s condition.
Why Do Vets Prescribe Aspirin for Dogs?
For dogs with osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal inflammation, veterinarians typically prescribe aspirin. Aspirin’s anti-inflammatory properties help lessen the pain and inflammation linked to these conditions, providing your dog with relief from their symptoms.
Aspirin is also used by veterinarians to treat a number of other conditions. Call the office if you have any inquiries about the rationale behind your veterinarian’s prescription for aspirin. Aspirin is not a medication that owners should give their dogs without veterinary approval due to some of the more serious side effects associated with the drug, so be sure to pay close attention to your veterinarian’s instructions.
How Does Aspirin Work for Dogs?
Aspirin can relieve your dog’s discomfort just as it would your own. Prostaglandins, which are chemicals that make the tissue swell, are released by damaged tissues in the body. The dog’s nerves then detect pain and send signals to the brain to alert it.
But when your dog consumes aspirin, the drug stops the production of prostaglandin-producing cyclooxygenases. Reduced production also lessens your dog’s body pain and swelling. Additionally, aspirin may lower the risks of heart disease, blood clots, and stroke. However, it is unlikely that your dog will ever require it under those adverse circumstances.
FAQ
Can I give my dog a baby aspirin for pain?
Never try to treat your dog’s discomfort with over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen (e. g. , Aleve), acetaminophen (e. g. , Tylenol), or aspirin. Human anti-inflammatories can have potentially fatal toxic effects on pets, so you should only give your dog medications that a veterinarian has prescribed.
How many mg of aspirin can I give my dog?
Your veterinarian may advise a dosage of 5 mg to 10 mg of aspirin per pound of a dog’s weight, which can be administered once every 12 hours. For the purpose of comparison, one baby aspirin is equal to 81 mg of aspirin for dogs, and an adult aspirin begins at 320 mg.
Is baby aspirin the same as 81 mg aspirin?
Long-term recommendations for a safe and affordable way to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots include low-dose aspirin (81 to 100 milligrams, also known as baby aspirin).
What is the difference between aspirin and dog aspirin?
Doses of 81 milligrams, 325 milligrams, and 500 milligrams of human aspirin are available for purchase. The 120 milligram dog aspirin occasionally has beef or liver flavoring.