The Ultimate Guide to Aspirin Dosage for Dogs: What You Need to Know

For us pet parents, it can be quite difficult for us to see our fur babies suffering from pain. We want our fur babies to feel alright as soon as possible, so we reach for over-the-counter human medicine in hopes that it will alleviate their pain. If you are also in the habit of reaching for that aspirin bottle every time your beloved pooch is in pain, then Stop. Human pain medications like aspirins may be harming rather than helping your dog.

This is because human pain medications contain chemical compounds that may benefit us but harm our dog’s biological system. Pain medicines meant for humans can even be fatal for our dogs if not administered properly. Thus if your dog is in pain, it is always best to talk to your vet first. 

But if you do have the go-ahead from your vet, use this article as a complete guide on aspirin dosage for dogs. We will tell you what is the right dosage of aspirin for dogs based on their size and weight, how often it can be administered, any risks to be aware of, and when it’s best to skip the aspirin for dogs altogether and head straight to the vet.

What is Aspirin?

Aspirin is a very common over-the-counter pain medication for humans that fall within the category of a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is also known as acetylsalicylic acid and is mainly used to treat moderate pain, rheumatic fever, and rheumatoid arthritis. The medication can also sometimes be used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. 

Prostaglandin is the main compound causing fever, inflammation, and pain. The active ingredient in Aspirin blocks prostaglandin production in the human body, thereby reducing pain and inflammation. However, the chemical compound prostaglandin also helps regulate certain body functions in dogs. 

Thus inhibiting prostaglandin production in dogs can lead to serious health complications. So if you are still wondering that can dogs have aspirin, the short and simple answer is No. You should not give aspirin to your dog without consulting your vet first and you should never administer aspirin to a puppy. If you think your dog is in pain, consider using pet-safe alternatives such as meloxicam for dogs. 

When Can You Give A Dog Aspirin?

Vets usually prescribe aspirin dosage for dogs suffering from medical conditions like musculoskeletal inflammation or osteoarthritis. Since aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug, it helps to reduce inflammation and provide relief to dogs. Aspirin also has blood thinning properties which is why in rare circumstances it is prescribed to dogs suffering from blood clotting diseases.

Aspirin is one of the most common pain medications. As a result, it is available in the market in various formats like plain aspirin, buffered aspirin, baby aspirin and enteric-coated aspirin. Vets generally suggest using baby aspirin for dogs.

This is because baby aspirins contain a lower amount of the active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid. Therefore, it is less likely to irritate your dog’s stomach and intestines or cause other side effects. If you have a small dog like a chihuahua or a Shi Tzu, you should ask your vet to provide you with a low dose aspirin for dogs dosage chart.

Side Effects of Aspirin for dogs

Aspirin is a human pain medication and, therefore, not safe at all for dogs. However, dogs with arthritis or other joint issues can be given aspirin in small doses or as prescribed by the vet. 

But even when aspirin for dogs dosage is being administered according to a vet’s prescription, it can still cause some side effects in dogs. These include the following – 

• Vomiting 
• Vomiting of blood
• Loss of appetite
• Black color stool
• Diarrhea 
• Internal bleeding 
• Lethargy
• Mucosal erosion
• Ulceration

If you notice your dog exhibiting the above symptoms, stop giving them aspirin and contact your vet. Apart from side effects, it is also important for you to know the symptoms of aspirin toxicity. Some of the symptoms can be the same as the side effects of aspirin, so be vigilant.

If your dog has swallowed a large dosage of aspirin by mistake or if you have been giving aspirin to your dog daily, then it can lead to aspirin toxicity, which can be fatal for your dog. The symptoms of aspirin toxicity are as follows: 

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Severe vomiting
• Vomiting blood
• Stomach pain
• Severe Diarrhea 
• Black stool
• Rectal bleeding
• High fever
• Rapid breathing 
• Pale gums
• Dizziness
• Loss of balance 
• Loss of consciousness

If you see any of the symptoms mentioned in the list here, you should take your dog to the vet’s clinic immediately. Depending on the condition your dog is in, you may need to make your dog throw up at home.

Signs And Symptoms For Aspirin Overdose

As a dog parent, you must be aware of the differences between the signs and symptoms of aspirin overdose and the side effects of giving aspirin to a dog. If you have given your dog too much aspirin, you might witness the following symptoms.

• Coma
• Hemorrhage (when a blood vessel ruptures and causes blood loss)
• Vomiting
• Lathergy
• Diarrhea
• Death
• Loss of appetite
• Seizure

This is not just in the case of aspirin, but you should keep an eye on your pup when prescribed new medicines. Notice if they have some negative effects or how they react to it.

Remember that if your dog is injured, relieving them of the pain is not the only objective here. The aim should be healing them. Giving them aspirin in these cases is not the best solution, as it will reduce the healing ability of your dog. 

A dog requires prostaglandin for healing from any injury, and aspirin pauses the production. This lipid-like hormone is part of a dog’s natural healing process. Also, giving your dog aspirin for a long period tends to cause joint issues.

When Should Dogs Not Be Given Aspirin?

Pregnant and nursing dogs, as well as dogs with underlying health issues should not be given aspirin in any form. This includes dogs who are – 

• Suffering from bleeding complication diseases or who have an internal ulcer
• Have liver and kidney disease
• Have recently had an injury or had a surgery 
• Have vitamin K deficiency 
• Have Von Willebrands’ disease

Aspirin should also not be given in combination with other NSAIDs or cortisone medications as it can lead to serious side effects. So always tell your vet what other medication your dog is on when they are prescribing aspirin dosage for dogs. 

How Much Aspirin Should I Give To My Dog?

So, at this point, you probably want to know the correct aspirin dosage for dogs. The aspirin for dogs dosage depends on a few factors, including:

• Your dog’s weight – For most dogs, the typical dosage is 5 to 10 milligrams of aspirin per pound of body weight, given two to three times a day. For example, a 50-pound dog could take one full-strength aspirin (325 mg) twice or thrice daily.

• The reason for giving the aspirin – Higher dosages may be recommended for treating pain from arthritis or an injury. Lower dosages are usually sufficient for reducing fever or inflammation. Talking to your vet about the appropriate dosage for your dog’s condition is best.

If you don’t know the correct aspirin dosage for dogs, you can use an aspirin dosage calculator for dogs that is available online. However, it is better to ask your vet to help you calculate your dog’s aspirin dosage. 

Your vet can recommend the proper aspirin dosage based on your pet’s weight, current health condition, and medical history. However, please note that aspirin is only a short-term pain management solution for dogs. It should not be given to dogs for more than 5 days in a row.

Remember to always give aspirin with food to avoid any stomach upset. Like other medications, you can try giving aspirin to your pooch by putting the pill on his/her tongue and then slowly patting your dog’s throat to encourage them to swallow it. 

But if your dog doesn’t like having pills this way, you can try mixing it with their daily food. You can also try giving it to them by wrapping it inside meat or cheese or covering it with peanut butter.

Aspirin dosage chart for dogs

Check out the aspirin for dogs dosage chart to know the proper aspirin dosage for dogs by weight: 

Note: This chart gives you a general idea about aspirin dosage for dogs by weight. For the right dosage, ask your vet.

What Are The Alternatives For Aspirin For Dogs?

Obviously, your vet would know the best and must have a good reason for prescribing aspirin to your dog. But it depends on the dog’s condition if they can be prescribed anything other than aspirin.  Since aspirin is an NSAID,  other NSAIDS or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are the most common alternatives.

Commonly Used NSAIDs for Dogs

1. Carprofen (Rimadyl, Novox): Often prescribed for arthritis and post-operative pain.

2. Deracoxib (Deramaxx): Used for pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and post-surgical pain.

3. Firocoxib (Previcox): Another option for managing osteoarthritis and post-operative pain.

4. Meloxicam (Metacam): Commonly used for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

5. Grapiprant (Galliprant): Specifically targets pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

What Are The Benefits of NSAIDs?

• Pain Relief: Effective in reducing pain from various conditions, including arthritis, injuries, and surgeries.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation, which can improve mobility and comfort.
• Fever Reduction: This can help lower fever in dogs.

However, following your veterinarian’s instructions when administering NSAIDs to your dog is crucial. Regular monitoring, including blood tests, may be necessary to check for any adverse effects on the liver and kidneys. Always inform your vet about other medications or supplements your dog takes to avoid potential interactions.

Aside from NSAIDS, you can also consider other alternatives, such as the following: 

• Acupuncture: Helps relieve pain by stimulating specific points in the body.
• Chiropractics: Adjustments can help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
• Laser Therapy: Uses light to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical Rehabilitation: Includes exercises and treatments like heat therapy to manage pain.

But also note that if your vet has not recommended any such alternative, it is best not to interfere in between and take charge of it on your own. Various human drugs do not suit dogs well and might have a negative reaction on them. You might think it will be better for them, but instead, it might harm them in a way that is beyond your knowledge.

Instead of going through all these difficulties, take a little time and have detailed knowledge about aspirin, which could help your dog shortly. Just give them the proper dosage prescribed by your vet, and watch for any side effects. And for any query, consult your vet immediately.

They know your dog’s medical history and are the best resource for advice. Since the most important thing is the health and happiness of your furry family member, remember to research as much as possible before giving aspirin to dogs. You can also consider alternate pet-safe medications and natural remedies for pain relief.

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