Aspirin for Dogs Side Effects & Aspirin Alternatives - buydogfleameds

Aspirin Pain killers for Dogs: Makes Use Of, Side Effects, Dosage, as well as Best Alternatives

Is your dog injured or suffering from an illness?

You’re probably looking for a pain reliever. One of the many popular pain killer pills used is aspirin. The thing is- Is it safe for your dog and cat?

Table of Contents

What is Aspirin For Dogs?

Seeing your dogs in pain is the hardest thing. Whether it is from a post-surgery pain or sore paw, it is hard to see them suffer in any way. Addressing the root cause is the best solution to make the pain go away. But, sometimes giving them aspirin is the best course of action.

Aspirin is an over-the-counter drug for pain relief. It is actually formulated for people, but surprisingly it is safe for dogs as well. It is considered to be the best among OTC drugs as it is nonsteroidal and anti-inflammatory. It also prevents blood from clotting.

In general, it has fewer side effects than other pain relievers. Given the following good points, you might be tempted to administer it right away when your dog is in pain. However, it is still a drug that has to be taken with caution.

Seek advice from a licensed veterinarian. Proper guidance can prevent toxicity, which could happen from overdose.

Aspirin Dosage

As mentioned, it is best to seek help from a licensed veterinarian when it comes to giving your canine companions medications like aspirin. A vet would consider your dog’s condition and sensitivity to other medications. But for the sake of giving you an idea, here’s a general guide:

Dosage depends on dog’s body weight.

0-5 pounds: (Common breeds: Chihuahua, Pomeranian)

25-50mg aspirin or ½ baby aspirin tablet

5-10 pounds: (Common breeds: Pekingese, Miniature Fox Terrier)

50-100mg aspirin or 1 baby aspirin tablet

10-20 pounds: (Common breeds: Beagle, Miniature Poodle)

100-200mg aspirin or ½ adult aspirin tablet

20-40 pounds: (Common breeds: Samoyed, Shar Pei)

200-400mg aspirin or 1 adult aspirin tablet

40-60 pounds: (Common breeds: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever)

300-600mg aspirin or 1-2 adult aspirin tablets

60-80 pounds: (Common breeds: Akita, Rottweiler)

400-800mg aspirin or 2 adult aspirin tablets

80-100+ pounds: (Common breeds: Great Dane, Bullmastiff)

500-1000mg aspirin or 2-3 adult aspirin tablets

Disclaimer: This is just a general guide. Certain conditions, allergies, and drug sensitivity have not been considered. It is safest to consult a veterinarian due to the possibility of getting aspirin toxicity.

Aspirin for Dogs Side Effects

Acetylsalicylic acid is the active ingredient found in aspirin. It may cause aspirin toxicity when the drug is given beyond what the body can tolerate.

Here are the potential signs to watch out for:

Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Acid-based abnormalities
Hemorrhage
Seizures
Coma
Mucosal erosion
Black, tarry stool

Aspirin can also damage the stomach lining, which may lead to stomach ulcer. It can even damage the liver and brain with prolonged use.

Aspirin Cost

The average cost of aspirin is around $10 for 36 tablets. It may differ per dosage, brand, and quantity per bottle, but it would not exceed $20.

Where to Buy Aspirin For Dogs

You can purchase aspirin here.

Interaction of Aspirin with Other Drugs

Dogs that are taking other medications are not advised to take aspirin. Aspirin should not be mixed with other drugs. Pet parents should be wary of the possible negative interaction.

Take a look at the following drugs that should not be given along with aspirin:

Anti-coagulants
Catropil
Digoxin
Enalapril
Furosemide
Gentamycin
Insulin
Other anti-inflammatory drugs
Drugs that can cause ulcers

Ingredients in Aspirin for Dogs

All aspirin has acetylsalicylic acid as the key active ingredient. Some pet brands do have added flavorings though. Certain manufacturers have developed coated tablets with powdered cellulose, corn starch, and triacetin.

But, there’s no need to worry! Those are inactive ingredients that would not cause any negative reactions.

Some may still not consider giving their canine companions aspirin, especially with the harmful side effects associated with the drug. But, are there any alternatives? Well, these days, natural alternatives aren’t hard to find.

Aspirin Alternatives

Natural food supplements are always great alternatives to medicinal drugs. Here is a quick rundown of these natural substitutes that possess anti-inflammatory properties:

Fish oil

It is a great choice for arthritis, bowel diseases, and allergies. It relieves pain while helping the kidney detoxify itself, unlike aspirin that leads to kidney damage with prolonged usage.

Extra-virgin coconut oil

Aside from its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, it can also reduce inflammation and pain. Unlike aspirin, EVCO can also be used to treat skin infections and maintain a shiny coat.

Herbs and spices

Rosemary, turmeric, and ginger are known to reduce inflammation. What makes them superior to aspirin, however, is that they are rich in anti-oxidants such as polyphenols and bioflavonoids.

Berries

Blueberries and blackberries are great choices. They not only taste good, but they are also rich in vitamins, flavonoids, and carotenoids.

Dark leafy vegetables

Vegetables are rich in essential nutrients for your dog’s speedy recovery. Not to mention, the anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties they have are among the best.

These are great alternatives to aspirin, especially with the additional nutrients they provide. The only downside of these options is that their effect may not be as fast as aspirin’s. Fortunately, there’s a substitute that can compare when it comes to potency:

CBD oil

CBD oil is considered to be the modern choice of today’s pet parent. CBD is naturally derived from hemp. There are numerous studies that show its beneficial effects.

It is used as a supplement, as well as for treatment and preventive care of dogs. It is used around the world for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits. It positively affects appetite, sleeping patterns, mood/mental states, and cardiovascular health. It even boosts the canine immune system.

CBD is great for dogs suffering from chronic joint pains due to old age. It supports healthy bone and joint function, as well as helps with muscle stiffness and soreness. It is also known to have muscle relaxant properties.

Dogs in their golden years lose their vitality and may seem down and sad all the time. CBD oil can lift up their mood with its mood enhancing effects.

CBD oil still has side effects though, but not as harmful as those of aspirin. Possible side effects include dry mouth, low blood pressure, and drowsiness. Compared to other natural alternatives like fish oil, results can be seen within a few minutes of administering CBD.

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