The first thing that springs to mind when you see your dog in pain is: Can my dog take Aspirin? Aspirin can be given to dogs who are in mild to moderate pain but it’s important to understand what dose is appropriate for your particular dog and what the possible side effects and gotcha’s are.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for pain relief. Many of these human products are available over-the-counter, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen or aspirin.

WarningIt’s always best to assume all human medications are poisonous to your pet, unless instructed otherwise by your veterinary surgeon. Some everyday, over the counter human medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are highly toxic and can lead to stomach ulceration, kidney or liver failure and death.

Self medicating your dog isn’t a good idea, but to tide your dog over in a pain emergency you can give your dog a dose of aspirin depending on how big your dog is.

According to Web MD, your puppy CANNOT take Aspirin. They are too small and their bodies cannot metabolise the active ingredient – Aspirin. Aspirin should also never be given to Cats.

What is aspirin and can my dog take Aspirin?

Aspirin is a synthetic drug that is used to relieve pain and inflammation in humans. It also works to relive pain and inflammation in animals such as dogs. Some animals like cats cannot break down the active ingredient in Aspirin and it’s toxic for them to take Aspirin. Dogs can take Aspirin if you follow the correct dose.

Aspirin is also an antiplatelet medicine, which means it reduces the risk of clots forming in your blood. This reduces your risk of having a stroke or heart attack, and this use if more effective than pain relief.

Your vet may allow you to give aspirin to your dog for a short amount of time, but you should not use it for extended periods because it increases the risk of bleeding

What dosage of Aspirin can my dog take?

These dosage guidelines are provided for informational purposes only, and are not meant to replace professional veterinary consultation and care. Always consult your vet directly to find out if giving aspirin is the right treatment for your pet and confirm the correct dosage based on your dog’s exact weight.

Dosage informationThe recommended aspirin dosage for dogs is 5 – 10mg per pound of body weight (10 is the maximum!) This can be given twice a day, that’s one dose per 12 hours. Always start with the minimum dosage (5mg) Anything over 30mg per pound is considered toxic & deadly and Asprin should never be given to puppies or cats.

How should you give your dog Asprin?

Aspirin may be highly harmful to a dog if the proper dosage is not used. Aspirin toxicity can cause life-threatening, long-term complications and even death, especially in young or small dogs. But, with the right dose, aspirin can be a very helpful medicine for your dog. Following a proper dosage schedule is critical; never give your dog over the counter aspirin without first consulting your vet.

Symptoms of Aspirin overdose in Dogs

Giving your dog the right dose of aspirin may reduce pain and inflammation, making dogs feel more comfortable. But, toxic amounts of aspirin may badly affect all systems of your dog’s body: his circulatory system, causing impaired clotting of blood; the digestive system, causing ulcerations in the lining of the stomach, intestines and bowels, and possibly ushering in a dangerous bacterial infection of the abdomen; the neurological system, causing behavioral changes, lack of coordination and seizures; and, the renal system, causing acute kidney failure. Symptoms of aspirin toxicity in dogs include:

• Panting
• Vomiting
• Bloody vomiting
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Lethargy
• Black, tarry stools (melena)
• Diarrhea
• Lighter urine
• Pale gums
• Loss of appetite
• Extreme thirst
• Spontaneous bleeding

If you Suspect Aspirin Poisoning

If you think your dog has ingested too much aspirin, or you’ve given your dog the wrong dose, first of all don’t panic, but do not treat your dog at home. Immediately take your dog to your vet office or hospital to get a diagnosis and receive the right treatment. Other serious illnesses, like pancreatitis, cause symptoms similar to aspirin over dose. Call your vet en route for instructions on whether to induce vomiting before you reach the doctor’s office.

Precautions and side effects

There are some conditions which can interact with aspirin in a dangerous, even fatal, way.

If your dog has any of these issues, please do not give him aspirin without consulting your veterinarian first.

• Any health condition which causes them to bleed easily
• Internal ulcers or bleeding issues
• Liver disease
• Kidney Disease
• Vitamin K deficiency
• Von Willebrands’ Disease
• Pregnant or nursing dams
• Puppies under 8 weeks old
• Dogs or puppies who are taking corticosteroids
• Dogs or puppies who are currently taking any other medication
• Dogs or puppies who have recently had surgery or a serious injury

Human aspirin formulas shouldn’t be given to a dog for more than 5 days maximum.

Because Aspirin thins the blood,don’t give it to dogs/pups who have had surgery or an injury as it could cause more (or internal) bleeding, which could be very serious.

Aspirin that has been specifically formulated for dogs is the recommended choice, but remember that these also have a recommended duration of use.

To avoid the common side-effect of stomach or digestive system irritation, choose ‘buffered’ or ‘enteric-coated’ tablets.

We recommendBuffered aspirin is a better choice because it contains ingredients which help to minimize the inflammation or irritation but still allows the drug to be

Where to find more advice

It’s best to consult your VET before administering Aspirin or any other medication to your dog or pet. Never give it to your puppy or to your cat.

You can also check out this video

Can you give dogs aspirin

This video explains what painkillers you can give your dog