Aspirin For Dogs

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA) is a common over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation. Aspirin may also be used to prevent blood clots from forming. It may be the only ingredient in a medication or be part of a combination product containing other medications such as acetaminophen, opioids, antihistamines, decongestants, and/or caffeine.

Aspirin is only one compound in a group of chemicals called salicylates. All salicylates have the potential to cause toxicity. These chemicals may occur in a wide range of products including pain medications, Pepto-Bismol, wintergreen oil, sunscreen, lip balms, hair and skin care products, toothpaste, wart removers and pain creams. The risk for poisoning depends upon the type of salicylate and the amount to which the pet was exposed.

Description

Aspirin is an NSAID, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This puts it in the same category as ibuprofen, naproxen, carprofen, and a long list of other NSAIDs geared toward humans and animals. NSAIDs are used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. Aspirin also acts as an anti-coagulant, preventing blood from clotting. In general, NSAIDs have fewer side effects than steroids, although certain NSAIDs like Rimadyl are better suited for long-term use than others. But all of them can cause side effects, so talk to your vet about the best painkiller for your dog’s condition.

Uses/benefits of Aspirin For Dogs

Vets usually prescribe aspirin for dogs with osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with these conditions and can offer your dog relief from symptoms. Veterinarians also use aspirin to treat a variety of other conditions. If you have a question about why your vet recommended administering aspirin, call the office. Thanks to some of the more serious side effects associated with the drug, aspirin is not a medication that owners should give their dogs without veterinary approval, so be sure to pay close attention to your veterinarian’s instructions.

Side Effects of Aspirin for Dogs

You may have heard people say that aspirin is safe to give to dogs. This is technically true, but only if you follow the advice of a veterinarian. Adverse reactions to aspirin are relatively common in dogs, which means you need to be aware of the risks and the symptoms of an adverse reaction or overdose before giving your dog the drug.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, stop giving your dog aspirin immediately and call your vet.

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Mucosal erosion
  • Ulceration
  • Black, tarry stool

Symptoms of an aspirin overdose:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Acid-based abnormalties
  • Hemorrhage
  • Seizure
  • Coma
  • Death

Prices of Aspirin For Dogs

$34.39 – $120.99

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