Painful Dog: Can You Give Aspirin?

Currently we are dog sitting one of our neighbor’s dogs who has severe arthritis.

She is on an arthritis supplement, but after exercise, or after lying outside in the snow she is especially stiff.

Many pet owners have asked whether or not it is safe to use Aspirin in Dogs:

Yes, but with caution.

1. Dogs are relatively sensitive to stomach side effects. Be careful of the dose and stop if not eating, vomiting or diarrhea

2. Do not give if your dog has bleeding disorders, asthma, kidney disease, liver disease

3. Do not give if your dog is on steroids ( ie prednisone), lasix, phenobarbital, other non steroidal anti-inflammatories ( ie metacam)

Dose

Use buffered aspirin

For pain relief: 10 mg/kg PO q12h

That translates as one 325mg tablet per 60lbs given every 12 hours

Before you give aspirin or other medication, first consul your veterinarian to ensure that it is safe for your dog, especially if they are on other medications, or have additional medical problems.

Dr Andrew Jones