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Treatment

Treatment for NSAID toxicity generally requires immediate hospitalization, especially for dogs that have ingested large doses of NSAIDs and are exhibiting serious clinical signs such as frequent vomiting and anemia. Once hospitalized, your veterinarian will provide medication and fluid therapy, as well as blood transfusions if your dog is severely anemic. (Note: if NSAID toxicity has led to a perforated stomach ulcer, surgery may be necessary.) If your dog has mild symptoms, on the other hand, your veterinarian will adjust its diet (a bland, low-protein diet is recommended) and provide proper at-home medication.

Living and Management

In addition to following the veterinarian's dietary and medication instructions, you will be advised to regularly monitor the dog's stool (and vomit, if any) for blood, which indicates gastrointestinal bleeding.

Prevention

NSAID toxicity is avoidable. Store medication in a secure location out of your dog's reach and only medicate the animal under the supervision of a veterinarian. It is also important that high-risk patients (such as older animals or those with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding) be tested before beginning any sort of NSAID therapy.