Can Dogs Have Aspirin? Everything Pet Parents Should Know About Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs
Cunaplus_M.Faba/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Did your dog play too hard at the dog park and now they’re favoring a leg? Are you wondering if your dog can now have aspirin?
No, you should not give your dog aspirin unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to.
While aspirin is a common over-the-counter pain reliever for people, it can cause serious side effects in dogs, including stomach ulcers, bleeding, and toxicity.
Let’s look at some things about aspirin you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Do not give your dog aspirin unless directed by a veterinarian. There are no FDA-approved aspirin products for dogs, and even small doses can cause serious side effects.
- Aspirin can cause toxicity in dogs. Potential complications include stomach ulcers, internal bleeding, kidney damage, and, in severe cases, liver injury.
- Seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect aspirin poisoning. Prompt treatment greatly improves the chances of preventing long-term organ damage.
Can Dogs Have Aspirin?
Let’s start by clarifying something important: There are no FDA-approved aspirin products available for dogs.
Despite being marketed for dogs, any over-the-counter canine aspirin product you may find is considered an unapproved animal drug. This means that it has not undergone rigorous FDA testing to determine that it’s safe and effective in dogs.
Aspirin is, however, sometimes recommended off label by veterinarians for temporary pain relief.
This means that while it’s not the best option, sometimes a veterinarian may direct you to give what is considered a safe dose until a better option is available.
Aspirin given this way is considered “off label” because this recommendation is not based on product testing and labeled dosages. The most common time it is recommended is in young, otherwise healthy dogs who have mild soft-tissue pain or swelling.
Even in these cases, it’s usually only recommended temporarily, for a day or two.
The reason aspirin isn’t recommended as a first choice for dogs is that there are many other anti-inflammatory pain medications available that work better and are safer for long-term use.
What Is Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs?
Aspirin poisoning in dogs occurs when dogs receive too much aspirin, either all at once or cumulatively over a prolonged period.
Aspirin belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). This type of medication works by blocking an enzyme called COX (cyclooxygenase). COX has several roles, including signaling pain and triggering inflammation. By blocking COX, NSAID medications help reduce pain and inflammation.
COX enzymes have other jobs as well. The COX enzyme produces prostaglandins, which help maintain blood flow to the kidneys, protect the lining of the stomach and intestines, and aid in blood clotting through platelet function.
Dogs appear to be more sensitive to NSAIDs than humans, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
During aspirin poisoning in dogs, multiple body systems that rely on COX enzymes can be affected. With reduced COX function, affected dogs may not receive enough blood flow to their kidneys, which can lead to decreased kidney function and even kidney failure.
Aspirin poisoning can also cause liver injury in severe cases, as the liver works to metabolize and clear the drug from the dog’s body.
In addition to effects on the kidneys and liver, dogs can develop ulcers in the stomach or intestinal lining. These ulcers can become severe enough to cause a hole in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing GI contents to leak into the abdomen.
Platelet function can also be decreased, which can result in dangerous bleeding that is difficult to control.
What To Do if You Suspect Your Dog Has Aspirin Poisoning
If you suspect your dog has aspirin poisoning, get them to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
Consider putting a blanket or disposable pee pad underneath them while driving to the clinic.
This can help make cleanup easier if they get sick on the way.
Bring the aspirin bottle with you so that the emergency veterinarian can see exactly which product and how many milligrams of aspirin your dog may have consumed.
Timing is very important in these situations. The quicker you can get medical care for your pup after an overdose, the more likely they are to avoid sustaining any long-term damage to their organs.
How To Prevent Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs
Always talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any medications.
Even seemingly “safe” over-the-counter medications can carry serious risks of side effects in some pups.
Your veterinarian knows your dog’s medical history and can tell you whether aspirin is a safe choice for your dog.
Make sure all household medications are kept out of reach and safely locked away in cabinets and away from pets.
Can Dogs Have Aspirin? FAQs
How much aspirin is toxic to a dog?
The amount of aspirin that is considered toxic varies from dog to dog. Toxicity is determined by dosage.
This means that a very small dog may develop side effects from a single dose of regular aspirin, while a larger dog may tolerate a higher dose before experiencing toxicity.
How long does it take for aspirin to leave the dog’s system?
The half-life (when half of the drug has been cleared from the body) is roughly eight hours for aspirin.
Despite this, side effects on the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, and clotting can last several days.
What will happen if I give my dog aspirin?
Some dogs tolerate aspirin well and experience the intended effects, meaning they have less pain and inflammation with the recommended dose.
Other dogs may develop vomiting or diarrhea. Depending on how much is given, more serious side effects such as liver injury, kidney failure, or clotting issues may occur.
