Aspirin for dogs
Dogs can suffer pain from several types of ailments. Watching our dogs undergoing pain is like watching any member of our family suffer. We just want to take it away. Before going to the meds cabinet, check out this important information. Veterinarians do prescribe aspirin for dogs, but there are precautions to take and side effects to consider.
Why do vets prescribe aspirin for dogs?
Aspirin is an NSAID, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is included in a large list of medications used to treat humans and dogs. It is prescribed to treat pain, inflammation, and fever.
Veterinarians will prescribe aspirin for dogs with osteoarthritis or other forms of musculoskeletal inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effect of aspirin will give your dog relief from pain.
There are other conditions that will make the vet prescribe aspirin. Due to the side effects of the drug, it should not be administered by owners without a prescription.
Side effects of aspirin for dogs
Adverse reactions to aspirin are common among dogs. You need to be aware of the risks and symptoms of an adverse reaction or overdose.
The following symptoms mean that you should stop giving aspirin to your dog and should call your vet immediately:
- Vomiting in dogs;
- Diarrhea in dogs;
- Mucus erosion;
- Black stool;
- Ulceration.
If your dog is having an aspirin overdose, the following symptoms will appear:
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- Loss of appetite;
- Hemorrhage;
- Seizure in dogs;
- Acid-base abnormalities;
- Coma;
- Death.
Every time you give your dog a new medication, you should be very closely observing him.
How much aspirin can I give my dog?
You should be careful when giving aspirin to your dog. There is a lack of studies actually supporting the use of aspirin for dogs and, therefore, it is hard to know what are the appropriate doses.
The Merk Veterinary Manual recommends a dosage 10-40mg/kg. However, this dosage may vary depending on your dog’s condition.
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