Aspirin Dosage for Dogs
SOURCE
By Kelly Roper
Dog Breeder and Exhibitor
Aspirin can be used to treat dogs that are in pain, but it's important to understand the correct dosage for your individual dog, as well as the possible effects it can have on your pet.
The following dosage guidelines are provided for informational purposes only, and are not meant to replace professional veterinary consultation and care. Consult your vet directly to determine if administering aspirin is the right treatment for your pet and confirm the correct dosage based on your dog's exact weight.
According to WalkerValleyVet.com, you can give your dog apirin once or twice a day to relieve pain and/or inflammation, and you should always give it with food. The basic aspirin dosage for dogs is based on a dog's weight, as follows.
Weight Basic Dosage
Aspirin Dosage Chart for Dogs
Under 10 pounds 1/2 baby aspirin
10 to 30 pounds 1 baby aspirin
30 to 50 pounds 1/2 adult aspirin
50 to 100 pounds 1 adult aspirin
100 pounds or more 2 adult aspirins
Side Effects of Aspirin Usage
While aspirin can be effective and is readily available, there are some drawbacks to using this particular pain reliever for your pet. According to VetInfo.com, there are possible adverse side effects, as well as reasons aspirin use is not advisable in some circumstances.
Stomach upset - Aspirin can upset a dog's stomach, which can interfere with the ultimate goal of relieving your dog's pain. Adult aspirin comes coated and non-coated. Coated aspirin is usually a little easier on a dog's stomach, especially if your vet advises you to give repeated doses.
Stomach ulcers - Long-term usage could lead to stomach ulcers. Watch for dark, tar-like blood in your dog's stools since this is usually a strong indication his stomach has been bleeding.
Blood thinning - Aspirin does thin the blood, which can lead to excessive bleeding if your dog is injured or undergoes surgery while on the medication. It should never be administered to a dog with Von Willebrand's Disease or pregnant or nursing dogs.
Kidney damage - Aspirin should never be given to a dog that already has kidney disease. In otherwise healthy dogs, watch for signs such as increased or decreased thirst, and well as changes in appetite and onset of vomiting, since these signs are often associated with kidney problems
Overdose Is Possible
Giving your dog too much aspirin can produce serious complications that require emergency care. According to PetMD.com and VetInfo.com, signs of an overdose can include:
Lethargy/weakness
Anxious or depressed behavior
Loss of appetite
Loss of coordination
Vomiting (Usually blood)
Diarrhea
Pale gums (Sign of possible shock)
Intestinal hemorrhage
Rapid breathing/panting
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Dogs can also die quite suddenly if they receive a toxic dose of aspirin.
Tips for Giving Aspirin
If your vet advises you to use this medication for your dog, the next step is administering the dose your vet has advised. There are several ways to do this.
Place the pill on the back of your dog's tongue and stroke his throat to encourage him to swallow.
Place the pill inside a special, digestible "pill pocket" routinely used to give dogs medication.
Insert the pill inside a tempting food like a piece of hot dog, or wrap it in a piece of bread and feed it to your dog.
A Final Caution
In order to avoid drug interactions that could cause harm, aspirin should not be given to a dog that is on any other medications unless it is done so under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Ask your vet about alternative pain medications so you can make an informed decision about the best treatment for your pet.
So glad he's doing better for you!! It's so sad to see them unable to move freely.
