Can You Give a Dog Aspirin?

When a dog is in pain, people are eager to give medication to ease that pain, but giving human medications such as aspirin and Tyelenol® to pets can cause more problems than it cures. Learn why in this article. Q: Can I give my dog aspirin?

A: It is important not to just give a drug because the animal is 'not himself' or is in pain where the cause is unknown. A trip to the vet is definitely in order to find out the root of the problem. It may be pain-related, it may not be.

With regard to arthritis, aspirin is sometimes used for dogs, but only with caution and under veterinary supervision. Drugs containing acetaminophen (e.g. Tyelenol®) are very toxic, potentially fatal to both dogs and cats. Aspirin is in a class of drugs called NSAIDs - Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, and dogs are particularly sensitive to the gastrointestinal effects of; pain, bleeding, and ulceration that can be a side effect of these drugs.

Coated aspirin helps with the gastrointestinal effects. Check with your veterinarian about what is going on with your pet and what would be the best drug for the problem. Newer and better drugs are now available for dogs and cats.

Glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, such as Cosequin, are another aid for arthritic pets and may be used alone or with NSAIDs or other therapies. As always, please see your veterinarian to have your pet evaluated for pain, overall health (and bloodwork to check liver and kidneys, if indicated) prior to using these medications.