If the dog suffers from pain, the pet owner suffers too and does everything to ensure that the four-legged roommate is better quickly. But not everything that helps relieve pain in humans is also good for dogs. This applies above all to drugs such as aspirin, because incorrect use can cause serious damage to the animal. Here’s a look at how aspirin works in dogs, why the drug is so dangerous, and what to consider when treating your sick pet.
Can you give aspirin to a dog?
- Paws off: Aspirin is not suitable as a pain reliever for dogs because the salicylic acid it contains damages mucous membranes and organs.
- Even small amounts of aspirin are toxic to dogs and in the worst-case scenario can lead to death.
- Never give your dog medication that is intended for humans. If your dog is in pain, seek advice from your veterinarian.
That’s how hard aspirin hurts dogs
The active ingredient in aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. Salicylic acid is known to have a damaging effect on mucous membranes. In dogs, the pain reliever can therefore lead to severe organ damage. Gastrointestinal bleeding, in particular, can result from treating your dog with aspirin. Even small amounts of aspirin can lead to the death of the dog. A dose of only 50mg per kilogram of body weight administered three times a day is considered fatal.
This means that a single tablet of aspirin can be fatal in a 10 kg dog.
Symptoms of aspirin poisoning in dogs
When aspirin is poisoned, the side effects often only occur up to six hours after taking the pain reliever. Symptoms of poisoning the dog by aspirin include vomiting and sometimes bloody vomiting. Other symptoms include listlessness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and fever, or even shortness of breath. If your dog has symptoms of poisoning, see a veterinarian immediately. If left untreated, aspirin poisoning can lead to permanent damage or even death to the animal, depending on the dose administered. The same applies to poisoning with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Never use human medication for dogs
To avoid poisoning and overdose, under no circumstances give your dog any medicines intended for human use.
If you think your dog is in pain, see a veterinarian. The vet can give your dog a thorough examination and assess whether treatment is needed and whether pain medication is advisable. Be sure to follow the dose recommended by your veterinarian and stop using it immediately if you experience any side effects.
Always make sure that all medicines in your household are kept out of the reach of the dog. If the dog eats aspirin unnoticed, the symptoms may not be recognized immediately and serious consequences may arise.
