Aspirin
Aspirin is a well-known painkiller for humans that is also used to treat fever and inflammation. But how does it work in dogs? Is it safe or dangerous for your four-legged friend? Find out more about aspirin for dogs in this article.
What is aspirin?
Aspirin is the trade name for acetylsalicylic acid, a substance extracted from willow bark. Aspirin belongs to the so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which inhibit the formation of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are messenger substances that are involved in the sensation of pain, the generation of fever and the inflammatory reaction.
What are the risks and side effects of aspirin for dogs?
Aspirin can cause severe gastrointestinal problems in dogs, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bleeding. It can also disrupt blood clotting and lead to bleeding in other organs such as the liver or kidneys. It can also trigger allergic reactions or interact with other medications.
Even small amounts of aspirin can lead to the dog's death. A dose of just 50 mg per kilogram of body weight administered three times a day is considered lethal. This means that a single tablet of aspirin can be fatal in a 10 kg dog.
How long can you give your dog aspirin?
Aspirin is not a good solution for long-term pain management in dogs due to the high potential for side effects. Vets will prescribe other painkillers that are suitable for dogs.
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
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