Dog Arthritis Treatment Options Part 5 - Aspirin

Aspirin, generic name acetylsalicylic acid, is an NSAID manufactured by the German pharmaceutical company Bayer. Aspirin is used to treat minor pains, fever, and inflammation. The drug is even used for people who are at risk of heart attack and stroke because Aspirin can actually prevent blood from clotting. In veterinary medicine, Aspirin is used to manage dog arthritis pain and inflammation. It is an effective analgesic because it can inhibit the pro-inflammatory COX enzymes.    

Talking to Your Vet about Aspirin 

Aspirin is an over the counter drug, but using the drug without the supervision of the vet could be dangerous for your dog. Right now, there are products such as Vetrin Aspirin, which claims to be safer on the dog’s gastro-intestinal system. However, one should have a thorough discussion with the vet before considering using Aspirin as there are many safer alternative NSAIDs. The following are some of the questions you should ask your vet: 

• What are the side effects of Aspirin? Aspirin can have the following side effects: vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dark stools and changes in behavior. Any of these side effects could mean ulcers, intestinal damage or kidney failure, so it is very important to keep an eye out for these side effects. When your dog does exhibits any of these side effects, take your dog to the nearest animal hospital or clinic.
• Is Aspirin safe to use with other drugs? The following are some of the drugs that should not be administered together with Aspirin: Corticsoteroids or NSAIDs such as Rimadyl, Methionine or high doses vitamin C, Furosemide, Phenobarbital, Heparin or Warfarin, Aminoglycoside antibiotics, and Tetracycline products. If you have administering drugs to your dog and the drugs are not in the list, you still need to inform your vet.
• What if my dog has a pre-existing condition? Aspirin is not safe for dogs allergic to NSAIDs; dogs that have bleeding problems such as von Willbrands disease; dogs that have pre-existing gastro-intestinal problems; and female dogs that are breeding, lactating or pregnant.

Use of Aspirin 

The dosage will differ from dog to dog, so only follow what your vet has prescribed specifically for your pet. Nonetheless, the standard dose (assuming that your vet prescribed Vetrin Aspirin) is usually around 8 to 12 milligrams per pound of the dog’s weight every twelve hours. For small dogs it is best to use the 100 milligram tablet but for large dogs the 325 milligram tablet is recommended. Aspirin should always be administered with food.  

Because Vetrin Aspirin is flavored to be more palatable to dogs, it must be stored securely to prevent an accidental overdose.  

Dog Arthritis Treatment -  Aspirin (PDF)