Can I Give Aspirin to My Dog or Cat?
| A common question I get in the veterinary clinic is about whether it is okay to give a dog or cat aspirin for pain, or for reduction of fever or inflammation. The answer to this question will vary depending upon the clinical history and age of the pet, as well as whether other prescription drugs are being used.
If there is any history of digestive upset, bleeding tendencies or kidney/liver disease then it is important to have a full veterinary medical exam, in addition to possibly blood and/or urine testing before starting aspirin for even a short period of time. |
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In healthy adult dogs not on any other prescription cortisone or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. Rimadyl, Previcox, or Deramaxx), then aspirin at a dose of 5 mg per pound once to twice daily with food for a few days may be used for pain, inflammation and fever management. If there is no improvement in clinical signs within a few days, then veterinary consultation is recommended before aspirin therapy is continued.
One must be much more careful with cats in dosing aspirin or any other non-steroidal anti- inflammatory medication. Because of the feline unique liver drug detoxification pathways, I do NOT recommend animal guardians dose cats with any aspirin unless they first consult with a veterinarian. If a cat is cleared of health problems, than a small dose of 1/2 baby aspirin every 3 days may be used. It is important to recognize that even very low doses of Tylenol can kill a cat, and therefore Tylenol should never be used in any cat.
Hi Dr. Dym,
First of all Happy Holidays to you and yours & thanks for all the great advice you have given for the last 12 months.
The timing of this could not be better as we have a limping dog in the house today. Is Ascriptin given at the same dose as Aspirin and is it true that is is better for them – I was told it is gentler on their stomachs?
Buffered ascriptin in more gentle on the stomach. Dose is typically 5 mg per pound once to twice daily witih food.
Dr. Dym, thank you for the info. And Happy New Year too! Our mini dacschund weighs about 11 or 12 lbs and is going on 12 years old. The little guy is still a pup at heart and loves to play … but … for the last couple months is enduring some joint pain in his (little) 🙂 front legs. He’ll chase a couple times then stop to lick his knees before continuing. My Brother in Law gave his dog aspirin and said it was a miraculous treatment. I’d like to try, albeit a slight, a dose or two and see if it helps.
Happy New YEAr to you as well. The aspirin is ok but if used long term should be monitored by periodic blood work at vet. There are also some economic nonsteroidal prescription pain alternative medications such as metacam that are often helpful in small breed pets. Consider joint supplement like glycoflex II from 1800petmeds. You can also consider yucca intensive from 1800petmeds as well in addition to the antioxidant proanthozone.
Dr, Dym,
Last night I gave my limping dog half of a Rimadyl, my last one. Tonight can I give her an aspirin?
It probably is ok to give an aspirin, as long as no digestive upset in history or pre existing liver and/or kidney problems. See vet if signs persist.
I HAVE BEEN GIVEN MY 12 LB DOG WHO IS 13 AN LOW DOSAGE aspirin & now he has diarrhea, but he is in no pain but his back legs are getting weak this is why i have been given him the aspirin hwo can i stop the diarrhea
May need to stop aspirin and perhaps try a teaspoon of kaopectate every 8 hours for 24 hours to see if it can help, as well as bland hamburger and rice diet. May need to consult with vet on different approach to weak back legs, as well as diarrhea if symptoms persist.
My cat is 3 years old and is limping with her back legs. Once she gets moving it seams to not be as bad. She is normally bouncing all over the house but for the last week she has been limping instead of bouncing. What can I give her to comfort her pain?
Not much you can do at home. Best to have vet check for proper diagnosis and treatment. You could try cosequin for cats and proanthozone from 1800petmeds
Dr. Dym,
My 9 pound full Grown Jack Russell that is 11 years old just had her Dew Claw ripped out? Can I give her Baby aspirin 1/2 a tablet. She keeps licking it so it is not bleeding that bad anymore. I am a nurse and pretty sure that wouldn’t hurt her any. She is healthy and not on any medicine. She is in alot of pain? Just wanted to get your advice. If i take her to the doctor’s they will have to sedate her because she will not let anyone come near her nails. Please help me. Thank you so much.
I dont see a problem with a dose or two of baby aspirin. Also consider traumeel from 1800petmeds as natural pain med
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How much asprin can I give my 26 pound dog tore off nail and hurts….
How much asprin can I give my 26 pound dog
Dose of aspirin is 5 mg per pound once to twice daily with food, however you should consult with local vet.
my cat is very old and is losing all his teeth and I eat and meals for pain all the time what can I give him for pain and how much he is probably only 5-10lbs is very tiny now he’s 16 years old I’m on the last one please help and tell me what I can do as a home remedy can afford a vet and don’t want to put him down..what can I do and how much is there anything other than aspirin does it have to be baby aspirin .oragel OK?
I have a small dog schnauzer mix probably 30 lbsor less not sure . How much adult aspirin can I give him for his leg pain he is limping and a little inflammation.
Yeah I was wondering if you could give a aspirin to a 15 pound jack Russell terrier that had got attacked by another bigger dog if it would make it’s wounds start back bleeding shes 5 years old in good health she just got attacked by a 75 pound German shepherd but only has about 3 bit makes on her but seems to be ok but I can tell she’s in pain and real sore