Can I give my dog aspirin for a limp or joint pain?

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.

Aspirin has been used in the past to try to help with joint pain in dogs, but now there are safer and more effective alternatives available. Giving your dog aspirin when they exhibit signs of pain can lead to serious side effects and delay proper treatment from a veterinarian. Read on to learn:

• If aspirin and other NSAIDs are safe for dogs
• Potential negative effects from aspirin use in dogs
• What to do at home if your dog has joint pain

Using aspirin before talking to a veterinarian can delay safer and more effective treatment because a waiting period may be necessary before switching to a different medication. It’s much safer to get appropriate care from a vet in the form of an accurate diagnosis, safer medications, physical therapy, joint supplement recommendations, and weight management for joint conditions.

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, or ASA) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that’s used for pain and inflammation relief in humans and has been used for dogs in the past. It’s important not to confuse aspirin with other NSAID medications, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen). These are very different medications from aspirin. Some medications that are safe to use in humans can be deadly for dogs.

“Though it has been used in an effort to relieve pain in dogs in the past, aspirin is not very effective and can be dangerous,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “With many more safe and effective pain control medications now available, aspirin is rarely recommended for use in dogs by veterinarians.” It’s never a good idea to give a dog human medication or pet medication that wasn’t prescribed for them. This can be very dangerous and doesn’t address the underlying problem that’s causing your dog’s pain. Attempting inappropriate care at home prolongs the time before getting an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment from a veterinarian. If your dog appears to be in enough pain that you want to give them something for it, it’s best to talk to a veterinarian first.

Is dog aspirin the same as human aspirin?

Over-the-counter aspirin labeled for use in dogs can sometimes be found in pet stores and supermarkets. The main ingredient is the same in “doggie aspirin” and human aspirin: acetylsalicylic acid, or ASA. ASA for dogs may be sold as a flavored chewable to make it easier to administer. While flavored medications help get dogs to take them, they pose a risk of potentially life-threatening overdoses because a dog may eat the entire bottle if they find it.

Side effects of using aspirin and their severity can vary between dogs. The most common side effect is abdominal distress. Other side effects can be much more severe and potentially life-threatening.

Stomach upset, ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding

Vomiting and diarrhea are common side effects of aspirin use in dogs. Dogs are more likely to get stomach upset from aspirin than people are. Aspirin can also lead to the development of stomach ulcers because the drug can irritate the stomach lining. Gastric ulcers can become severe and bleed, leading to other health complications.

Inability to start more effective medications

Aspirin has a high risk of gastric ulcers and other severe side effects when used with other NSAIDs and cortisone-based drugs. It may also interact with other medications, making them ineffective or causing them to not work as intended. If a dog has aspirin in their system, they often cannot start a safer and more effective alternative right away. This means the dog must wait until the aspirin is out of their system before starting a new medication, referred to as a washout period. During this time, they may go back to having their original joint pain without being able to receive pain medications.

Kidney damage and reduced ability for blood to clot

Aspirin can negatively affect the kidneys and prevent blood from clotting normally. This can potentially lead to liver or kidney damage with heavy or chronic aspirin use. Dogs with even minor injuries or gastric ulcers are at risk of greater blood loss when their blood doesn’t clot normally. This can lead to blood loss that can become life-threatening. Ulcers are common in dogs using aspirin, and they may be unable to heal properly and continue to bleed due to the anticoagulants in aspirin. In addition, dogs with aspirin in their system may not be able to get the surgeries or dental procedures they need due to the risk of uncontrolled bleeding.

If your dog is displaying signs of pain severe enough to reach for the medicine cabinet, veterinary care is warranted. A veterinarian can accurately diagnose the underlying problem and offer an alternative treatment plan. Different joint diseases and injuries require different forms of treatment. It’s always better to talk to a vet about your pet’s pain than attempt at-home remedies. With veterinary care, you can:

• Receive a definitive diagnosis and proper treatment
• Get proper treatment for your dog right away
• Offer the safest methods of pain management

There are far safer and more effective pain relievers for dogs than aspirin. If your dog is showing signs of pain or limping, an online vet can give you more information so you can decide the best next steps for your pet.

Can I give my dog aspirin for a limp?

Veterinarians do not usually recommend aspirin for limping dogs because there are safer and more effective options. If your dog is limping, it’s best to seek veterinary help rather than treating your dog at home with pet or human pain relievers. Many health conditions can cause a dog to limp, so it’s essential to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment from a vet to treat the underlying cause of the pain. Give aspirin or other medications to your dog only under the direction of a veterinarian.

Is it safe to give my dog baby aspirin?

A low dose of baby aspirin is less likely to cause stomach upset or the other side effects associated with aspirin, but it’s unlikely to provide a dog with any benefit. Aspirin of any type can be dangerous to give to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and stomach upset, interfere with normal blood clotting, and make them ineligible to receive other methods of treatment. It’s best to talk to a veterinarian if your dog is in pain so they can identify the cause and treat the underlying health issue. You should only give aspirin or other medications to your dog under the direction of a veterinarian.

Can dogs with arthritis have aspirin?

Aspirin is generally not recommended for dogs with arthritis. While dogs with osteoarthritis have chronic pain and may require anti-inflammatories and pain medication, there are far better and safer alternatives for arthritic dogs than aspirin. Aspirin isn’t highly effective at providing pain relief for dogs, and some studies suggest that chronic use of aspirin hastens the deterioration of cartilage in arthritic joints. Talk to your veterinarian about safer medications and alternative therapy options, such as prescription anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, joint supplements, and weight management.