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Your dog is limping, and you thought of aspirin for dogs. Can dogs have ASA for pain relief?
Before you reach for that pill bottle, let’s dive into what every pet owner needs to know.
Many consider giving their dogs over-the-counter pain medication, but it's important to understand the risks and proper guidelines before doing so.
While aspirin (specifically formulated for canines) can sometimes be used in dogs, it should only be given under veterinary supervision.
Have you ever considered giving your dog aspirin for pain relief? Here’s what you need to know before you do.
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What Is ASA and How Does It Work?
Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
It works by inhibiting the enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), which produce prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins play a role in inflammation, pain perception, and blood clotting.
Specifically, it works by:
- Inhibiting COX-1: Reduces blood clotting and can protect or harm the stomach lining.
- Inhibiting COX-2: Reduces inflammation and pain but may have side effects when misused.
This is how NSAIDs like aspirin can help manage inflammation, pain, and fever.
Due to its blood-thinning properties, aspirin is widely used in humans for pain relief, fever reduction, and even heart disease prevention.
The human body metabolizes aspirin relatively efficiently, which is why it’s a common household medication.
In dogs, however, the metabolism of aspirin is much slower.
This means that aspirin stays in a dog's system longer, increasing the risk of side effects such as stomach ulcers and kidney damage.
Dogs have a more sensitive gastrointestinal system, making them more prone to irritation and internal bleeding from prolonged aspirin use.
RELATED: 10 Most Common Dog Digestive Problems
Unlike humans, dogs lack the same enzyme efficiency in breaking down aspirin, which makes the correct dosage critical to avoid toxicity.
Because of these differences, giving aspirin to dogs without veterinary guidance can lead to serious health complications.
Needless to say, always consult a vet before administering any pain relief to your pet.
RELATED: 22 Signs and Symptoms That Require an Immediate Vet Visit
Can Dogs Have ASA (Aspirin)?
The short answer is yes and no.
No, because human aspirin is a no-no for dogs.
And yes, because there are aspirin specifically formulated for pets that they can take under veterinary guidance.
However, aspirin is still not FDA-approved as a dog medicine.
Still, some veterinarians may prescribe aspirin for dogs to help with pain relief, particularly for arthritis or minor injuries.
However, aspirin is not the safest option; better alternatives are available for managing your dog's pain and discomfort.
RELATED: 6 Natural Supplements to Soothe Your Dog's Joint Pains
Aspirin for Dogs Dosage: How Much Can You Give Your Pet?
If your vet approves aspirin for your dog, giving the correct dose based on weight is important!
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the recommended dosage for dogs is 10–40 mg per kilogram of body weight orally every 8–12 hours.
The Merck Vet Manual added that dog side effects can still be observed, even when given the “therapeutic dosage(s) of 25 mg/kg, plain aspirin may induce mucosal erosion and ulceration in dogs. Vomiting and melena may occur at higher doses.”
The American College of Veterinary Pharmacists also noted that giving dogs 50mg/kg can cause mild toxicity.
Giving around or more than 100mg/kg, on the other hand, can cause severe toxicity, which can result in death.
The following table shows the dosage that can cause aspirin toxicity in dogs based on their size and body weight:
|
Dog’s Weight |
Size & Breeds |
Aspirin Toxic Consumption |
| 1-10 lbs. | X-Small (Yorkie, Chihuahua, etc.) | > 22 mg |
| 11-25 lbs. | Small (Pug, Poodle, etc.) | > 249 mg |
| 26-40 lbs. | Medium (Beagle, Scottish Terrier, etc.) | > 589 mg |
| 41-70 lbs. | Large (Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, etc.) | > 929 mg |
| 71-90 lbs. | X-Large (Retriever, German Shepherd, etc.) | > 1614 mg |
| 91-110 lbs. | XX-Large (Great Dane, St. Bernard, etc.) | > 2069 mg |
If you have dogs AND cats, it's worth noting that cats are MORE susceptible to aspirin toxicity.
Baby aspirin (81 mg) or buffered aspirin are sometimes preferred for dogs because they are gentler on the stomach. However, don't give these without your vet's approval.
The Washington Vet Clinic recommends 1 Baby Aspirin (81 mg) per 15 lbs. every 12 hours.
On the other hand, this brand of buffered aspirin is only recommended for medium to large-sized dogs over 6 months of age and not under 24 lbs.
Apart from the proper dosage, another important thing to know is aspirin should ALWAYS be given with food to help reduce stomach irritation.
RELATED: What to Give a Dog with Upset Stomach: 10 Remedies
Risks and Side Effects of Aspirin for Dogs
Dogs have a sensitive digestive system, and aspirin can cause short-term and/or long-term side effects, even at the correct dosage.
Mild Side Effects
Mild aspirin toxicity can cause your dogs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Elevated body temperature
Severe Side Effects
A more severe aspirin poisoning, on the other hand, can lead to:
- Stomach ulcer
- Black, tarry stools (melena)
- Vomiting blood
- Internal bleeding
- Seizures
- Respiratory distress
Serious Risks with Prolonged Use
With prolonged use, aspirin for dogs can lead to:
- Kidney Damage: Over time, aspirin can impair kidney function, leading to excessive thirst, frequent urination, or kidney failure.
- Liver Damage: The liver metabolizes aspirin, and prolonged use can cause liver toxicity, leading to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and lethargy.
- Gastrointestinal Perforation: Chronic aspirin use can wear down the stomach lining, potentially causing perforations, which require emergency surgery.
Stop immediately and contact your vet if you notice any of these symptoms after giving your dog aspirin.
Safer Alternatives to Aspirin for Dogs
Instead of aspirin, your vet may recommend safer, pet-specific pain relievers.
These medications are designed for dogs and have fewer risks than aspirin.
FDA and Vet-Approved Pain Relievers
- Carprofen (Rimadyl): A safer NSAID for pain and inflammation.
- Meloxicam (Metacam): Used for arthritis and post-surgical pain.
- Deracoxib: Also used to relieve pain and inflammation, usually after orthopedic surgery in dogs.
You can check out the FDA's guide on NSAIDs for Dogs linked here.
These options are generally safer and better suited for long-term pain management in dogs.
Natural Supplements for Pain Relief
You can also get natural supplements and home remedies for your dog to help manage his pain and discomfort.
Some of them are:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Reduce inflammation and promote joint health.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin: Help maintain cartilage and reduce arthritis pain.
- Turmeric: Has natural anti-inflammatory properties,
We have discussed these natural options in detail, plus more in the article linked below.
RELATED: 5 Safe and Natural Dog Pain Relief Home Remedies
What to Do If Your Dog Accidentally Eats Aspirin
Before this happens, always keep your first-aid kit or medicine box out of reach of your dog.
But if it's too late, it's best to act immediately.
Assess the situation as quickly as possible. How many pills have they eaten? Are any still in your dog's mouth? How many mg is the aspirin?
The first thing to do is call your vet or the pet poison control hotline.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center – (888) 426-4435 (24-hour hotline)
- Pet Poison Helpline – (855) 764-7661 (24-hour animal poison control service)
It's important to NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional and to monitor your dog closely for worsening symptoms.
RELATED: How to Make a Dog Throw Up
Treatment may include activated charcoal, IV fluids, or stomach protectants to prevent further damage.
FAQs Related to Aspirin for Dogs
What human painkillers can I give my dog?
Most human painkillers, including ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and naproxen (Aleve), are toxic to dogs and should never be given.
Aspirin is sometimes used, but only under strict guidance from a vet.
It’s always safer to use dog-specific pain medications prescribed by a veterinary professional.
How do I relieve my dog's pain naturally?
Massage therapy is one of the most effective natural ways to relieve your dog's pain.
Gentle massage can help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and relieve tension in sore muscles and joints.
Applying a warm compress to the affected area can also soothe discomfort, as can acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and gentle stretching exercises.
Always consult your vet before trying new treatments to ensure they are appropriate for your pet’s condition.
What over-the-counter pain meds are available for dogs?
Currently, there are no FDA-approved over-the-counter pain medications for dogs.
Most pain relief options available for dogs require a prescription from a veterinarian.
If your dog is in pain, consult your vet to discuss safer, veterinary-approved treatments, such as carprofen (Rimadyl) or meloxicam (Metacam), which are specifically formulated for canine use.
Aspirin for Dogs: Conclusion
Can dogs have ASA (aspirin)? Yes, but only the dog-specific aspirins and only if prescribed by a vet.
Human aspirin is a big NO.
Also, while aspirin can provide short-term relief for dogs, it has serious risks that may affect your dog's health in the long term.
Safer alternatives, such as vet-approved pain relievers and natural supplements, are often better.
If your dog is in pain, the best thing you can do is talk to your veterinarian. They’ll help you find the safest and most effective treatment.
Have you ever given your dog aspirin? Share your experiences in the comments below!
