Risks of Aspirin for Dogs

Main Risks of giving Aspirin to your Dog

• Aspirin are potent and have high toxicity. In the short term, aspirin may cause some serious gastrointestinal problem that may result in severe stomach irritation with side effects like vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea. Over the long run, they may cause serious health problems such as kidney or liver damage to your dog.
• While they are effective pain relievers, aspirin do not slow down the progression of canine arthritis due to its negative effects on proteoglycan synthesis (which are essential for other normal bodily functions) and may lead to premature degeneration of the joints.
• Additionally, when aspirin is given without food, ulcers will form in the stomach. A common sign of your dog developing stomach ulcers is blood-tinged vomiting.
• Aspirin should not be given to puppies and cats as they lack the necessary enzymes to breakdown the aspirin which can result in severe organ damage.
• Aspirin is also not recommended for dogs that are having surgery due to its interference with platelet function. Neither should it be given to dogs suffering from any bleeding or clotting disorders that may produce potentially fatal side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding.

• Never use more than one NSAID (including aspirin) at the same time.
• Do not combine NSAIDs with any other corticosteroids.
• Aspirin should be stopped at least one week before any surgery.
• Do not give over-the-counter aspirin made for human consumption to your dogs.

Be vigilant yourself. If your dogs are on aspirin, they must have a physical examination, and blood and urine testing done every 2 to 3 months to monitor for any potential fatal side effects.