Answers to Readers' Questions on Animal Health: Giving Your Dog Aspirin. Also refer to veterinarian, pain relief, inflammation, upset stomach, ulcer, dosage, toxic, Tylenol, weight, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Animal Health:
Giving Your Dog Aspirin
The following 170 questions have been answered. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- Small dog got upset stomach from aspirin
- Young dog won't go potty
- Giving my small dogs aspirin twice a day
- Does aspirin affect my dog's pancreatitis?
- What is the life expectancy for most dogs?
- Dog fell out of truck and broke her teeth
- Decided to go to a vet for pain relief for my dog
- Thinks dog was bitten by a snake
- Vet can't explain whether aspirin is better than rimadyl
- Old English Sheepdog needs help walking
Small dog got upset stomach from aspirin
Question
November 20, 2009
Our dog weighs 12.5 lbs. He went to jump from one recyliner to the other when he slipped and hit the foot rest. Course he cried & cried. We checked him for broken bones. Couldn't walk on his L back foot for awhile. Then he got so he could. Let him outside to do his job and when he hicked his leg, it hurt all over again. We gave him 1/2 of low dose Bayer (81). Today his tummy is upset. Should we have not given him the aspirin? What will happen now? I know its a little too late to ask but any response will help.
Donna - USA
18712
Answer
Aspirin can irritate the stomach. That is why is should always be given with food. Also, it is possible that some dogs may be more sensitive than others. Care should be taken in small dogs, just because of their size.
I'd hold off on giving him more aspirin. If he is still in great pain, you might check with your vet about getting a prescription for Rimadyl.
Best wishes on a good recovery from his injury.
Young dog won't go potty
Question
October 31, 2009
Hi, I have a 1yr old lively American Bulldog. A couple days ago, it seems like her tail went numb. When she went to bed, she was fine, but when I woke up the next morning to take her outside, she didn't wag her tail at me when she saw me. She seemed to have a little trouble getting up, and she is walking a little awkwardly-no limp though. When she is laying down, she will clench her stomach and sometimes pass gas. She will drink water, but she doesn't really want her food. She has urinated but no potty.
Prior to this happening she was on an antibiotic for about a month b/c she was bitten by an insect and had a major reaction. It just so happened that the first day she was off of the antibiotic, this happened w/her tail. I don't know what to do with her. Could she have swallowed something and it block her from pottying? but why would her tail not be working?
Pleas help, any suggestions will help.
~kalie
k - USA
18601
Answer
Young dogs often eat things they shouldn't. Most of the time objects just pass through. Not wagging her tail, not having a bowel movement and passing gas may be an indication of some blockage. Perhaps her rear is sore, such that it hurts to wag the tail.
I've heard of dogs eating a sock and then finally passing it through in a few days.
You can give her some boiled chicken and rice which is easy to digest, if her stomach is upset. If she is still constipated after three or four days, you might check with your vet. But hopefully, she will pass what is bothering her and get back to normal.
Giving my small dogs aspirin twice a day
Question
October 14, 2009
I am giving our Peppe ( a Pekingesse ) who weighs 15lbs. a half and a fourth of an aspirin in the morning and evening with her eating food before she gets it for her arthritis, how long can she be on the aspirin for this problem
charlene - USA
18505
Answer
It is best to only give the aspirin when she really seems to need it, like on cold, damp days. Just like with humans, the worst part of arthritis is just when a person gets up after sitting or laying down. Once the joints warm up, it is not as bad.
Giving aspirin on a regular basis--even with food--may cause stomach problems. Also, with a small dog, you need to be extra careful that not too much is given.
Just use the aspirin when she really seems uncomfortable.
Does aspirin affect my dog's pancreatitis?
Question
September 17, 2009
My dog has pancreatitis will baby asprin hurt her in any way. She also has arthritis. It is not real bad but she does sometime limp so I thought if I could when needed give her baby asprin this might help. But I need to know if baby asprin will cause her any problems with the pacreatitis. She is not having a flare up with the pancreatitis at this time. I am just concerned that it might cause a flare up.
Sharon - USA
18332
Answer
Antibiotics are usually used to treat pancreatitis. There are some reports saying that aspirin can increase acute or severe pancreatitis, so I would look to healing the ailment and not use the aspirin.
Are far as using aspirin for your dog's arthritis goes, it is best to only use if she is in real pain. Stiffness or limping until the joints get warmed up don't really require aspirin.
What is the life expectancy for most dogs?
Question
September 4, 2009
What is the life expectancy for most dogs. We have a Dalmation and he is starting to have a lot of health problems. He is 13 dog yrs old.
He is a wonderful dog and we love him so much.
cheryl - USA
18255
Answer
See "Comparison of Animal Ages" at
http://www.school-for-champions.com/animalhealth/animal_ages.htm
It will show you age versus weight of your dog. Heavy or large dogs don't live as long as smaller dogs.
I would guess your 13-year old Dalmatian is equivalent to a human in his mid 70s.
Dog fell out of truck and broke her teeth
Question
August 24, 2009
So went camping and our 100lbs. 3year old dog fell out of a truck and busted out her bottom front teeth and it looks like she chipped two of her top teeth and nerve is showing where her teeth should be is all swollen and likes like there could be a fragment of one still in there what will the vet have to do? and what can we do for her?
keisha - USA
18194
Answer
I am sorry to hear about your dog's accident. Definitely bring her to the vet. You don't want her to get an infection or have other problems with her broken teeth.
You could give her aspirin with her food to ease the pain and reduce the swelling.
Best wishes on getting her teeth fixed up.
Decided to go to a vet for pain relief for my dog
Question
August 19, 2009
After reading you advice about giving aspirin and looking at several other sites I have decided not to take a chance with my dog's future and will be going to my vet for a prescribed dose of anti-inflam drugs and pain killers. At least for the first time.
marion - France
18165
Answer
Your vet should be able to diagnose the source of your dog's pain and prescribe the best medicine. If your dog requires long-term medication, be sure to ask about side effects. Some pain killers are hard on a dog's kidneys. Aspirin is acceptable for a short-term use until you can see a vet.
If your dog is older and suffering from arthritis, mild exercise on a regular basis can help, even though it may be tough for the dog to get started.
Best wishes on good health for your dog.
Thinks dog was bitten by a snake
Question
July 19, 2009
HI, I think that my dog was bit by a rattle snake-or some kind of snake within the last 24 hours. I'm not sure when it happened. I saw him around 10am yesterday morning and was looking for him all night. I didn't see him until this morning around 11 am. I tried to take him to the vet but no one would help and the next vet would be 3 hours away. I gave him 2 iv bag right behind his head in the neck. He seems to be doing better after that. But he still looks like his in pain. I have to carry him outside so he can pee. He weighs around 75lbs. He seems weak still. I've gotten him to eat a little. I was just worried about dehydration. Can you please help me? I think he will be OK if I can just get him something for the pain. If you have any information on this subject PLEASE help!! The bite is located on his arm-shin.
Thanks, Concerned
Kendra - USA
18038
Answer
He could have been bitten by a snake or something that has made him sick. But you should be able to see the area where he was bitten. Another possibility is that he ate something poisonous that is making him sick and in pain. A third possibility is that he was in some sort of accident. He could have been grazed by a car and injured internally.
In any case, look him over carefully for signs of swelling and sensitive areas on his body. Try to give him cooked chicken (not fried) mixed with rice. That is mild to digest and should give him strength. Also, encourage him to drink water. That will help flush out possible toxins.
In a serious case like this, it probably is not a good idea to give him aspirin to relieve his pain. It is better to keep him comfortable and give him mild food and water. Then try to get him to a vet as soon as possible.
Concerning a possible snake bite, check out the following websites:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1677+1681&aid=478
http://www.doctordog.com/dogbook/dogsnake.html
http://articulateanimals.com/blog/tag/rattle-snake-bite-symptoms/
In general, the prognosis is good if he was just bitten on the leg. Note that certain insect bites can be poisonous to a dog.
Best wishes for him, and I hope everything will be OK and that he will recover his health soon.
Vet can't explain whether aspirin is better than rimadyl
Question
June 25, 2009
My dog has been diagnosed with back and hip arthritis. My vet has prescribed rimadyl for him. I do not understand with all the side effects with this drug and blood tests that must be accompanied from the use of them, why this would be any safer than asprin? I am unable to get a reasonable answer as to why I cannot use asprin as opposed to rimadyl. Can you tell me if this is safer than asprin and why? Buffered asprin is certainly cheaper and from what I have read is really not anymore dangerous than rimadyl if given with food. Can you help me with an explanation?
Thanks,
Joann - USA
17947
Answer
Rimadyl is known to be hard on the kidneys, so test are often made to assure the dog can tolerate the medicine. It can also be toxic to some dogs, thus the necessity of tests. On the other hand, rimadyl seems to serve well for pain relief.
The concern with aspirin is that it can cause stomach problems and bleeding if not administered with food. some vets say that these problems can occur, even when given with food. But it also can do a good job to relieve pain.
So, you have a problem with either one, especially if giving it on a regular basis and long term.
My feeling is that unless your dog is crying because of its pain, giving either rimadyl or aspirin should not be necessary. Being stiff and sore is part of getting old--in dogs as well as in humans. Taking your dog on slow walks to allow his joints to warm up can often do wonders. But on a cold, damp day, it might be necessary to give some pain relief medicine.
Thus, I believe in using it sparingly.
Check this with your vet to see if that would be a good course of action. Note that if you vet does not answer your questions or give possible alternatives, you might consider a different vet.
I hope this helps. Best wishes with the health of your dog.
Old English Sheepdog needs help walking
Question
June 22, 2009
i have an Old English Sheepdog, female, 15 yrs, 7+ mos. old. she can not get up , on her own and needs assistance walking. she was dx'd with neuropathy on the backside. most recently, she is starting to have a problem with the front legs too. what happens is that when i am lifting her back end, she starts to splat out with the front legs, making it very hard to get her on her feet! meanwhile, she has extreme difficutly turning. she can no longer just turn around and head in the opposite direction; she must do a big circle! i keep hearing lots about aspirin therapy and need to know if it will be safe for her. she eats well, not as much as 5 yrs ago but still ok. she had to have a cancerous tumor removed about 6 mos. ago. she has food allergies that manifest in ear infections. years ago, she had surgery for her ear probs. she was spayed at about 8 due to female infections and the vet said we should. she had never had puppies although i always entertained the idea and still would love nothing more than to breed dogs. what a dream! anyway, considering her age, i would say she is healthy. a little hard of hearing for a couple yrs now. still, mind is completely clear and she is the boss of my 10 yr old female pit bull and 2 yr old male cairn terrier. please advise if aspirin therapy should be tried. thanks in advance.
maureen - USA
17935
Answer
The average life expectancy of an Old English Sheepdog is only 10 to 12 years, so you are lucky to have such an old girl. But with being that age, she will be having more and more problems as body parts wear out. But I am sure you still want to keep her healthy and happy for as long as possible.
Having problems with the muscles and joints in the legs is not uncommon in older, large dogs. The legs just seem to give out at times, especially when turning.
Aspirin can be used for pain relief and to reduce inflammation, but it will not solve the existing problem. Some say that acupuncture can help, but I can't vouch for that.
I have seen slings to assist an old or injured dog in walking.
The best thing is to consult with your vet as to ways to keep her quality of life as good as possible.
Best wishes on enjoying your dog and helping her get around.
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Answers to Readers' Questions on Giving Your Dog Aspirin