From Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM,
Your Guide to Veterinary Medicine.
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As a Guide for this veterinary medicine site, I receive a lot of viewer questions about their pets. Due to the limitations of the web, I can't diagnose or prescribe treatment (who knows... technology may change that someday!), but I can answer some of the more common general questions posed by readers. Following is a sampling of typical pet owner questions, from email and from my experiences as a vet in 'real life'. This week, Aspirin is the featured topic.

Q: Can I give my dog aspirin?
A: My first question in response to this is; what do you want to treat? Most often, the answer is for arthritis, but I have to ask. It is important not to just give a drug because the animal is 'not himself' or is in pain where the cause is unknown.

With regard to arthritis, yes, aspirin can be used, but with caution. Aspirin is in a class of drugs called NSAIDs - Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, and dogs are particularly sensitive to the gastrointestinal effects of; pain, bleeding, and ulceration that can be a side effect of these drugs. Coated aspirin may help with the gastrointestinal effects.

Aspirin may also cause birth defects, so it should not be given to pregnant animals.¹

Aspirin also interacts with several other drugs, particularly cortisones, digoxin, some antibiotics, Phenobarbital, and Furosemide(Lasix®).²

Aspirin can be given with food, 1-2 times a day. Check with your veterinarian about proper dosing for your dog, and if it is the best drug for your dog. There are safer, potentially more effective drugs out there, such as the glucosamine/chondroitin supplements. Cosequin is a common veterinary supplement that helps with arthritis and some joint problems.

Q: What about my cat and aspirin?
A: Same cautions as above, but with the added warning of time between doses. Cats cannot break down this drug as quickly as dogs (or humans), and thus, the cat can be overdosed with the accumulation of the drug in the body.

Cats are typically dosed at intervals of 48-72 hours.

Q: Can cats be given glucosamine/chondroitin, like dogs?
A: Yes. See the Cosequin site for details.

Q: What about other drugs, like Tylenol® and Advil®?
A: In a word, no. Tylenol can be fatal to cats. Neither drug (acetaminophen and ibuprofen, respectively) is routinely used for arthritis.

(These drugs may be prescribed for your dog by your vet, but only under close supervision and careful dosing.)

Additional Reading:

Toxicology Links

If you suspect that your pet has gotten into a poison or overdosed, call your veterinarian or the National Animal Poison Control Center.

As with any drug, only administer under the advice and supervision of your veterinarian.

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Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.

¹ = Source: Veterinary Drug Handbook, 3rd ed., Donald C. Plumb. pp 67
² = Source: Veterinary Drug Handbook, 3rd ed., Donald C. Plumb. pp 67-68