Can I give Aspirin to my dog or cat?

• DO NOT give aspirin to cats; it can be deadly. Cats lack the enzyme needed for metabolizing salicylic acid properly, and aspirin can build up and be extremely toxic.
• Many vets do not recommend aspirin use in dogs anymore due to stomach ulcers and the possibility of bleeding.
• Always ask your vet about the use of any human medicine for your dog or cat. Many human medicines are not safe in pets.

Aspirin is a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID). Used for over a century by humans, it inhibits an enzyme that is involved in inflammation and pain. Safer NSAIDs specifically for dogs with arthritis are now available and may be preferred (don't use human NSAIDs like Advil, Motrin or Aleve in dogs as they are toxic).

However, if your vet does recommend aspirin, only they should determine the safe dose of aspirin based on your dog's weight. Special formulations have been developed for dogs, some in an oral gel form. Also, DO NOT use aspirin with other animal NSAIDs, such as Rimadyl, Metacam and Derramax, as it can cause side effects like bleeding and stomach ulcers.

Follow any instructions for aspirin use only as directed by your veterinarian.

Can NSAIDs like Advil or Aleve be used in dogs?

There are alternatives to aspirin that may be safer for your dog in pain. However, the popular human NSAIDs naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are NOT recommended for pets due to toxicity. They are not safe.

NSAIDs are a common class of medicines used in both human and veterinary medicine for their anti-fever, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. They are the most commonly prescribed pain relievers for animals.

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Dogs

NSAIDs that are manufactured especially for dogs, for example, the popular and chewable carprofen tablet (Rimadyl) are often used for arthritis or for pain after surgery. You can get these from your vet's office or even from a reputable online pet pharmacy with a prescription. Other NSAIDS especially for canine pain, are available from your vet. Some NSAIDs are also injectable.

Cats

No NSAID has been approved for long-term use in cats. According to PetMD, the only two FDA-approved NSAIDs for cats for short-term use are meloxicam and robenacoxib (Onsior). Both are for short-term use only and require prescription from your vet. DO NOT use meloxicam prescribed for a human for a cat; your vet will need to prescribe the correct dose.

Just like in humans, NSAIDs can cause side effects in our pets such as vomiting, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. More serious side effects, like kidney or liver toxicity, stomach ulcers and bleeding are possible, too.

Pets will require blood tests when NSAID therapy is started and regularly thereafter (usually every 3 to 6 months, but ask your vet) to monitor for toxicity, including in the stomach, liver and kidneys.

Always consult with your veterinarian about any medicine for your dog or other pet. Human prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine may not be safe for your pet.