by Karen Ellis

Created on: July 18, 2008   Last Updated: July 23, 2008

Humans have been taking different forms of aspirin to alleviate aches and pains for centuries. Aspirin is a plausible medication to ease the discomfort your dog is experiencing when getting to the veterinarian is not an option. The most important criteria for administering aspirin to your dog is to make sure he get's the proper dosage.

Aspirin is used primarily, as a long term medication, for dogs with arthritis. It will alleviate joint pain and swelling as an anti-inflammatory and will reduce fever. Keep it handy when traveling with your dog as a quick fix for pain if your dog sustains an injury or an infection with fever when medical attention is not readily available.

Aspirin Dosage

Aspirin is a medication that veterinarians regularly prescribe for minor aches and pain.

*For a 8 pound dog give baby aspirin
*For a 16 pound dog give 1 whole baby aspirin
*For a 32 pound dog give 2 whole baby aspirin (or adult)
*For a 48 pound dog give 3 whole baby aspirin (or adult)
*For a 64 pound dog give 4 whole baby aspirin (or 1 adult)
*For a 80 pound dog give 5 whole baby aspirin (or 1 adult)
*For a 96 pound dog give 6 whole baby aspirin (or 1 adult)

It is best not to start with the maximum amount. Start with a little less and see how your dog does rather than taking a chance that he may have stomach sensativity to it. If he seems to have relief with a smaller dosage, all the better. Also, you will want to watch how the dog reacts the first time he takes aspirin. It can be toxic for dogs in too high of doses.

In cases with dogs that have arthritic joints, extra enzymes are produced at the damaged area. Aspirin attaches to these enzymes sending messages to the brain that lesson pain and swelling. Young puppies should never be given aspirin as they do not yet make these enzymes.

Your dog may be sensitive to aspirin, just as some humans are. If he seems to get an upset stomach or vomits, especially if it is tinged with blood, stop administering aspirin immediately.

How to Give Oral Medication to a Dog

If the medication can be administered with food, the pill can be hidden in a bit of peanut butter, cream cheese or canned dog food. It is however, easier if you can smash the aspirin then divide it according to the dose for your dog's size and then mix it in his food. Adding food to the aspirin is a good idea when giving it to your dog as a precaution against stomach upset. If you administer the aspirin whole, this may not work because your dog loves the special treat of food, but spits

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