Buffered aspirin for dogs

Buffered aspirin for dogs is an aspirin that`s coated with a substance that can neutralize acid and is meant to provide pain relief. Aspirin is also known as acetylsalicylic acid, and is used as an analgesic and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Salicylic acid is found in the willow tree, myrtle bush and the bark of the birch tree.

Buffered Aspirin

Buffered aspirin is an NSAID or a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits the production of COX2 enzymes that cause pain and inflammation. There are two types of COX enzymes, namely COX1 and COX2. While COX1 enzymes are beneficial and help maintain the mucous lining of the stomach, COX2 enzymes are not beneficial. Buffered aspirin is very effective as it only attacks the COX2 enzymes in the body.

Administration of Buffered Aspirin

Buffered aspirin can be administered safely to dogs of all ages and breeds and helps to increase mobility and reduce pain, lameness and inflammation in arthritic dogs. It`s an over the counter drug that provides relief from pain and inflammation caused by injury, surgery, arthritis or joint disease. Although it`s not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use on animals, it`s commonly prescribed for dogs.

Video: Dog First Aid

Dosage and Types of Buffered Aspirin

Buffered aspirin is available in tablet form and the recommended dosage is 5 to 10 mg per pound of the dog`s weight, administered every 8 to 12 hours. Some brand names of buffered aspirin that are available are Ascriptin, Bufferin, Palaprin, Aftercare, Arthricare, Bayer and Drs. Foster and Smith Buffered Canine Aspirin. The medication should be stored at room temperature and away from moisture.

Side Effects of Buffered Aspirin:

• Ulcers
• Allergic reactions
• Kidney damage
• Anemia
• Blood loss
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

Video: Dog First Aid Kit

Overdose

If an overdose of aspirin is administered to your pet, he should be taken to the vet immediately. Some of the symptoms of an overdose are depression, vomiting, blood in the stool or vomit, fever, loss of appetite, seizures, coma and even death.

Precautions

The tablet should be administered orally with food, because it can cause ulcers if administered on an empty stomach. Buffered aspirin shouldn`t be administered to dogs that are allergic to the drug and shouldn`t be used together with caffeine, codeine or acetaminophen, as it can prove to be fatal. Dogs that have stomach ulcers, asthma or kidney disease shouldn`t be given buffered aspirin. If the dog has to undergo surgery, it`s important to discontinue aspirin treatment a week prior to avoid bleeding problems during the surgery or afterward. The drug is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating dogs and shouldn`t be used with other anti-inflammatory medicines or NSAID drugs. If your pet is on other medication, buffered aspiring should only be administered after discussing the pros and cons with your vet.

The usage of buffered aspirin is preferred to enteric-coated aspirin and is an inexpensive and effective way to provide temporary relief from pain to your pet.

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