Dog Arthritis Aspirin Side Effects

Even if aspirin releases your dog from the pain produced by arthritis, keep in mind that the drug can also harm your dog causing problems such as:

Stomach ulcers
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Toxicity

Aspirin can give your dog serious stomach problems, causing ulcers and other digestive disorders. Bleeding ulcers can be lethal to your dog. Therefore, it not recommended administering it on an empty stomach. It is probably best to grind up the pill and mix it in the dog’s food to make sure you protect the stomach.

Respect the dosage your veterinarian prescribed for your dog since aspirin can be really toxic to your pet. Given that the dosage is calculated in accordance with the dog’s weight, you should take good care at the dosage when you administer it to small breed. It is best to start with a smaller dosage and then increase it if necessary, but do this only under medical supervision.

Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers in Dogs

Stomach ulcers in dogs, caused usually by medication such as aspirin, display the following symptoms:

Vomiting
Presence of blood in vomit
Dark stool due to the presence of blood
Loss of appetite
Weakness
Anemia due to loss of blood

Whenever you spot any of the signs mentioned above, stop administering aspirin and go see your veterinarian.

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Symptoms of Aspirin Toxicity in Dogs

If your dog suffers from aspirin toxicity, he will manifest the following symptoms:

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Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
Lack of appetite
Increased thirst
Dark black stool (melena)
Light urine
Paleness in gums
Diarrhea
Bleeding
Depression and fatigue

If you see any of the above-listed signs, go see your veterinarian and stop administering aspirin immediately.

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Additional Warnings Regarding Aspirin in Dogs

Aspirin should never be given to puppies since they do not have the enzymes necessary to digest it so it will most likely cause problems. The same goes for the enteric coated form of the drug: it should not be given to dogs because they cannot digest the coating, so that the pill passes unprocessed into the tool.