When an animal becomes sick or injured, our first instinct is often to administer aid in any way that we can. A common question among pet owners is whether human medications, such as baby aspirin, can be administered to companion animals, such as puppies. It is important to understand what effects baby aspirin can have on a puppy before administering such a medication.
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Function
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Baby aspirin is a smaller-dose aspirin designed for babies and children, but you can also administer it to a puppy that is experiencing pain in certain situations. Aspirin, which is also referred to as acetylsalicylic acid, has three main functions: it works as an analgesic for the relief of minor pains and aches, as an antipyretic for the reduction of fever and as an anti-inflammatory. In these ways, you can use aspirin to alleviate fevers, joint pain, pain associated with injuries and inflammation in puppies.
Types
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Pain relievers come in different types and dosages, such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen and Aspirin. These pain relievers contain different active ingredients, and some can be more harmful than others in dogs. According to Caroline Tanaka, a veterinarian, different veterinarians may recommend different pain relievers depending on the puppy's health and what is causing the pain. Baby aspirin is generally recommended because it can be administered in small doses, relieving pain without causing harm to the puppy.
Dosage
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The proper dosage of baby aspirin should be determined based on the weight of the puppy. Eight-pound puppies can safely take 1/2 baby aspirin or less, which is approximately 40 milligrams. For each additional eight pounds of weight, the dosage should climb by 40 milligrams or 1/2 of an aspirin tablet. For example, a 16-pound puppy can take one baby aspirin, or 80 milligrams or baby aspirin. This dosage can be administered every 12 hours.
Consideration
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It is important to start small and work your way up the dosage scale when administering baby aspirin to a puppy. The dog may be able to experience relief with a lower dose, and this is preferable. Baby aspirins are smaller than standard aspirin tablets at about 80 milligrams in comparison to 325 milligrams, meaning that the aforementioned dosage scale works out to approximately 5 milligrams of aspirin per pound of body weight.
Warning
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It is important to consult a veterinarian before you administer baby aspirin to a puppy. Your veterinarian will be able to give you advice and information on the right dosage for your puppy. Your veterinarian may also be able to prescribe a better suited treatment depending on what ailment your puppy is suffering from. Administering baby aspirin at home is not a substitute for proper veterinary care.
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