When a dog is in pain from illness or injury, his owners must use caution when choosing pain management medications. Common over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications are often poisonous to dogs, depending on dosage and ingredients. Ibuprofen in dogs can cause kidney or gastrointestinal damage, according to the ASPCA, and naproxen and acetaminophen are also dangerous to their health. Give your dog aspirin if it's recommended by your veterinarian, and consult him about long-term pain management with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for dogs, if needed.
Things You'll Need
- Pill cutter (optional)
- Peanut butter, meat or cheese
- Water (optional)
- Syringe (optional)
Instructions
Contact your veterinarian if your dog is in pain. Your dog's presenting problem and medical history will largely determine the appropriate treatment, medication and dosage. She may advise you to purchase prescription medication or use OTC medication, depending on the situation.
Follow your veterinarian's recommendations, and obtain the proper medication.
Select the recommended dosage from the container, per your veterinarian's instructions. The typical dosage of aspirin is 5mg per pound of body weight, but this may vary by your dog's individual needs. Cut a pill in half using the pill cutter, if needed, to achieve the right dosage for your dog's weight. It's very important to give just the right dose and no more: With dogs, just a relatively small overdose of aspirin can have toxic effects.
Tuck the pill into a dollop of peanut butter or a small piece of meat or cheese to feed it to your dog.
Watch for medication side effects or symptoms of poisoning. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, black stool, pale gums or any type of bleeding will require immediate medical attention. Call your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your dog's mood, behaviors or bodily functions.
Repeat the dosage as scheduled by your veterinarian. Do not increase the dosage or frequency without consulting your veterinarian first.