Aspirin Usage in Dogs for Pain

As a practicing veterinarian, I am presented the question about aspirin usage in pets for pain control. This topic is certainly one of importance as it seems that a high percentage of pets are afflicted with painful conditions such as arthritis. Over the counter pain medications (OTC) are numerous and include most commonly Aspirin (acetylsalicyclic acid)and Tylenol (acetominophen). We have many clients that attempt to use these types of medications at home to control their pet's pain, but caution must be used for many reasons.

Most of the OTC pain medications fall into a class of drugs called "non-steroidal anti-inflammatories" or simply NSAIDs. These medications inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes and thus reduce the production of an inflammatory molecule termed prostaglandins. Now, the topic is much more complicated than this and there are a couple of different types of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes as well as multiple forms of prostaglandins, each with their own action and impact on our health.

The point is that these medications may all fall into the same category of being NSAIDs but there may be significant variation in terms of effectiveness as well as toxicity. Also, these medications are labeled for human use and thus results in animals have not been studied extensively. Known side effects of these medications, based on human data, include gastrointestinal ulcerations, bleeding and possible kidney damage.

Aspirin has been used in pets as well as in horses for a long time, however, the results in terms of pain reduction can leave a lot to be desired. Aspirin can commonly have side effects of gastric ulceration, GI bleeding, vomiting and anorexia not to mention a reduced ability to clot their blood. Overdosage of aspirin can have life threatening complications due to an worsening of the above mentioned side effects.

Acetominophen or Tylenol is another commonly administered OTC NSAID in pets by their owners. Acetominophen should NEVER be administered to cats due to a potentially life threatening toxic reaction. Usage in dogs can create the same side effects as seen with aspirin, however with prolonged usage, acetominophen can also have toxic side effects in dogs resulting in death.

In the veterinary field, we have species specific prescription pain medications that fall into this same drug classification (NSAID). They appear to have fewer side effects, but none the less can have life threatening complications. None of these medications are completely safe and free of side effects.

The best practice in my mind and in my practice is to utilize natural remedies such as our Cur-OST formulas that have proven anti-inflammatory properties, similar to the NSAIDs but with minimal side effects. Our Cur-OST line of products were created specifically for our patients to help reduce the need for prescription pain medications, provide relief naturally and provide an improved quality of life.

Always use caution with prescription or OTC pain medications and consult your veterinarian before usage. Side effects are common, especially in those pets that may already have underlying health issues.

All my best.

Tom Schell, D.V.M.