You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Aspirin is widely used in human and veterinary medicine - but what is it ?

Aspirin is a drug the chemical name of which is : Acetylsalicylic acid. Aspirin  is one of a large group of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - or NSAIDs  for short. As the title of this group suggests Aspirin is an excellent drug to use to reduce inflammation. In addition aspirin :

• Is an analgesic - helps to reduce pain 
• Is an antipyretic - helps to reduce body temperature
• Has anti-inflammatory effects including reducing tissue swelling
• Helps to prevent platelet aggregation - and so reduces blood clotting tendencies in patients at risk of  thrombosis

Although aspirin is widely used there are some risks associated with it, so owners should NEVER give aspirin that they have for themselves to their animals , because :

• Some species of animal (eg cats) develop toxicity on aspirin and can only be given it with care and under strict veterinary control
• Aspirin does have side effects even in species (like dogs) which tolerate it well, and these can be quite serious, including :
  • Internal bleeding into the stomach
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Vomiting
  • Increased breathing rate
  • Blood clotting problems
  • Aspirin (like all the NSAIDs) can contribute to the development of acute kidney failure if it is given to animals with other risk factors such as old age or pre-existing kidney disease
  • Aspirin can occasionally cause tumours called Teratomas

Aspirin is usually administered by mouth as tablets. The recommended dose rate should never be exceeded, and long term use of the drug should not be encouraged because of the increased likelihood of side-effects developing.

Last updated : March 2008