Arthritis is a condition that affects mostly older dogs and manifests through the swelling of the joints. The condition cannot be treated, but the pain can be manageable. The dog can receive anti inflammatory drugs along with pain killers. Managing dogs arthritis with aspirin is a way of dealing with arthritis.
Dog Arthritis Management
Dog arthritis can be managed through medication (pain medication and anti inflammatories). If the dog is overweight, the vet will also recommend a diet, which will help the dog lose weight and this will have benefits for the joints as well, relieving from the stress on the joints and reducing pain.
The anti inflammatory drugs that are used in arthritis management include:
- Meloxicam or Metacam
- Carprofen or Rimadyl
- Etodolac
- Deracoxib
- Tepoxalin
These are non steroidal anti inflammatories (NSAIDs). The effect of these NSAIDs includes pain management. These medications can be safely administered to pets that have no kidney or liver condition.
These NSAIDs can be used in conjunction with glucosamine, which is a supplement that can benefit the joints and the cartilages. Ideally, the NSAIDs shouldn’t be taken for too long and the dog has to be monitored for improvement and left on glucosamine supplements once his condition is improving.
Aspirin for Dog Arthritis
Aspirin is a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug that can be used in dogs with arthritis, but it is typically not the first treatment choice. Aspirin is only prescribed if the pet is allergic or doesn’t respond well to the above mentioned NSAIDs that are specially formulated for veterinary used.
Aspirin has been created for human medicine and is occasionally used in veterinary medicine.
The reason why aspirin is not the first choice medication when it comes to arthritis is the fact that aspirin has a lot of side effects and can be toxic, while having the same therapeutic effects as Metacam or other NSAIDs.
Aspirin Side Effects
In arthritis, aspirin has to be administered continually and this can lead to side effects such as:
- Gastric ulcers
- Vomiting
- Liver damage
- Delayed blood clotting
If side effects occur, you need to contact the vet and switch to a different medication.
To prevent stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal distress, you can get buffered aspirin, which is typically better tolerated by canines.
Dosage of Aspirin for Arthritis Dogs
Aspirin is given per pound of body weight and the dosage should be determined by the vet. An overdose of aspirin can cause liver damage and poisoning.
If the dog loses weight during the aspirin treatment, the vet will have to modify the dosage to avoid overdose.
Aspirin can be combined with glucosamine or chondroitin without interacting.
Dog arthritis may also be managed with corticosteroids or if need be, surgery. The hip replacement surgery can significantly improve the condition of a dog with arthritis.
The best course of treatment should be decided by the vet, depending on each dog in part.