HEAD: The Lowdown On Doggy Aspirin
When your pet is in pain, it’s natural to want to do something immediate to help them feel better—but that shouldn’t include giving any over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications made for people. East Padden veterinarians warn that aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, NSAIDs, naproxen and any pain reliever made for human consumption should be avoided at all costs as they could be dangerous and even fatal to your dog or cat.
But what about those bottles of “doggy aspirin” sold in pet stores and online? Don’t buy it. This is just low-dose regular aspirin repackaged and sold at a higher price to worried pet owners. At best it is ineffective—at worst, it can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and bleeding disorders.
If your pet is experiencing acute or chronic pain, a visit to your veterinarian is necessary, to first identify the cause and then determine the best course for pain management. It may be that your pet can get relief from a non-pharmaceutical remedy, but if the vet feels that drugs are needed, he or she can prescribe the one that is best for your pet’s needs.
If you have questions about managing your pet’s pain, don’t hesitate to make an appointment online or call us at 999-999-9999.