Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs
Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Aspirin Poisoning?
Aspirin is sometimes prescribed to dogs for treatment of osteoarthritis and as an aid to pain management. Some pets may experience side effects from long term use, which is why careful monitoring of your pet’s health is an essential part of veterinary care. There are instances of course, when your dog may be exposed to toxic amounts of aspirin accidentally, due to the inquisitive nature of canines. A dog’s powerful jaws can easily chew through a medication bottle, allowing for the ingestion of aspirin in doses that may lead to acute toxicity.
Aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug also known as acetylsalicylic acid or ASA, is extremely dangerous to your pet if ingested in toxic doses. Aspirin may be used for pain management for your dog by a veterinarian under close consultation. Never administer aspirin to your dog without speaking with a veterinarian as toxicity is easily experienced with even a minor error in dosage.
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Aspirin Poisoning Average Cost
From 48 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,800
Average Cost
$500
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Symptoms of Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs
Symptoms will vary depending on the amount ingested, but if you see your dog consume aspirin or suspect that he may have, early treatment is imperative to a successful recovery. Symptoms of aspirin poisoning in dogs include:
  • Hypernea (increased depth of breathing)
  • Respiratory alkalosis (low levels of carbon monoxide in the blood)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Gastric irritation
  • Depression
  • Fever
  • Metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the body)
  • Liver necrosis
  • Loss of coordination
  • Black feces
  • Seizure
  • Collapse or coma
Causes of Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog is receiving a daily dose of aspirin, a build up of aspirin may become a chronic overdose. Keeping the veterinarian informed through regular consultation is important if your dog is on a prescribed dose of ASA. Accidental ingestion may lead to acute toxicity, whereas emergency treatment is necessary. It is important to note that products such as Alka Seltzer and Pepto Bismol also contain aspirin, which may cause toxicity if your pet is exposed and consumes the product. Hundreds of over the counter products contain aspirin. If you suspect that your pet may have eaten medication of any kind, a veterinarian visit is crucial.
Diagnosis of Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs
Symptoms of acute poisoning usually occur within four to six hours of ingestion but you should never wait for signs of toxicity to appear before taking your dog to the clinic. With aspirin poisoning, it is of paramount importance to focus on the severity of the toxicity. If possible, bring the aspirin or medication container with you to the veterinarian hospital or emergency clinic. Describe thoroughly the symptoms that your have noticed in your pet.
The veterinarian will take a blood sample to assess the cell counts in your pet’s blood. Clotting abilities, anemia and electrolyte abnormalities are all indicative to the severity of the overdose. Because aspirin is rapidly absorbed in the stomach, vomiting, diarrhea and internal hemorrhaging will give the veterinarian further indications of the diagnosis. Renal compromise and risk of convulsion are possible in severe cases of aspirin poisoning. Therefore, the veterinarian may also take a urine sample and perform an ultrasound.
Treatment of Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs
Diagnosis and treatment of your dog by the veterinarian will be more successful with early intervention after intoxication. If your dog has been affected in the liver, kidneys or bone marrow, recovery is not always possible. Nonetheless, full recovery is fortunately the prognosis for most pets who have ingested toxic amounts of ASA.
The veterinarian will immediately begin fluid therapy to correct and regulate blood cell production, glucose, and electrolyte levels . If you have arrived at the clinic within two to three hours of your pet consuming the aspirin, the veterinarian may induce vomiting to eliminate the toxins from the stomach. Active charcoal, which aids in the absorption of toxins, may be used under strict monitoring. If your dog is unresponsive, gastric lavage (pumping out the stomach to remove contents) will be done to decontaminate and clean the stomach. Gastrointestinal protectants, which will neutralize the stomach acids, will be administered and medication may be given to help with the reversal and repair of any organ damage that may have taken place.
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Recovery of Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs
The goal of the veterinarian, when dealing with aspirin poisoning in dogs, is to decontaminate your pet’s system and minimize further toxicant absorption. Elimination of the toxins is essential to the full recovery of your pet. With normal use, aspirin is eliminated from the body in approximately seven hours. With an acute toxicity, a hospital stay of two to several days may be required to monitor your pet’s recovery. Full recovery is possible (unless there has been severe damage to the liver and kidneys) with prompt aggressive treatment, and follow up care that may involve medication to restore the stomach lining.
Aspirin Poisoning Average Cost
From 48 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,800
Average Cost
$500
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Aspirin Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Pomchi
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5 Years
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9 found this helpful

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9 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
My 6 pound Pomchi may have eaten a 325 mg Aspirin around 9:00 a.m. EST this morning. She's breathing kind of heavy and not acting like herself.
Dec. 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
9 Recommendations
This is a large amount of paracetamol. While we use this drug, we give it at a dose of 10mg/kg so your dog would thus get about 25mg from a vet. He had 13 times this amount and, at this dose, we can certainly see adverse effects. He needs to see a vet immediately and will likely require treatment including intravenous fluid therapy and charcoal meals.
Dec. 19, 2020
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Maltipoo
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Nine Years
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4 found this helpful

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4 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Ate A Bottle Full
My dog just ate approximately 4 full tablets of Dog aspirin
July 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
4 Recommendations
Hello, So sorry that your dog is having issues. If he ate a whole bottle, it would be best to see your vet. This can cause GI bleeding and ulcers. Your vet can help your dog vomit these pills. I hope your dog starts to feel better soon.
July 25, 2020
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Labrador Retriever
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dog-age-icon
Seven Years
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9 found this helpful

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9 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
None
Tonight, I put on a natural face lotion and a 2% salicylic acid treatment on my face. It mostly dried. My 70 pound Labrador then snuck in one lick of my chin. I was not worried since this seems like a very small exposure, then I read how toxic aspirin and related ingredients can be to dogs. Should I be worried? I gave him some drinks of water immediately afterwards, but he only drank a little bit because he was already half asleep during all of this. Should I be worried? Thank you!
July 15, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
9 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. That small amount of ointment should not cause any problems for a large dog. If he ate a tube or licked a lot of it off of you, I would be concerned. I hope that all goes well for him!
July 15, 2020
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maltese mix
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dog-age-icon
2 Years
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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain Due To Broken Nail
How long does one 1/2 tablet of aspirin stay in a dog's system? the dog is a little over 10 pounds.
July 13, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Aspirin is not recommended for dogs, as it can cause GI ulceration and kidney problems. Before changing to a safer pain medication, we often wait 72 hours before using a different medication. If the nail is broken, having a veterinarian look at it would be best for your dog.
July 13, 2020
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Pug
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Oscar
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6 Years
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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
We gave our pug a 300mg Aspirin tablet, all morning he hasn’t stopped vomiting. He weighs 26lbs and the directions said 8-12mg/lb, so we thought the whole tablet was ok. It also expired 4/17 so I figured it wasn’t as potent. My husband is scared his vomiting is due to an overdose.
Aug. 10, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Oscars vomiting may be due to the aspirin, as dogs don't tend to tolerate human medications very well, and those medications can cause kidney failure or GI bleeds and upset. If he is continuing to vomit, it would be best to have him seen at a veterinary clinic today to be evaluated and see what supportive care he might need. I hope that he is okay.
Aug. 10, 2018
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Shepherd mix
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Layla
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4 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
I gave my 55 lb dog 300 mg of dog aspirin. She had not eaten for a few hours when she took it and vomited a few hours later. Some of the tablet was visible so I dont think she absorbed the full dosage. She vomited 2 more times a couple hours after that. I called the vet who said the low dosage should not have caused vomiting but to keep an eye on her. She seems fine now and I'm giving her rice, chicken and lots of water but I'm wondering if theres anything else I should do from home over the next few days.
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Austrailian Shepard
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Hazel
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8 Months
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0 found this helpful

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My pet has the following symptoms:
None
I have a puppy that is 8 months old. She loves to chew on a lot of things. She has eaten several remotes, a couple of watches, a pair of sunglasses, and most recently like last night while we slept a bottle of baby aspirin. The bottle has maybe 5 missing out of it and I found 9 of them. She isn't showing any signs to me that I can see but not sure what to do. Can anyone help me?
Aspirin Poisoning Average Cost
From 48 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,800
Average Cost
$500
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