Saturday, March 30, 2013

So Can I Give my Dog Aspirin for Pain?

By Geraldine Dimarco


All of us profess a deep love for our dogs-and why not? They are great to be around with and they love us unconditionally. We want the best for them but unfortunately, we can't shield them from all the aches and pains that many canine diseases bring. We must find out more about the things that we can give them so that we don't make the mistake of administering to them the wrong medication and risk further harming their health.

There are several dog diseases that are painful. Animals are not equipped to express their pain with human words so we don't always know what is the reason and source of their discomfort. It lies to us, the responsible dog owners that we are, to familiarize ourselves with the common sicknesses that abound in the canine community so we know what to do to effectively treat their dog pain.

A frequently asked question is this-can I give my dog aspirin for pain? Aspirin, as you know, is a mild pain medication that we take for minor aches and pains. Well, it may seem harmless to us-but not to animals. Human pain relief formulations are harmful to our pets and will cause them long term damages in their health when used often, even in small dosages.

Many alternative drugs are available in the market that you can use to help get rid of your pet's pain. NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed by most vets to treat pain. These NSAIDs are often taken in conjunction with supplements that specifically alleviate arthritic discomfort. Rimadyl, Etogesic, Novox and Zubrin are examples of NSAIDs deemed generally safe for usage.

More and more pet owners are turning to natural and homeopathic therapies to help them deal with their pet's dog pain. They are generally safer than most drugs because they contain natural elements instead of manufactured synthetic chemicals to treat any deficiencies. You can find many of these great supplements in reliable pet-care stores online.

Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Advil and Acetaminophen are over-the-counter drugs that should never be given to dogs in pain. These prescription drugs may be fine with humans, but they contain chemicals that the dog's system cannot take without lasting damage done to his system. If an animal is in extreme pain and suffering, vets sometimes concede to administering narcotics or steroids-but never ever give it without your vet's express approval.

Human pain relief medications are toxic to dogs. Aspirin thins out the bloodstream which creates serious health problems; especially if your dog just underwent a major surgery, has an internal injury, or is experiencing acute bruising in his body. If you're still wondering-can I give my dog aspirin for pain? The answer is a definite no.

Remember to take your dog to the vet for periodic check-ups. This is to ensure that any form of dog disease will be detected early, thus preventing it from escalating. Learn more about your pet's health and enjoy the best years of your best friend's life from this day on!




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