Over the Counter Medication Archives | Center for Dog Pain Relief

Overview

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Have you ever wondered if you can give aspirin to dogs for pain relief? Let just say, you should not be giving your dog aspirin for pain relief but your veterinarian may prescribe aspirin for your dog. This is an important factor. It should only be administered if prescribed by a veterinarian as it can have fatal consequences. . Read below to learn more about Aspirin and whether or not it may be beneficial to your dog.

What is Aspirin?

Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen, naproxen, and carprofen are also NSAIDs. This category of medication is typically used to treat inflammation, pain, and fever. In addition, Aspirin prevents blood from clotting, acting as an anticoagulant. NSAIDs are often preferred over steroids, due to fewer side effects associated. Always contact your veterinarian before administering any new medication to your dog as aspirin may do more harm than good depending upon a number of factors.

How Does Aspirin Work?

Aspirin functions in dogs the same as it does in humans. The medication works by blocking pain messengers, called prostaglandins, in the body. This allows for pain and inflammation to be temporarily alleviated in the body.

What is Aspirin Used to Treat in Dogs?

Vets usually prescribe aspirin for dogs with osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with these conditions and can offer your dog relief from symptoms.

Osteoarthritis

Aspirin is commonly used for pain control in dogs including pain and discomfort related to osteoarthritis, leg injuries, and dental issues. For long-term management for arthritis, it is not the answer considering the risk of side effects outweigh the benefits. Aspirin is a reasonable option to treat an episode of pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.

Musculoskeletal Issues

The inflammation relieving component of Aspirin can be beneficial to treating musculoskeletal issues. However, there are many alternatives to treat musculoskeletal issues that may be safer long-term, so be sure to consult your vet.

What Are the Side Effects of Aspirin in Dogs?

There are a number of side effects to be aware of when administering Aspirin to your dog. The most common side effects observed in dogs are:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Change in appetite
Black, tarry stool
Mucosal erosion
Ulceration

What Are the Signs of an Aspirin Overdose in Dogs?

While there are side effects associated with Aspirin that may be commonly observed, it’s important to be knowledgeable of what the signs of an Aspirin overdose may look like. If your dog is experiencing any of the below, stop administering the medication and consult a veterinarian immediately.

Lethargy
Fever
Blood in vomit or stool
Disorientation
Coma
Excessive bleeding
Rapid breathing

When Should You Avoid Using Aspirin?

Aspirin should not be administered to dogs with certain existing medical conditions. In addition, inform your vet of any other medications that your dog is currently taking, as Aspirin may counteract with others. Dogs with the below medical conditions should not be administered Aspirin, including:

Aspirin allergies
Asthma
Ulcers
Kidney issues
Liver damage
Bleeding complications
Cancer

What Is the Dosage For Aspirin For Dogs?

Aspirin dosage can best be determined by your veterinarian. If your vet does prescribe aspirin for your dog, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and keep an eye out for side effects. Your vet may fill a prescription in the office or suggest you buy baby aspirin. This is because baby aspirin is a lower-dose medication over adult aspirin that most people have at home.

The dosage of aspirin to give your dog will be dependent upon their size. Typically, smaller dogs receive a smaller dose while larger dogs require more.

Overview

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Benadryl is a home remedy that can be safe and effective in treating several ailments in dogs but you may have asked yourself you can give your dog Benadryl and if so, how much? Remember to always contact your veterinarian before administering any new medication to your dog. Read below to learn more about how Benadryl may be beneficial for your dog.

What is Benadryl?

Benadryl, generic name diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine that is used to relieve symptoms of allergies, rashes, and the common cold but does not treat underlying conditions. The medication comes in different forms including oral (tablets, chewable tablets, etc.) and topical cream spray, and gel.

How Does Benadryl Work?

Since Benadryl is an antihistamine, it counteracts histamine which is what the body produces during an allergic reaction. H-1 receptors, which are found on tiny blood arteries and smooth muscles, are blocked by Benadryl. When histamine binds to these receptors, it causes the blood vessels around the airways to enlarge, producing irritation and itching, as well as the muscles around the airways to constrict, making breathing difficult. The medication possesses drying effects on symptoms including watery eye, runny nose, sneezing, and itching.

Benadryl’s anti-motion sickness effect is achieved by inhibiting signals to the brain’s vomiting region. This only pertains to dogs and not humans.

What Are the Side Effects of Benadryl in Dogs?

There are several side effects to be aware of when administering Benadryl to your dog. The most common side effects observed in dogs are:

Lethargy
Dry mouth/increased thirst
Urinary retention
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lack of appetite

What Are the Signs of a Benadryl Overdose in Dogs?

While there are side effects associated with Benadryl that may be commonly observed, it’s important to be knowledgeable of what the signs of a Benadryl overdose may look like. If your dog is experiencing any of the below, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Abnormal heart rate or blood pressure
Excessive salivation
Seizures
Tremors
Trouble breathing
Agitation or aggression
Fever

What is Benadryl Used to Treat in Dogs?

Allergies

Benadryl for dogs is often used to treat itchiness that is caused by skin allergies. However, it may also be used to alleviate symptoms caused by other allergies including hives, environmental allergies, reactions to bee stings and vaccines, and other types of inflammation. Benadryl is effective in treating mild to moderate reactions. However, more serious reactions should be seen by a vet.

Short-term Anxiety

The sedative effects in Benadryl may help dogs struggling with anxiety and phobias. However, it’s only a short term solution and should not be used in dogs that need anxiety medication on a regular, long-term basis.

Motion Sickness

Benadryl for dogs is often used to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness. It’s especially effective if your dog needs to be transported a longer distance. The same receptors in your dog’s body that bind to histamines are associated with motion sickness, which is why Benadryl helps to reduce nausea during travel. In addition to this, the drowsiness caused by Benadryl may help to keep your dog calm during their trip.

When Should You Avoid Using Benadryl?

Benadryl should not be administered to dogs with certain existing medical conditions. In addition, inform your vet of any other medications that your dog is currently taking, as Benadryl may counteract with others. Dogs with the below medical conditions should not be administered Benadryl, including:

Low blood pressure
Cardiac conditions (including cardiovascular disease)
Glaucoma
Allergic to antihistamines
Currently pregnant
Neonatal dogs
Prostate enlargement
Bladder or intestinal obstruction

What Is the Dosage For Benadryl For Dogs?

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the safe dosage is 2-4 milligrams of Benadrylper kilogram of weight, or 0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound. This dosage can typically be administered two to three times daily. However, Benadryl dosage can best be determined by your veterinarian.

Be sure that the benadryl tablets contain only diphenhydramine and no alcohol. Do not administer time-release medication, as it can break down in the stomach at a faster rate than in humans and can lead to an overdose. In addition, speak to your vet before administering liquid Benadryl, as the liquid version is not absorbed the same as a tablet.

Remember to contact your veterinarian before administering a new medication, including over the counter medication. You can find a new vet through our specialist directory.