For HUMANS. Actually, 2 baby aspirin a day is a new health recommendation, especially for men over 40 years old. For women, the ‘jury’ is still out (as it is with most health recommendations that are one day good for you, the next day -bad).
But what about your dog?
Many pet owners occasionally supplement with baby aspirin for short term relief. And many do this with their vets’ blessings.
Here’s a brief discussion on aspirin use in dogs from this week’s Vet-Advantage Weekly News:
Dog Aspirin Debated in Online VIN Discussion: Over-the-counter aspirin was discussed in a recent online discussion from members of the Veterinary Information Network and highlighted in a VIN News Service article. Some members “expressed surprise to learn that aspirin comes in packages labeled for dogs and available on store shelves,” the report said. Aspirin has long been packaged and marketed for dogs. While the use of aspirin to treat animals has waned in the face of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medications, owners and veterinarians have administered aspirin to alleviate pain in animals for at least a century. “That doesn’t make it a good drug for dogs,” said Steven C. Budsberg, DVM, a professor of surgery at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Yet reviews from dog owners about their experiences with giving dogs aspirin posted on 1-800-PetMeds, billed as “America’s largest pet pharmacy,” were positive, according to the same article. Dr. Michael Dym, a New Jersey-based homeopathic veterinarian, wrote on the site that he finds aspirin as effective and cheaper than other, newer drugs. He noted that he often directs owners to give it at a much lower dose than the 10 mg per pound that is often recommended.
