Treating Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs
Aspirin poisoning in dogs is severe and requires immediate care from your veterinarian. Do not attempt to treat your pet by yourself. As soon as you stabilize your dog, it would be best to get them to the animal hospital or vet as quickly as possible. If aspirin poisoning is left untreated, your dog could end up critically ill, injured, or dead. The first step is to recognize the symptoms of aspirin poisoning. Common symptoms include:
- Drooling or panting
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Coma
- Lethargy
- An arched back, indicating abdominal pain
- Tremors or seizures
- Shock
Call the vet or pet poison hotline the moment you notice symptoms. They will be able to talk you through stabilizing your dog and help determine what kind of medical care will be necessary. Depending on your dog’s symptoms, stabilization may include opening your dog’s airways, limiting movement, or helping your dog take fluids. Next, induce vomiting to force the aspirin from the dog’s stomach. Your vet or pet poison control line will walk you through the proper steps. Hydrogen peroxide is given orally to induce vomiting in dogs. The affected dog should vomit within 15 minutes. Only induce vomiting under the instruction of a vet or pet poison control line.
It is time to take your dog to the animal hospital or veterinarian. Your dog needs veterinary help as soon as they are stable. Even if you induce vomiting before any severe or critical symptoms develop, your dog will need immediate vet care. There is no specific therapy for aspirin poisoning in dogs. Your vet may prescribe medicine to reduce acid production or to provide a protective barrier in the dog’s stomach. Ask your vet about supportive care. Your dog will need supportive care once the immediate threat of poisoning has passed. Your vet will develop a supportive care plan encompassing in-clinic and at-home care.
As a pet owner, you must be proactive in preventing aspirin poisoning in your dog. Learn the maximum safe dose for dogs. Most vets recommend 15 to 20 mg/kg of aspirin over 48 hours. The exact amount your dog should receive at a single time will depend on its weight. Furthermore, keep the aspirin out of your dog’s reach. Move products containing aspirin to areas your dog cannot easily access.
