Aspirin Overdose In Dogs: What's Too Much?

Aspirin is a common over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in humans. It is also used in veterinary medicine to treat osteoarthritis and as an aid for pain management and clot prevention in dogs. However, aspirin can be toxic to dogs if ingested in high doses, leading to aspirin poisoning, which can have severe consequences and even result in death. So, can a dog overdose on aspirin?

What is aspirin poisoning?

Aspirin poisoning, or aspirin overdose, occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the recommended amount of this medicine. Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid or ASA, is a common over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation. It is also used to prevent blood clots from forming.

Aspirin poisoning can occur in two ways: acute overdose and chronic overdose. An acute overdose happens when a person takes a very large dose of aspirin at one time, while a chronic overdose occurs when a normal daily dose of aspirin builds up in the body over time and causes symptoms. This can happen if an individual's kidneys are not functioning properly or when they are dehydrated, and it is more common in older people during hot weather.

The symptoms of aspirin poisoning can vary depending on the dose and the individual's health condition. The earliest symptoms may include ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and impaired hearing. Other common symptoms include gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration (bleeding into the stomach/intestines), vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, dark tarry stools, pale gums, weakness, high body temperature, wobbly gait, tremors, seizures, and coma. In more severe cases, aspirin poisoning can lead to damage to organs, including the liver and kidneys, and even death.

If you suspect your dog has ingested aspirin, it is important to contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. They will be able to provide life-saving treatment recommendations and guide you on the next steps to take.

What are the signs of aspirin poisoning?

The signs of aspirin poisoning in dogs can vary depending on the dose and product to which the dog was exposed. However, the most common side effect of aspirin poisoning is gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration (bleeding into the stomach/intestines).

Additional signs related to the gastrointestinal tract include a decreased appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting (possibly with blood), diarrhea, and dark tarry stools. If bleeding into the gut occurs, pale gums, weakness, or depression may be seen.

High doses of aspirin can result in damage to other organs and more serious signs such as an increased respiratory rate (due to the blood becoming too acidic), hyperthermia, a wobbly gait, tremors, seizures, coma, decreased blood clotting, kidney damage, liver damage, and even death.

Other signs of aspirin poisoning may include:

• Loss of coordination
• Respiratory alkalosis (low levels of carbon monoxide in the blood)
• Metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the body)
• Change in thirst or urination
• Bone marrow suppression
• Central nervous system signs (e.g. collapse, extreme weakness, tremors, seizures, cerebral edema)

What to do if you suspect your dog has ingested aspirin

If you suspect your dog has ingested aspirin, it is important to act quickly as aspirin poisoning can be dangerous and even fatal for dogs. Here are the steps you should take:

• Contact your veterinarian or a 24-hour animal poison control service immediately. They will be able to provide you with life-saving treatment recommendations and guide you on the next steps. In the United States, you can reach the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
• Monitor your dog for any common signs and symptoms of aspirin poisoning, which can vary depending on the dose ingested. These may include gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, black-tarry stools, stomach ulcers, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting with blood. Other possible symptoms include hyperthermia, respiratory changes, loss of coordination, collapse, extreme weakness, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, coma or death.
• If instructed by a veterinarian, induce vomiting at home to remove as much aspirin from your dog's stomach as possible. This should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian, as it can be dangerous if not performed correctly.
• Bring your dog to the veterinarian or emergency clinic as soon as possible for further treatment. The veterinarian will likely perform diagnostic tests, including blood work and possibly x-rays, to assess the severity of the poisoning and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Follow the veterinarian's recommendations for treatment and care. This may include hospitalization, fluid therapy, medications to protect the gastrointestinal lining, and monitoring for potential liver or kidney damage.

Remember, it is crucial to act quickly if you suspect your dog has ingested aspirin. Early intervention and treatment significantly improve the chances of a full recovery.

How is aspirin poisoning treated?

If you suspect your dog has ingested aspirin, it is important to contact your veterinarian or a 24/7 animal poison control service immediately. Treatment will depend on the amount of aspirin ingested and the time since ingestion.

If you reach the veterinarian within a few hours of ingestion, they may induce vomiting to eliminate the toxins from the stomach. Activated charcoal may then be administered to decrease absorption of aspirin by the gastrointestinal tract. This should only be administered by a veterinarian, as otherwise, aspiration into the lungs and life-threatening changes in blood sodium levels may occur. Antacids, anti-nausea medications, and stomach protectants are also commonly administered.

Depending on the dose ingested, hospitalisation may be required. Fluids may be administered under the skin or intravenously. Dogs developing more serious signs may require intensive therapy, as they have an increased risk of long-term effects or death. Blood work to monitor the liver and kidney function, as well as the red blood cell count, may be performed. In some cases, oxygen supplementation or a blood transfusion may be required. Liver protectants, muscle relaxants, and medications to control seizures may also be necessary.

In most cases of aspirin poisoning, stomach protectants and a bland diet will be recommended for several days following exposure. Dogs with exposure to higher doses or chronic exposure may require ongoing monitoring for liver or kidney damage.

What care will my dog require after treatment?

If your dog has been treated for aspirin poisoning, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure their health and recovery. Firstly, it is important to follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully. Depending on the severity of the poisoning, your dog may need to be hospitalised for a few days to receive intensive therapy and monitoring.

In most cases, your veterinarian will recommend a bland diet and stomach protectants for several days following exposure. These protectants will help to neutralise stomach acids and prevent further irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. For dogs that have ingested higher doses of aspirin, or have had chronic exposure, additional monitoring for liver or kidney damage may be required, even after they are discharged. If kidney damage has occurred, fluids under the skin may need to be continued at home. Dogs that have liver damage will often be prescribed liver protectants. Depending on your dog's condition, medications and monitoring may need to continue for several days, or even months.

It is important to be aware that liver or kidney damage can compromise the long-term function of dogs who have otherwise recovered from aspirin toxicity. Therefore, it is crucial to closely monitor your dog's health and behaviour after treatment, and to seek veterinary advice if you notice any changes or side effects.

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