The 81mg aspirin is a low-dose hydroxychloroquine drug that can help relieve pain. However, aspirin usage in dogs can result in fatal toxicity if used inappropriately. The following guide helps you know how much aspirin you can give your dog, depending on breed and size.
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How Much 81mg Aspirin Can I Give My Dog?
The right amount of aspirin to give your dog is 5 to 10 milligrams per pound of the dog’s weight, which you should give at regular intervals of around 12 hours or as prescribed by the veterinarian.
An 81mg aspirin, also known as low-dose aspirin or baby aspirin, is smaller than 325 mg aspirin. You can consider giving your dog the following amounts of 81mg aspirin, depending on the dog’s weight and underlying health conditions.
One Baby Aspirin
One baby aspirin contains around 81 milligrams of aspirin, an appropriate dosage for dogs weighing 5 to 10 pounds. The following are dog breeds that weigh up to 10 pounds when fully grown.
- Boston Terrier
- Pekingese
- Miniature Fox terrier
A Half Baby Aspirin
It’s advisable to give dogs that weigh less than 5 pounds around 25 to 50 milligrams of aspirin. Considering that a full baby aspirin contains 81 milligrams, consider giving these dogs a half-baby aspirin as it has around 40 milligrams. Some of the common dog breeds that weigh less than 5 pounds include:
- Chinese Crested
- Pomeranian
- Chihuahua
One-and-a-Half Baby Aspirin
It’s advisable to give around 120 milligrams, equivalent to one and a half of baby aspirin, to dogs weighing 10 to 20 pounds twice a day. However, the number of times you give your dog might vary depending on the health condition.
According to the American Kennel Club, the following are some of the common dog breeds that weigh up to 20 pounds.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Miniature Poodle
- West Highland Terrier
Two Low Dose Aspirin
Veterinarians recommend you don’t exceed two tablets for any dog. The amount of aspirin in 2 baby aspirins is around 160 milligrams. Typically, this is around half the aspirin contained in an adult aspirin of 325 mg.
That means you can give the dog half the adult aspirin instead of two baby aspirin. It is advisable to give this aspirin to dogs weighing 20 to 30 pounds. The following are some of the common dog breeds that weigh more than 20 pounds:
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Beagle
- Border Collie
Side Effects of Aspirin Usage
Technically, aspirin is a good and safe drug for dogs when you use it according to the veterinarian’s instructions. However, if you excessively give aspirin to your dog, it can lead to abnormal reactions and the following side effects.
Kidney Disease
Overdose of aspirin can affect the kidney’s normal functioning by reducing blood flow to the kidneys, especially for dogs with underlying kidney problems. It’s advisable to give aspirin to dogs with kidney diseases to prevent them from severe kidney irritations.
If you have already given your dog aspirin, watch for signs related to kidney problems, such as thirst, appetite change, and vomiting.
Stomach Ulcers
Long-term aspirin usage may lead to stomach ulcers or increase pain in dogs with ulcers rather than reducing it. A common sign of stomach ulcers is the blood that looks dark and tar-like in your dog’s stool.
General Stomach Discomfort
Aspirin contains essential substances that protect the stomach’s delicate lining from getting affected by the drug. The protection layer created by the substances may result in general stomach discomfort.
It’s advisable to give your dog buffered aspirin as it’s absorbed more quickly in the blood system than unbuffered aspirin, reducing the chances of stomach upsets.
Related Questions
Is 81mg Aspirin Good for All Dogs?
Yes, aspirin is a good drug for all dog breeds. However, it’s not good for dogs with underlying health issues as it might worsen them. It is, therefore, advisable to take your dog to a veterinarian before giving it aspirin and other over-the-counter drugs.
Is There an Alternative to Aspirin?
You can use other prescriptions, such as meloxicam and carprofen, as alternatives under your veterinarian’s recommendation. You can use these alternatives if your dog has other health conditions that might worsen or cause irritation when you use aspirin.
When Can I Give My Dog 81mg Aspirin?
Being one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory groups of medicines, you can use aspirin to relieve severe pain and moderate musculoskeletal issues in your dog. Your dog’s vet might suggest aspirin for other specific conditions, such as managing osteoarthritis effects.
Conclusion
With the above guide, you can know how much 81mg aspirin to give your dog, depending on the weight and breed. It is also important to use the drug under the prescription and guidance of the veterinarian to minimize the chances of other health risks to your dog.
