Aspirin and Arthritis
I have a
seven year old chow that has started an exercise program of walking about
1-2 miles a day. After we walk I give him 2 aspirin.... is that ok? Are
there any precautions I should know of or should be doing for him. I will
massage his hips if he really is sore other than that I feel bad for him.
We even alternated days walking so he would get rest. Any suggestions?
Although exercise is generally healthy for everyone, you should never force your dog to walk to the point of pain. As a dog gets older, it is natural for age related changes in the skeleton and joints to limit his durability. Some dogs can walk or run for miles, well into their senior years. Others develop arthritis and other problems, and must have only limited exercise after the age of five.
Aspirin is fine for dogs, and commonly used to treat arthritic pain, for it is a potent anti-inflammatory drug. It is highly acidic, and can irritate the stomach. It should be given with food or on a full stomach. If nausea or vomiting is noticed, the dose should be reduced. In general, a five grain aspirin, about 325 mg, administered twice daily is sufficient for a fifty to seventy pound dog. Higher doses may not be more effective, and do run more of a chance of stomach upset.
Your veterinarian may have other, more effective medications for arthritic pain. If your dog is painful because of the long walks, you shorten with walks to prevent the pain, rather than trying to relieve the pain with aspirin after the fact.
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