I'm worried about giving aspirin to my dog for his arthritis. He's a 70-pound Labrador. Does anyone know the right dosage, or is there a safer alternative I should try first? Thanks for any advice!

Hi there! It's totally understandable to be concerned about helping your Lab with arthritis. While aspirin has been used in dogs, it's always best to proceed with caution and ideally under veterinary guidance. Here’s what you should know:

Aspirin Dosage and Warnings:

• For a 70-pound dog, the general dosage is around 10mg per pound, but please confirm this with your vet to ensure it's safe for your dog’s specific health status.
• Dogs can potentially experience side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, or even gastrointestinal ulcers from aspirin. If you notice any of these, stop the medication and contact your vet.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Look out for vomiting, a loss of appetite, or black, tarry stools as these can indicate gastrointestinal issues.
• Watch for any new signs of discomfort or weakness, especially if they're different from his usual arthritis symptoms.

Emergencies vs. What Can Wait:

• If your dog shows severe symptoms like vomiting blood, has collapsed, or shows extreme weakness, it’s an emergency, and you should seek veterinary help immediately.
• If he seems a bit off but there’s no vomiting or severe lethargy, you can monitor for a short time, but still call your vet as soon as possible.

Safer Alternatives:

• There are many safer, vet-prescribed alternatives for managing arthritis pain, like carprofen or meloxicam, which are specifically designed for dogs.
• Joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can also support joint health and are generally safe for dogs.

If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.