10 Alternatives To Baby Aspirin In Yorkies

Your beloved pet Yorkie’s health and well-being is undoubtedly a priority for you, as their owner. As a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience (and also with a Yorkie at home), I make it my personal mission to inform dog owners what they can and can’t give their pets when they are sick. Baby aspirin is one of the most common over the counter medications I am asked about in the clinic. Let’s dig into everything you need to know about baby aspirin and Yorkies.

First – What Is Baby Aspirin?

“Baby aspirin” is a term commonly used to refer to low-dose aspirin. It generally contains 81 milligrams of aspirin per tablet, which is less than the standard 325 mg dose found in regular aspirin tablets.

Second – Can It Be Safely Given To A Yorkie?

Only in the smallest doses can baby aspirin be given to Yorkies. A full adult aspirin could cause the death of a tiny Yorkie. I only recommend the smallest amount possible and then only when there are no other alternatives (such as a late at night emergency in a snowstorm up in the mountains with no vet within 50 miles).

What Can Aspirin Be Used For In Dogs?

Aspirin is sometimes used in dogs for similar reasons it is used in humans: to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, or lower fever. However, it must be used with caution and under the supervision of a veterinarian because dogs have a different metabolism than humans and are more susceptible to the side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin.

Here are some conditions for which a vet might prescribe aspirin for a dog:

1. Osteoarthritis or Joint Pain: Aspirin can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with joint problems in dogs.
2. Post-surgery Pain: Sometimes, after surgery or an injury, a vet might recommend aspirin for short-term pain relief.
3. Muscle Inflammation: For muscle strains or inflammation, aspirin might be used to provide relief.

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Using Aspirin In Dogs?

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Dogs are more prone to developing ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding from NSAIDs, including aspirin.
• Toxicity: Overdosing can lead to aspirin toxicity, which can be life-threatening.

Side effects related to giving aspirin are usually dose-dependent. This means that there is a certain amount of aspirin that, when given at doses higher than recommended, will cause these side effects. For example, let’s say you give a full 325 mg aspirin tablet to your little 3 lb Yorkie. There’s a very high chance of causing the above health issues due to the dose being way too high.

However, there are some dogs that can’t take any amount of aspirin no matter how tiny. They develop diarrhea or vomiting and are sick untl the effects of the aspirin are completely out of their body. You don’t know which

What Are The 10 Alternatives To Baby Aspirin In Dogs?

• NSAIDS

Veterinarians prescribe various types of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) that are specifically formulated for dogs to manage pain and inflammation. These canine-specific NSAIDs are designed to be safer and have fewer side effects than human NSAIDs when used correctly under veterinary guidance. Some common canine NSAIDs include:

1. Carprofen (Rimadyl, Vetprofen): Commonly prescribed for pain and inflammation associated with arthritis or following surgery.
2. Meloxicam (Metacam, Mobic): Often used for osteoarthritis and can be given as an oral suspension or injectable.
3. Deracoxib (Deramaxx): Typically prescribed for pain associated with osteoarthritis and postoperative pain.
4. Firocoxib (Previcox): Used for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
5. Robenacoxib (Onsior): Has a shorter half-life than some other NSAIDs and is often used for postoperative pain.
6. Grapiprant (Galliprant): A newer NSAID that targets the EP4 receptor, which is specifically involved in mediating pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.

Each of these NSAIDs has a different safety profile and duration of action. The choice of which NSAID to use is based on the dog’s specific health status, the condition being treated, the potential for side effects, how comfortable your vet is with any particular medicine, and any other medications the dog may be taking. Some dogs may respond better to one NSAID over another, and what is safe for one dog may not be safe for another, particularly if the dog has underlying health issues such as liver or kidney disease (these organs help to filter the drug from the body and if they aren’t working well the medicine can build up to toxic levels very quickly).

• Opioids

Opioids are typically used for severe pain and can be used in both acute and chronic pain management. Their use, however, has fallen out of favor outside of post-surgical care due to concerns over human opiod abuse and the stringent way in which records need to be kept in a veterinary setting.

• Tramadol (highly unlikely to be used in a Yorkie unless it is compounded)
• Buprenorphine (my favorite opiod in practice; liquid; extremely small dose needed in Yorkie so easy to give)
• Fentanyl (often as a patch for continuous pain relief; likely only done for severe orthopedic surgeries)
• Morphine (typically only used now for pre-operative pain management or during surgery)
• Hydromorphone (I’ve only used it as a pre-emptive pain medication prior to surgery)
• Codeine (less common and honestly used only in cough suppressants for situations like collapsing trachea)

• Steroids

Steroids have anti-inflammatory properties and are occasionally used to manage pain, especially when it’s due to inflammatory conditions. Some of these conditions can include cancer, insect bites, anaphylactic reactions, disc herniations, etc

• Prednisone
• Dexamethasone
• Methylprednisolone

Steroids can be even more “toxic” to a dog than NSAIDs. Side effects are very similar when given in high doses. Always be sure to discuss with your vet any side effects of using steroids to know what to expect in your Yorkie.

• Gabapentin

Originally used for seizure control, gabapentin is often prescribed for chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain, or as an adjunct therapy with NSAIDs.

• Amantadine

An antiviral that can also help in pain management, especially in conjunction with other pain medications as part of a multi-modal pain management strategy. Typically my experience with this drug was to use it to try and wean the patient from other, more toxic, medications that were causing issues.

• Adequan Injections

This is an injectable disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) that can help protect the cartilage in joints and reduce inflammation and pain. It’s only recommended in moderate to severe arthritis cases but has shown to be very helpful in some of my patients. In many cases it allowed those dogs treated with Adequan to reduce or eliminate their other pain medicines.

• CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) has been gaining popularity as an alternative treatment for various conditions in dogs, including for pain management, anxiety, and to control seizures. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD does not produce a “high” and is considered non-psychoactive.

Research on CBD’s effectiveness and safety in dogs is still in the early stages, but some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that it can be beneficial for pain relief and as an anti-inflammatory. I’ve recommended CBD to dog owners for over 5 years and I’ve repeatedly been impressed by how safe it is and how effective is has been in the vast majority of cases.

• Alternative Therapies

Along with pharmacological treatments, various alternative therapies can be used to manage pain:

• Acupuncture
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Laser therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Massage
• Chiropractic treatment

• Supplements

Supplements are not direct painkillers but can support joint health and reduce discomfort over time:

• Glucosamine and chondroitin
• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
• MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)

• Local Anesthetics

For surgical or dental procedures, local anesthetics may be used for pain relief:

• Lidocaine
• Bupivacaine

It’s important to note that many human pain relievers, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol), are toxic to dogs and should never be given unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.

Pain management should always be done under the guidance of a veterinarian, as they can tailor treatment to the individual dog’s needs. Additionally, dogs are good at hiding pain, so a professional assessment is crucial to determine the best approach. The vet may also suggest blood work or other tests to ensure that the dog is healthy enough for certain medications and to establish a baseline before starting long-term treatment.

Take Home Message For Giving Aspirin To Yorkies

It is very important that dog owners do not self-medicate their pets. Aspirin should only be given under veterinary guidance, as the veterinarian will consider the dog’s size, medical history, and current medications before prescribing the correct dosage. Also, there are other NSAIDs that are made specifically for dogs that might be safer and more effective.

If your Yorkie is in pain, or you think you might need something to make them comfortable, either call your Vet, consult a televet (if available), or call a local emergency clinic if it’s after-hours. Use their expertise to give your little Yorkie the best chance to feel better.