December 14, 2011
Posted in Pet Health, Pet Meds

Human aspirin has long been recommended by veterinarians to give to dogs that suffer from joint pain or other achiness. While other human painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are deadly to animals, aspirin has been touted as a safe alternative to pet meds in a pinch. However, Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker says that this drug is absolutely not safe for cats, and he does not recommend it for dogs anymore, either, because of research that has linked the use of the medication to gastric ulcers in canines.

Aspirin has never been recommended for cats because veterinarians know how sensitive felines are to pain medications. Cat owners should be careful about any type of pain medication for their furry friends, and should always consult with a veterinarian before giving their cat pet meds that treat pain. A veterinarian may be able to prescribe a cat-safe pain reliever such as Tramadol or Traumeel Tablets, or may recommend another pain management plan for your cat.

The news source points out that pain management is not just important for your cat's overall happiness – it is important for the animal's overall well-being. Treating pain does not just make the hurting stop, it promotes healthy healing, Becker says. When pain goes untreated, it can slow the healing time of injuries, interfere with sleep and weaken the immune system. Doing something to stop the animal's pain can improve respiration and mobility, allowing your pet a better quality of life.

If your cat's pain is caused by arthritis, pain medication may only be part of the overall care plan. Your vet may also recommend a joint supplement such as Glyco-Flex II or Cosequin for cats, which may improve the joint health. Getting pet supplies like a Heated Cat Pad may also offer relief to aching joints. Your cat's pet food may also play a role. Helping the feline lose weight by feeding it smaller portions or giving it a weight-loss variety of kibble may take some pressure off joints.

Because giving human aspirin to dogs is now being recommended less often, aspirin has been designed specifically for canines. Vetrynol Aspirin Chewable Tablets and Excel Aspirin are a few options that can be effective in treating fever, inflammation and arthritis in dogs. When used with joint supplements such as Dasuquin for Dogs, these drugs can be especially effective. 

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