Introduction
The purpose of this article is to examine whether aspirin can safely calm anxious dogs. Dog anxiety is a common issue that many pet owners face, with some estimates suggesting over half of dogs experience anxiety. While medication like aspirin may seem like an easy solution, pet owners need to carefully consider the risks. This article will analyze if aspirin is an effective and safe option for helping dogs with anxiety. We’ll look at the causes of dog anxiety, when you should seek veterinary assistance, as well as alternatives to medication that may better suit your pup.
Is Dog Anxiety Common?
Dog anxiety is a very common issue. According to recent studies, around 20-25% of dogs show fearfulness of strangers, other dogs or certain situations. Separation anxiety occurs in 14-20% of dogs as well (Salonen, 2020). This means up to 1 in 4 or 1 in 5 dogs suffer from anxiety. Dogs also seem to be experiencing increasing levels of anxiety since the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2022 study showed that anxiety caused by other pets in the home jumped significantly from 2020 to 2022, with anxiety caused by other dogs going from 16.5% to 43.5% (DVM360, 2022). The changes in daily routines and lack of socialization due to the pandemic contributed to this rise in anxiety. So while anxiety in dogs is common, the prevalence seems to be increasing in recent years.
Some factors that make certain dogs more prone to anxiety include breed, age, past trauma, and genetics. Herding breeds like Border Collies and German Shepherds tend to be more anxious. Younger dogs under 3 years old are also more susceptible. Dogs with previous abuse, neglect or trauma are more likely to develop anxiety-related behaviors. And genetics play a role, so dogs with anxious parents often become anxious themselves.
What Causes Dog Anxiety?
Dogs can become anxious for many different reasons. Some of the most common causes of anxiety in dogs include:
- Separation Anxiety – Dogs with separation anxiety become very distressed when left alone, even for short periods. They may show signs like excessive barking, destructive behavior, or inappropriate elimination. Separation anxiety is very common in dogs and can stem from a lack of gradual exposure to alone time as a puppy. According to the AKC, it affects around 20% of dogs in the U.S. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/
- Fear-Based Anxiety – Loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or gunshots can trigger anxiety in dogs. Some dogs also become anxious around strangers, children, other animals, or in new environments like the vet’s office or groomer. Phobias of things like heights or stairs can also cause severe anxiety in dogs.
- Travel Anxiety – Car rides, air travel, or even short walks far from home can provoke anxiety in some dogs. Signs of travel anxiety include panting, shaking, vomiting, and inappropriate elimination.
- Generalized Anxiety – While less common, some dogs experience constant worry or nervousness similar to generalized anxiety disorder in humans. These dogs may pace, seem on edge, avoid interaction, or engage in repetitive behaviors.
Identifying the triggers for a dog’s anxiety is an important first step in managing the problem. Consulting with a veterinarian can help accurately diagnose anxiety versus other medical issues.
Dangers of Unaddressed Dog Anxiety
Left untreated, chronic anxiety can have serious consequences for a dog’s health and wellbeing. According to the AKC, unchecked anxiety is linked to behavioral issues like aggression and self-harm [1]. Extremely anxious dogs may chew their own paws or tail until they bleed or pull out their own fur. They may also become reactive or lash out at people or other pets in the household.
Anxiety puts immense stress on a dog’s body and impairs their immune system over time. This makes them more susceptible to illnesses and infections [2]. Furthermore, the excess cortisol released during anxiety can wreak havoc on a dog’s digestive system. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Without treatment, a dog’s quality of life drastically decreases as anxiety overwhelms them. Their constant state of fear prevents them from enjoying normal activities and interactions. Providing appropriate care as soon as symptoms appear can help mitigate more severe long-term effects.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
Signs of anxiety in dogs that require professional veterinary attention include:
- Excessive panting, drooling, and shaking when not hot or exerted according to Anxiety in Dogs – Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
- Urinating or defecating uncontrollably, even in housetrained dogs according to Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Dog Anxiety – AKC
- Aggression such as snapping, lunging, or biting, especially towards family members according to 8 Tips and Tricks for Taking an Anxious Dog to the Vet – Rover
- Destructive behavior like chewing, digging, or destroying property per Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Dog Anxiety – AKC
- Not eating or drinking for over 24 hours as noted by Anxiety in Dogs – Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
If your dog shows any of these anxiety symptoms, consult a veterinarian promptly. Left untreated, anxiety can worsen and negatively impact quality of life.
Aspirin Uses in Dogs
Aspirin is approved for certain uses in dogs when given under the guidance of a veterinarian. Some of the main approved uses are:
Pain relief: Aspirin can help relieve mild to moderate pain in dogs, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It blocks prostaglandins which are chemicals that cause inflammation and pain.
Arthritis: Aspirin is commonly prescribed to help manage arthritis symptoms in dogs like joint pain and stiffness. Its anti-inflammatory effects make it useful for reducing arthritis inflammation and discomfort.
Fever: Aspirin can help lower a fever in dogs when used short-term. Its antipyretic effects work to reduce body temperature back to normal ranges.
Therefore, vets may approve and recommend aspirin for purposes like pain relief, arthritis management, and short-term fever reduction in dogs. But it’s important to only use it under veterinary supervision due to potential side effects.
Is Aspirin Safe for Dog Anxiety?
While aspirin may seem like an easy solution for a anxious dog, veterinarians strongly advise against giving aspirin to dogs for behavior issues or anxiety. Aspirin should never be used as a sedative or calming medication in dogs.
Aspirin carries significant risks for dogs, including stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and blood clotting abnormalities. Even small amounts can be toxic. These dangers are even greater in stressed or anxious dogs, as stress already places strain on the body.
In addition, aspirin is not proven to actually reduce anxiety in dogs. While it may initially appear to calm a dog down, this is likely due to its pain relief properties rather than true anti-anxiety effects. Once these wear off, the underlying anxiety will remain unchanged.
There are no shortcuts when dealing with canine anxiety. While tempting to turn to over-the-counter human medications like aspirin, this will likely do more harm than good. It is always best to speak to your veterinarian before giving any medication to your dog.
While aspirin does not appear to be effective or safe for anxiety in dogs, there are other more appropriate options to try. These alternatives focus on calming anxious dogs through training, pheromones, nutrition, and in some cases, prescription medication.
Alternatives for Anxious Dogs
Rather than giving aspirin, the most common recommended approaches for helping anxious dogs include:
- Behavior modification and desensitization training. Working with a professional trainer or behaviorist using positive reinforcement, desensitization, and counterconditioning can teach dogs to associate triggers with something positive. This helps recondition their response. Some examples are thundershirts, exposure therapy, and creating a safe space in the home.
- Pheromones. Synthetic dog appeasing pheromones like Adaptil provide the soothing “happy chemical” signal that mother dogs emit when feeding and caring for puppies. Diffusers, sprays, and collars using these pheromones can reduce anxiety.
- Prescription medication. For severe anxiety, prescription medication like fluoxetine and clomipramine may be prescribed by a vet. These alter serotonin levels and require close monitoring.
- Nutritional supplements. Products like chews with L-theanine or hemp oil with CBD have shown calming properties in some dogs.
While many anxious dogs need a combination approach, these alternatives avoid the risks of aspirin while focusing on long-term training, environmental changes, pheromones and prescription medication as needed from a vet.
When to Give Aspirin
Aspirin should only be given to dogs under the direction of a veterinarian. There are some scenarios when a vet may prescribe aspirin for a dog:
- After surgery – Aspirin can help manage pain and inflammation post-operatively when dosed appropriately under a vet’s guidance. Low-dose enteric coated aspirin is sometimes prescribed for 1-2 weeks after procedures like spays, neuters, and orthopedic surgeries (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/aspirin-for-dogs/).
- Arthritis pain – Aspirin can provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects to dogs suffering from arthritis when given regularly at the right dosage. Monitoring by a vet is important to avoid side effects (https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/can-i-give-my-dog-aspirin).
- Heart disease – Low-dose aspirin may be prescribed by vets to help manage blood clotting issues in dogs with heart disease (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/aspirin). Careful monitoring is essential.
Owners should never give aspirin to their dogs without explicit veterinary approval and dosing guidance. Aspirin can be toxic to dogs if given incorrectly.
Conclusion
It’s clear based on the discussion that giving aspirin to dogs for anxiety is not recommended. While aspirin may temporarily calm dogs down, it does not address the underlying causes of anxiety and can potentially cause serious health issues. Dog owners should instead focus on identifying triggers, providing a predictable routine, exercising their dog sufficiently and using techniques like desensitization and counterconditioning. Natural supplements or anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a vet are safer alternatives. With patience and consistency, anxious behaviors in dogs can improve. But aspirin is not the solution and should be avoided. The risks outweigh any potential short-term benefits. By understanding the root causes of a dog’s anxiety and using proper treatment methods, owners can create a calmer, more comfortable life for their furry companions.