Medicines
Is aspirin toxic to cats and dogs?
Also sold as acetylsalicylic acid, Bayer, Disprin
Cats
Highly toxicDogs
ToxicAspirin can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding in dogs, and cats break it down so slowly that a normal human dose can poison them. Don’t give aspirin to a pet unless your vet prescribes it.
By Maya HartIf your pet got into it
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline now, even if your pet seems fine.
- Have the packet ready: the vet needs the name, strength and how much may be missing.
- Do not make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
- Loss of appetite
- Fast breathing
- Weakness
- High temperature (cats)
How much is dangerous
Dogs can develop stomach ulcers from repeated or large doses. Cats can be poisoned by a single regular-strength tablet.
Keeping it safe
- Store medicines out of reach
- Ask your vet for pet-safe pain relief
The details
Aspirin used to be recommended for dogs, and some older advice online still suggests it. Modern veterinary anti-inflammatories are safer and more effective, and mixing aspirin with them or with steroids greatly increases the risk of ulcers.
Questions owners ask
Is aspirin toxic to cats?
Yes — highly toxic.
Is aspirin toxic to dogs?
Yes — toxic.
How much is dangerous?
Dogs can develop stomach ulcers from repeated or large doses. Cats can be poisoned by a single regular-strength tablet.
What should I do if my pet got into it?
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline now, even if your pet seems fine. Have the packet ready: the vet needs the name, strength and how much may be missing. Do not make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts