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Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)

NSAID / Antiplatelet Agent (Salicylate)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

6 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Irreversibly acetylates and inactivates COX-1 and COX-2, reducing prostaglandin and thromboxane A2 synthesis. Low-dose aspirin inhibits platelet TXA2 production (antiplatelet) for life of platelet (~10 days in dogs).

At a glance

Class

NSAID / Antiplatelet Agent (Salicylate)

Schedule

OTC

Storage

Store at room temperature below 25°C, protect from moisture (hydrolysis to salicylic acid + acetic acid odor = degraded)

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Low-dose antiplatelet therapy for thromboembolic disorders (IMHA, cardiomyopathy

Dose

0.5–1 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q24h (antiplatelet); q8–12h (anti-inflammatory)

🐈

Cat

Cats lack hepatic glucuronidation — salicylate accumulates rapidly

Dose

5–10 mg/cat

Route

Frequency

q48–72h MAXIMUM

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength

—

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature below 25°C, protect from moisture (hydrolysis to salicylic acid + acetic acid odor = degraded)

Safety

Monitoring parameters

GI signs (melena, vomiting)Renal functionPT/aPTT (coagulation)Salicylate levels if toxicity suspected

Educational reference only

Interactions

Contraindicated — 4

Meloxicam

contraindicated

Two NSAIDs: additive COX inhibition causing severe GI ulceration, renal papillary necrosis, and platelet dysfunction.

Management: NEVER use two NSAIDs concurrently. Allow minimum 5-7 day washout (longer for aspirin due to irreversible platelet inhibition — 10 days).

Carprofen

contraindicated

Concurrent NSAIDs: synergistic GI and renal toxicity. Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelets, compounding bleeding risk.

Management: NEVER combine. Washout 7-10 days from aspirin before starting any NSAID.

Deracoxib

contraindicated

Even COX-2 selective NSAID + aspirin causes significant GI ulceration — aspirin blocks COX-1 protective prostaglandins.

Management: Do not combine. 7-10 day washout from aspirin.

Etodolac

contraindicated

Two NSAIDs: additive COX inhibition, severe GI ulceration and renal injury.

Management: NEVER combine. 7-10 day washout from aspirin before any NSAID.

Major — 2

Prednisolone

major

Aspirin (irreversible COX inhibition + direct GI irritant) + corticosteroid: very high GI ulceration risk. Also, steroids increase aspirin clearance.

Management: Avoid concurrent use. If low-dose aspirin antiplatelet therapy needed with steroids, add omeprazole + misoprostol and monitor closely for melena.

Enoxaparin

major

Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet COX-1 (TXA2) + LMWH inhibits Factor Xa: marked additive bleeding risk.

Management: Extreme caution. Only combine under specialist guidance for specific thrombotic conditions (e.g., post-ATE in cats). Monitor bleeding closely.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Bayer Aspirin

Bufferin

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)?

Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is a nsaid / antiplatelet agent (salicylate) used in pets. Irreversibly acetylates and inactivates COX-1 and COX-2, reducing prostaglandin and thromboxane A2 synthesis. Low-dose aspirin inhibits platelet TXA2 production (antiplatelet) for life of platelet (~10 days in dogs).

›What is Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) used for in pets?

Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is used in veterinary medicine for: Low-dose antiplatelet therapy for thromboembolic disorders (IMHA, cardiomyopathy; Cats lack hepatic glucuronidation — salicylate accumulates rapidly.

›What is the Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) dose for dogs?

For dogs, Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is typically dosed as follows — Low-dose antiplatelet therapy for thromboembolic disorders (IMHA, cardiomyopathy: 0.5–1 mg/kg PO q24h (antiplatelet); q8–12h (anti-inflammatory). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) dose for cats?

For cats, Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is typically dosed as follows — Cats lack hepatic glucuronidation — salicylate accumulates rapidly: 5–10 mg/cat PO q48–72h MAXIMUM. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) need a prescription?

Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.

Educational reference only

References

CDSCO approvals (India) — 1

Aspirin Bolus Vet 6gm Bolus

M/s Alembic Limited · Approved 21.11.2005

for veterinary use

Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database