Can you give a dachshund back pain aspirin to ease the discomfort, or is it a bad idea? It is very distressing to see your canine best friend suffering from back pain, and you may be tempted to reach into your medicine cabinet to help. You’ve probably heard that some veterinarians give dogs with back pain aspirin, but is it the best treatment for your dog?
Let’s find out everything you need to know about back pain in dachshunds, including whether giving aspirin is a good idea!
Why Do Dachshunds Get Back Pain?
Back pain in dachshunds is unfortunately a very common problem. The long back of these little wiener dogs puts the spine under immense pressure, and they can suffer from a range of different spinal problems
The most common and serious back problem suffered by dachshunds is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Nearly a quarter of dachshunds are thought to suffer from this painful condition at some point in their lives.
IVDD occurs when the intervertebral discs that lie between each vertebrae in the spine bulge or burst from their normal position. This causes pressure on the nerves in the spinal cord, and the symptoms can be quite severe.
IVDD in dachshunds ranges in severity. Mild cases will heal over time with the right management, whereas more severe cases will require surgical treatment. This can be a long-term condition that requires a prolonged course of pain relief and rest while the dog recovers.
Although IVDD is the predominant cause of back pain in dachshunds, they can also suffer from muscular pain of the back. This can occur as a result of injury such as a strain, normally due to the dog jumping or twisting awkwardly.
Can I Give My Dog Aspirin For Pain?
If you find that your dog is suddenly showing signs of back pain, is it OK to give it aspirin? And what about dogs with long-term back problems – is aspirin a good choice?
The first and most important thing to remember is that you must always seek veterinary advice straight away if you suspect that your dachshund is suffering from back pain. Many back problems have a far better chance of a full recovery if prompt veterinary treatment is initiated.
This is particularly true in cases of IVDD, as early surgical intervention in severe cases is vital to give the dog the best chance of a full recovery. Without this, the dog may become paralyzed and never recover.
Your veterinarian will normally prescribe painkillers to a dog with back pain, and these are normally prescription-only drugs that are developed specifically for dogs. They will decide what is the best painkiller for your dog based on its clinical symptoms, size, age, breed, and medical history.
One of the painkillers that veterinarians may prescribe in certain situation is aspirin, a commonly-used human painkiller. But although most of us will have a pack of aspirin in our medicine cabinets, it is not a good idea to give it to your dog without consulting with your veterinarian first.
This is because a veterinarian will be able to assess your dog’s full medical history, and prescribe the safest possible dose for your dog. This will help to minimize the risk of potentially serious side effects that can cause long-term health problems for your dog.
How Much Aspirin Can Dogs Have? Dachshund Back Pain Aspirin Dose
The problem with giving aspirin to dogs is that it is not licensed for this purpose, and adequate safety tests have not been carried out. This means that the dose should only ever be calculated by a veterinary professional who will be able to assess the risks and benefits when calculating the safest dose for your dog.
How To Care For A Dachshund With Back Pain
Firstly, it is essential to discuss dachshund back pain relief with your veterinarian. Pain relief not only takes the pain away, but also reduces inflammation around the affected area. This will help your dog make a faster recovery and enable damaged tissues to heal.
Most causes of back pain in dachshunds will only heal if the dog goes through an extended period of rest. Unfortunately our dogs do not always know what is good for them, and they will be tempted to run, jump, and play before they are fully recovered!
This is why your veterinarian may advise that your dog be restricted to a crate, as a period of enforced rest. It is vital that you stick to this and are not tempted to let your dog out to play. During this time you can carry out rehabilitation therapies such as massage to help your dog maintain strong muscles and joint mobility.
Following this period of rest, you will then need to start gradual controlled exercise to give your dog the best possible chance of a full recovery. This normally consists of lead exercise for short periods, to prevent the dog from overexerting itself.
When your dachshund is suffering from back pain, it is essential to pick it up carefully to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the spine. Make sure to support the weight of the chest and hindquarters at the same time, and do not let your dog jump down from your arms.
Summary
So, as we have learned, giving a dachshund with back pain aspirin is not always a good idea, and you should consult with your veterinarian before taking this course of action. Aspirin is a mild painkiller that can help to relieve discomfort in dogs, but if administered incorrectly it can cause some unpleasant side effects. If your dachshund is suffering from back pain, it is a good idea to stick to the treatment and rehabilitation plan agreed on with your veterinarian.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on whether giving a dachshund back pain aspirin is a good idea or not! Have you ever cared for a dachshund that suffered from long term back pain? Or perhaps you’ve got some questions about how to keep your new dachshund puppy in peak condition to avoid back injuries? Leave a comment below and we will get back to you!
