Humans take over-the-counter pain killers and
headache remedies so routinely that you may assume they're safe
for dogs. They're not. Never give a dog ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil),
naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol)—not even a child's
dose is safe. These pain relievers can cause severe, even fatal,
stomach ulcers and kidney damage in dogs. Buffered or enteric-coated
aspirin (Bufferin, Ecotrin) can sometimes be used for arthritis
pain in dogs. But aspirin shouldn't be given to a dog that is
already on a prescription pain reliever, like RIMADYL or ETOGESIC.
Finally, if you do give your dog aspirin, don't self-prescribe
it: ask your veterinarian what the proper dose and frequency
is for your dog.
