My dog ate aspirin — what should I do?
Depends on the dose — check the calculator
What to do now
- Risk depends on how much aspirin your dog ate per kg of body weight (0 mg/kg → YELLOW, 30 mg/kg → RED). Use the PawPanic calculator with your dog's weight and the amount.
- If you can't estimate the amount, assume the worst and call your vet or a poison hotline.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Why it's a problem
Salicylate NSAID; stomach ulcers, bleeding, acid-base disturbance.
Symptoms to watch for
Vomiting, black stool, fast breathing, weakness.
When: 4-6 hours
Frequently asked questions
Is aspirin dangerous for dogs?
It depends on the amount and your dog's weight. Salicylate NSAID; stomach ulcers, bleeding, acid-base disturbance. Use the PawPanic calculator or call your vet.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate aspirin?
Vomiting, black stool, fast breathing, weakness.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats aspirin?
4-6 hours
What should I do if my dog ate aspirin?
If you can't estimate the amount, assume the worst and call your vet or a poison hotline.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
Merck: erosions in 50% of dogs given 25 mg/kg every 8 h; toxicosis at ~100 mg/kg/day. PawPanic flags RED at 30 mg/kg single dose (conservative).
⚖️ Evidence note: Single-ingestion threshold for dogs is not well defined; 30 mg/kg is a cautious cut-off.
Sources
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: bayer, baby aspirin · Category: Medication · Last reviewed 2026-10-14