Giving OTC Pain Medication to a Shih Tzu

Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, Aleve

Overview

When considering over-the-counter pain medications for your Shih Tzu, it's important to know which ones are safe and the correct dosages for a toy-sized breed. This section covers:


  • Safety of giving Aspirin, Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), or Aleve (naproxen) to a Shih Tzu.
  • Appropriate dosing instructions for safe medications.
  • Potential side effects.
  • Signs of overdose and actions if accidental ingestion occurs.
  • Common illnesses and injuries treatable at home.
  • Indicators that require professional veterinary care.

Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen)

Not Safe.


Naproxen and Ibuprofen, common over-the-counter pain medications for humans, are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) that do more than just relieve pain. They work by slowing the release of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme that regulates prostaglandins involved in inflammation, fever, pain, and maintaining kidney blood flow, gastrointestinal protection, and blood clotting.


However, these medications can be dangerous for canines, including Shih Tzu dogs, affecting their kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and blood clotting processes. Even at low doses, Ibuprofen and Naproxen can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, skin lesions, changes in appetite, bleeding disorders, and liver or kidney dysfunction. High doses or accidental ingestion can lead to fatal liver or kidney failure.


Both medications are toxic to canines, making it unsafe to give Advil or Aleve to a Shih Tzu of any age.

Aspirin

Can be safe in low does; should be vet approved.


Aspirin, another NSAID like Advil and Aleve, is slightly safer for Shih Tzus but should still be used cautiously. Buffered (coated) aspirin helps protect the stomach lining from NSAID effects, and low doses (like baby Aspirin) are relatively safer for small dogs. Veterinarians may prescribe low-dose, coated Bayer baby Aspirin for mild acute pain or low-grade fever, but other canine-specific NSAIDs are generally safer. When prescribed, it's typically for short-term use (no more than a week) and given with food. The dose for a Shih Tzu under 10 pounds is half a baby Aspirin.


Possible side effects include stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. If these occur, stop giving the Aspirin and consult a veterinarian. Long-term use can lead to stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and blood thinning.


Buffered Aspirin is safer than other human pain relief products and, when used in low doses under veterinary supervision, can be suitable for short-term use in Shih Tzus.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) 

Usually safe with proper dosing and vet supervision.


Tylenol (acetaminophen), unlike Aspirin, Advil, and Aleve, is not an NSAID and doesn't affect the cyclooxygenase enzyme. It's used for pain relief and fever reduction but lacks anti-inflammatory properties. High doses can cause irreversible liver damage and can be fatal.


Veterinary approval is essential before giving Tylenol to a Shih Tzu. Vets often prefer canine-approved NSAIDs over human medications. In some cases, a vet may approve a low dose for mild fever or pain.


For Shih Tzus, the typical pill dosage is 5 mg per pound of body weight, administered every 12 hours. A 5-pound Shih Tzu would receive 25 mg, and a 10-pound Shih Tzu, 50 mg. With liquid Tylenol, 1 ml equals 80 mg. For a 10-pound dog needing 50 mg, slightly over half a milliliter is adequate. A 5-pound puppy would require just over a quarter milliliter.


Toxicity symptoms include discolored gums, breathing difficulty, facial swelling, low body temperature, yellowing eyes, and vomiting, potentially leading to coma or death if untreated.


In summary, Tylenol can be safe for a Shih Tzu in very low doses, for short-term use, and with veterinary approval.

Accidental Overdose of Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil and other OTC Pain Meds

All forms of over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve are toxic to dogs at anything beyond very low levels. Immediate action is crucial if your Shih Tzu ingests a significant amount, even if they show no poisoning symptoms.


Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, breathing difficulties, swelling, dry eyes, and dark urine, which can lead to irreversible organ damage, coma, and death.


What to do:


  • Induce Vomiting: If the dog is asymptomatic, has no pre-existing health issues, and ingested the pills within the last 50 minutes, inducing vomiting may be recommended. Use hydrogen peroxide at 0.5 ml per pound of body weight, but consult a vet first. Even after inducing vomiting, immediate veterinary care is necessary.
  • Veterinary Care: Regardless of the number of pills ingested, take your dog to a vet or animal hospital immediately. Bring the medication bottle and towels for potential vomiting during transport.


Treatment for OTC Medication Overdose:


  • A vet may use treatments like n-acetyl-cysteine, Vitamin C, s-adenosyl-methionine, and milk thistle to counteract toxicity and protect the liver.
  • Baseline blood work, liver monitoring, IV fluids, oxygen therapy, and possibly blood transfusions may be required.


Early intervention often leads to a good prognosis.

At-home vs Veterinary Treatment

If your Shih Tzu shows signs of discomfort or fever, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian rather than administering over-the-counter human medications. OTC meds may alleviate symptoms but won't treat the underlying cause of fever or pain, which could be signs of various diseases.

Fever, a common symptom of many health issues, should be reported to a vet if it exceeds 102.5 F, as treating it at home with Tylenol can mask the underlying condition. Minor pains, like a bee sting without an allergic reaction, can be managed at home with veterinary guidance, ensuring careful dosing.

However, moderate to severe pain, pain lasting more than a day, or pain accompanied by other symptoms warrants immediate veterinary attention. With a vet's approval, baby Aspirin or low-dose Tylenol can be used for low-grade fevers or minor injuries, but more serious or chronic pain, like arthritis in senior dogs, requires more effective pain management options.

Better Alternatives

For chronic issues such as hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and joint problems in canines, carprofen (Vetprofen, Rimadyl, Novox, Rovera) is an FDA-approved NSAID often prescribed. Deracoxib (Deramaxx, Novartis) is commonly used for post-operative pain, while Tramadol (Ultram), a strong pain reliever, is an alternative when NSAIDs are ineffective, useful after surgery and for chronic conditions.

Other FDA-approved options include etodolac (Etogesic), firocoxib (Previcox), and meloxicam (Metacam). Tepoxalin (Zubrin), discontinued in 2014, should be disposed of properly if still in possession.

Like human NSAIDs, long-term or high-dose use of canine NSAIDs can cause liver issues and other side effects, such as decreased appetite, weakness, dry eyes, and more severe reactions like yellowing eyes, pale gums, stomach distress, and vomiting. Discontinue use and contact your vet if these occur.

Regular monitoring is crucial for Shih Tzus on these medications. Sometimes, dietary changes and supplements like Omega 3 can alleviate discomfort without prescribed medication.

In Summary

You can give very low doses of some OTC pain medications FDA approved for humans to a Shih Tzu. Advil and other brands that contain Ibuprofen and Aleve and other brands that contain Naproxen should not be given. 

We strongly encourage owners to receive approval from the veterinarian before giving low-dose Tylenol or buffered low-dose Aspirin. If your Shih Tzu has a fever or is having pain that lasts more than a day or is more than minor, this should not be treated at home; it is important to have the underlying cause diagnosed.

If your Shih Tzu has a chronic issue such as arthritis, there are much better long-term alternatives including NSAIDs that are FDA approved for canines and supplements for joint health. 

Please keep your Shih Tzu safe by keeping all medications safely put away out of reach. These should be placed in high cabinets and if you keep medicine in your pocketbook, always be careful where you place that. 

More Articles:

Shih Tzu Upset Stomach - A list of possible reasons a Shih Tzu may have an upset tummy. How to help a queasy stomach and get your Shih Tzu feeling back to normal. 

Shih Tzu Supplies - An organized list of supplies every pet parent should have for their Shih Tzu; this list connects to more detailed articles with tips, advice and specific recommendations. See what your Shih Tzu is missing for optimal health and happiness. 

The Best Toys for a Shih Tzu - From durable chew toys for teething pups with itchy gums to companion toys for Shih Tzu that spend time home alone, this article covers all the best types of toys and recommendations.

Shih Tzu Dos and Don'ts - A great summary of the 3 most important 'dos' and the 3 most vital 'don'ts' for optimal healthy, happiness and well-being. It's always a good idea to reassess these elements as your Shih Tzu matures.

Are You an AllShihTzu Member? 

Take a quick moment to become an AllShihTzu Member; you'll receive a Welcome Booklet and our friendly newsletters. You'll also be able to suggest a topic for us to write about. It's the best way for us to stay in touch, so we hope you'll join us today! 
AllShihTzu's GIANT Book of Shih Tzu Care
The Most Comprehensive Shih Tzu Book that Exists

Available in paperback (large 8.5x11", 360 pg) or ebook