What should I do if my pet has accidentally ingested aspirin?

First, note the time of ingestion and the possible dose (if known), monitor breathing, vomiting, and alertness, then contact your vet or a pet poison control line immediately to determine whether emergency care is needed.

How soon after ingestion do symptoms of aspirin toxicity appear?

Symptoms typically appear within a few hours; early signs include vomiting, reduced appetite, and lethargy. If breathing or neurological changes develop, seek veterinary care immediately.

What tests will the vet run at the clinic?

The vet will typically perform a physical examination, blood count and biochemistry panel, and urinalysis; imaging and in-patient monitoring may be arranged if necessary, with follow-up tests determined by the clinical course.

What will be monitored at follow-up visits?

Follow-up visits typically include blood tests to monitor liver and kidney function and coagulation indices, along with a clinical assessment of symptom improvement; your vet will advise on the timing and specific tests required.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Aspirin Toxicity in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Care [2025]

Aspirin toxicity can cause gastric ulcers and clotting disorders; cats are especially sensitive and require immediate veterinary care.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, ASPCA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Teaching Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Rapid breathing or obvious difficulty breathing
•Confusion, excessive drowsiness, or loss of consciousness
•Persistent vomiting or black/tarry stools

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Lethargy, drowsiness, or notable weakness
•Repeated vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than one day
•Noticeable changes in water intake or urination

01What symptoms indicate a problem?

Aspirin toxicity often begins with behavioural and gastrointestinal changes; severe cases may affect breathing and consciousness. The following are common observable signs — seek emergency care immediately if you notice any danger signs.

Lethargy, drowsiness, or noticeable weakness
Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
Repeated vomiting, possibly with blood
Diarrhoea or loose stools, possibly with blood
Changes in water intake or urination frequency
Decreased activity, reluctance to play, or reduced interaction

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Rapid breathing or obvious respiratory distress
⚠️ Confusion or deepening drowsiness progressing to stupor
⚠️ Persistent vomiting or black tarry stools
⚠️ Pale or bluish gums, or abnormal breathing

02How to assess the situation at home: observation checklist and when to go to the emergency clinic

At-home monitoring focuses on timestamped records and video footage; detailed information helps the vet quickly assess toxicity risk and treatment priority.

Record the exact time of suspected exposure or ingestion (including hour and minute)
Note the number of vomiting episodes and the colour and appearance of the vomit
Measure and record any changes in water intake and urination frequency
Observe and note changes in alertness and activity level
Film the breathing pattern and any abnormal behaviour on your phone
If symptoms worsen or danger signs appear, go to the vet immediately

03How will the vet diagnose this? Common diagnostic tests

On arrival, the vet will carry out a thorough assessment and order blood, urine, and imaging tests based on clinical signs to evaluate organ damage and clotting function.

Physical examination

assess hydration, mucous membrane colour, and level of consciousness

Haematology

complete blood count and coagulation panel

Biochemistry panel

evaluate liver, kidney, and electrolyte changes

Urinalysis

check for haematuria and markers of metabolic abnormality

Radiographs or CT scan

assess pulmonary and abdominal complications

Toxicology testing or in-patient monitoring arranged as needed

04Treatment and aftercare: medications, dietary adjustments, and home care

Treatment focuses on supportive care; follow-up visits are required after discharge to monitor blood work and organ function, with ongoing symptom surveillance at home.

Intravenous fluids and supportive care are typically required in the acute phase
Medications and interventions are adjusted based on the vet's assessment
Gradually reintroduce easily digestible food in the short term
Schedule follow-up blood tests to monitor liver, kidney, and clotting function
Continue monitoring vomiting, diarrhoea, and alertness at home
Follow up at a clinic experienced in toxicology cases

05What to prepare before the vet visit: key information that helps the vet act quickly

Write down the suspected time and circumstances of exposure or ingestion

If available, bring the medication packaging or a photo of the pill bottle

List all current medications and supplements your pet is taking

Record the timing and number of vomiting or diarrhoea episodes

If possible, bring a sample of the vomit or stool for testing

Call the clinic in advance to arrange blood tests or imaging

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.