My 14 year old has trouble getting up the stairs, I am given her normal dog tablets to help her joints but I was wondering if I could also give her nurofen - ibuprofen (paracetamol) to help because I think she may have artharitus as her joints aren't as good as they use to be.

Nurofen, no.
You can ask your VET if it is OK to give baby asprin. But your dogs overall health needs to be taken into consideration before giving ANY medication, especially at 14 years of age.

There are plenty of arthritis medications for dogs on the market so it would be best for you to go into the vets anyway to discuss alternatives.

No. Do not give that to your dog. It is poison to her system.

Although she very well may have arthritis, don't try to come up with a diagnosis and treatment on your own. Call your vet, make an appointment get a full health check on your dog. If your vet states she has arthritis, talk to him/her about giving your dog buffered aspirin as opposed to something stronger. Follow your vet's instructions.

Oops. Didn't know you were around shaz.

No. NSAIDS are highly toxic to dogs and cats.

Aspirin is usually the safest pain med to give to your dog,
BUT It's always best to contact your vet on these situations.

The following NSAIDs should not be given to dogs under any circumstances: Naproxen (Naprosyn) Indomethacin (Many brand names) Ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen, Brufen, and many other brands) — Although liver problems can occur, the reason these drugs shouldn't be given to dogs is renal toxicity.

You might want to consider giving your dogs glucosamine for the arthritis.

Haha sorry guys, didn't see you in here! :o

Oh well at least we all agree! :D

Thank you everyone for your advice, I will be taking her to the vets soon :)

Haha well there you go, we all jumped the gun but had the same answer :D

Let us know how you go at the vets susie :)

LOL. If you look at the time stamps we were all posting pretty much at the same time. I think we were all a bit fearful you might give the dog the meds if a timely response wasn't given.

Yes, it would be nice to know what the vet had to say. :)

I''ll echo here, please keep us up dated! :)