Can dogs have ibuprofen?

Quick takeaways about dogs and ibuprofen

• Ibuprofen is toxic for dogs, and even one tablet can make a dog very unwell.
• Natures Menu prepare and deliver meals with careful temperature control – reducing the possibility of bacteria growth.
• Keep packets and loose tablets away from your dog’s reach, as they might be tempted by the sugary coating.
• Take your dog to the vet straight away if they’ve had any ibuprofen.

If your dog is in pain, it might be tempting to try human painkillers to save on vets’ fees. Sadly, ibuprofen will likely make your dog feel worse and can be very dangerous.

Learn why ibuprofen affects dogs so differently, what to do if they eat some, and other medicines that can help your dog feel better if they’re in pain.

 

Why is ibuprofen poisonous to dogs?

Ibuprofen is an NSAID painkiller, which stands for ‘non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug’.

In dogs, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs block the production of an important hormone-like molecule called prostaglandin.

Prostaglandin’s main job is to protect the stomach, help blood flow to the kidneys and support liver function.

In dogs, ibuprofen can cause:

• Stomach irritation and ulcers - causing vomiting and loose stools, which might be black or bloody.
• Kidney damage or failure - causing low energy, weeing more or not at all, drinking more.
• Liver damage - causing similar symptoms to above, as well as jaundice (yellowing of the eyes) and seizures.

Ibuprofen is absorbed rapidly from the stomach with its concentration in the blood peaking within 3 hours, so getting your dog to the vet quickly is key.

Some symptoms of ibuprofen poisoning can start within hours, days, or weeks. But ibuprofen toxicity can be treated if caught early, so don’t wait to find out.

 

Can you give a dog aspirin?

Aspirin belongs to the NSAID family. So, just like ibuprofen, aspirin is toxic to dogs and should stay in the human medicine cabinet.

Dogs should avoid all human NSAIDs, including:

• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin
• Naproxen
• Diclofenac

It’s also best to avoid giving paracetamol to dogs.

 

What painkillers can you give your dog?

All this doesn’t mean your dog has to suffer from aches and pains. There are painkillers specifically designed for them, including NSAIDs that can be given under a vet’s guidance.

Giving the right dose of painkillers helps avoid unwanted side effects. Your vet calculates this based on your dog’s weight and conditions or medicines that might affect how the drug works.

 

What to do if my dog ate ibuprofen?

If you already gave your dog ibuprofen or they accidentally ate some, head straight to the vet. Bring the package and make a note of how much they had.

Even a single 200mg ibuprofen tablet can harm your dog, especially if they’re a small breed.

Your vet may do a blood test to check for kidney damage. They might need to safely help your dog throw up or give treatment like activated charcoal to absorb toxins.

If your dog is very unwell, they may have an IV fluid drip to help them rehydrate and recover.

Many dogs recover from ibuprofen poisoning if they’re treated quickly.

 

What to do if your dog is in pain?

If you’ve noticed your dog is limping, fussing, growling, or just not their usual self, you might be wondering if they’re in pain.

The best thing to do is take them to the vet for a check-up. Dogs can get aches and pains too, especially as they age, and your vet can prescribe something to help.

 

Support with vets’ bills

If your dog is in pain and you’re worried about the cost of treatment, there are ways to get support.

• PSDA offer financial help for sick pets of people in need.
• Dog’s Trust offers free and reduced-cost vet care for people who are homeless or in a housing crisis.
• Local RSPCA branches can sometimes help with vet bills.

Find out more from the RSPCA about ways to afford vet care.

Try our personalised meal plans with high-quality raw ingredients – including fresh fruits and vegetables – for a healthier, happier dog.