Can dogs take ibuprofen?

Though safe for humans, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) and other human pain relievers such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol) should never be given to dogs. Even a low dose for a person (200 mg) could be toxic to a small dog. 

Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter human NSAIDS are not FDA-approved for use in dogs. Veterinarians do not prescribe ibuprofen because other, safer medications are specifically formulated for dogs. Veterinarians can prescribe ibuprofen off-label to a dog, but if that happens, ask the vet about safer alternatives. Even a very low dose of ibuprofen will eventually cause ulcers in a dog if given for long enough. A very high dose—for instance, if a dog chews open an ibuprofen bottle—could quickly cause severe illness, kidney failure, seizures, coma, and death.

Ibuprofen poisoning is one of the most common drug poisonings reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. It’s usually the result of accidental ingestion or a well-meaning owner using it to relieve a pet’s pain in the mistaken belief that it’s safe. Veterinarians typically consider ibuprofen poisoning a veterinary emergency, so if a dog has been given or eaten ibuprofen, call a veterinary poison helpline or seek emergency veterinary treatment.

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Is ibuprofen safe for dogs?

Ibuprofen is NOT safe for dogs to take.

Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter NSAIDS such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen are common fixtures in household medicine cabinets because they are effective and have a wide margin of safety. Though it is safe in humans, no OTC NSAID is safe for animals. The only human NSAID FDA-approved for use in animals is prescription meloxicam.

In dogs, ibuprofen has a narrow range of safety in terms of dosage. Ibuprofen blocks the enzymes used to produce substances called prostaglandins that protect the stomach and intestines from stomach acid. Prostaglandins also help increase blood flow to the kidneys if the dog is dehydrated. Dogs given human NSAIDs are particularly prone to stomach acid damage and kidney damage because of these effects. The only published recommended dose is 5 mg per kilogram of body weight daily. Even that dose (or lower) is high enough to eventually cause stomach ulcers and even perforation after a few weeks of dosing. A single dose of 25mg per kg, which equals 11mg per pound, can result in symptoms of toxicity and requires immediate veterinary care. 

Side effects of ibuprofen in dogs

Small doses of ibuprofen will, over time, produce digestive problems such as ulcers that are marked by side effects such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Black and tarry stools

If a dog ingests too much ibuprofen all at once (more than 11 mg per pound), side effects can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite

A serious overdose of ibuprofen (more than 80 mg per pound) can cause significant kidney disease and even kidney failure. Besides those listed above, symptoms include:

• Blood in the vomit
• Black and tarry stools
• Increased drinking
• Increased urination or sudden lack of urine production
• Symptoms of low blood pressure or dehydration, such as lightheadedness

A severe ibuprofen overdose (more than 200 mg per pound) will cause neurological symptoms such as:

• Depression
• Seizures
• Loss of coordination
• Coma
• Death

If a dog has been given or accidentally ingested ibuprofen, immediately call a pet poison helpline, veterinarian, or veterinary emergency hospital.

Interactions of ibuprofen with other pet meds

Ibuprofen should never be given to dogs because there’s a high risk of poisoning and serious side effects. These side effects are more likely and could be more severe if the dog is taking other types of drugs, particularly:

• Another type of NSAID, such as carprofen
• Any type of corticosteroid, such as prednisone
• Any kind of drug that can damage the kidneys, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics (like gentamicin)
• Any kind of drug that causes fluid loss, such as a diuretic (like furosemide)

Ibuprofen alternatives for dogs

Because both OTC and most prescription human NSAIDs are not safe for dogs, pharmaceutical companies have formulated safer versions of these medications. They are FDA-approved for use in dogs at a particular dosage to relieve pain and swelling due to osteoarthritis or surgical procedures. However, veterinarians may use them off-label for other problems with pain or swelling, such as muscle injury, bone injury, cancer, or fever. Some of these drugs can be used long-term, but others may need to be discontinued after a few days or weeks. All these alternatives require a prescription from a veterinarian.

Dog-safe prescription NSAIDs include:

• Carprofen (brand names include Rimadyl, Rovera, Quellin, Vetprofen, Carprieve, Carprodyl): Administered as a tablet, chewable tablet, caplet, or injection
• Deracoxib (Coxiba, Deramaxx, Doxidyl, Ostimax): Administered as a chewable tablet
• Firocoxib (Firovet, Firox, Flexira, Osticoxib, Previcox): Administered as a chewable tablet
• Grapiprant (Galliprant): Administered as a tablet; FDA-approved only as a treatment for osteoarthritis

Meloxicam (Alloxate, Loxicom, Meloxidyl, Meloxivet, Metacam, Ostilox)

Administered as an oral solution or injection; FDA-approved only as an osteoarthritis treatment in dogs 

Only meloxicam is used in both animals and humans. In both cases, healthcare professionals use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration because of the risk of side effects.

Other painkillers approved for use in dogs include:

• Amantadine
• Gabapentin
• Tramadol

Pain medications aren’t the only choice for pain management in dogs. Alternative therapies for a pet’s pain include:

• Weight loss
• Low-intensity physical activity
• Dietary supplements such as glucosamine-chondroitin or omega-3 fatty acids
• Physical therapy
• Surgery

Summary

Ibuprofen is NOT safe for your dog. If your dog is in pain, a veterinarian can prescribe a pain reliever formulated to be safe and effective in dogs.