{"id":627191,"date":"2024-03-08T15:33:20","date_gmt":"2024-03-08T20:33:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627191"},"modified":"2026-01-06T15:30:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T20:30:05","slug":"ibuprofen-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ibuprofen-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Can dogs take ibuprofen?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Though safe for humans, <\/span>ibuprofen<\/span><\/a> (Motrin or Advil) and other human nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter human NSAIDS are not FDA-approved for use in dogs. Veterinarians do not prescribe ibuprofen because other, <\/span>safer medications<\/span><\/a> 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\u2014for instance, if a dog chews open an ibuprofen bottle\u2014could quickly cause severe illness, kidney failure, seizures, coma, and death.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ibuprofen poisoning is one of the <\/span>most common drug poisonings<\/span><\/a> reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. It\u2019s usually the result of accidental ingestion or a well-meaning owner using it to relieve a pet\u2019s pain in the mistaken belief that it\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Save up to 80% on ibuprofen<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Is ibuprofen safe for dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Ibuprofen is NOT safe for dogs to take.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (<\/span>NSAIDs<\/span><\/a>). Over-the-counter NSAIDS such as <\/span>aspirin<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>naproxen<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>ibuprofen<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

In dogs, ibuprofen has a narrow range of safety in terms of dosage. Ibuprofen blocks the enzymes used to produce substances called <\/span>prostaglandins<\/span><\/a> that protect the stomach and intestines from stomach acid. Prostaglandins also <\/span>help increase blood flow to the kidneys<\/span><\/a> 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 publisheddose is <\/span>5 mg per kilogram of body weight daily<\/span><\/a>. 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 <\/span>symptoms of toxicity<\/span><\/a> and requires immediate veterinary care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of ibuprofen in dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Small doses of ibuprofen will, over time, produce digestive problems such as ulcers that are marked by side effects such as:<\/span><\/p>\n