Can Dogs Take Ibuprofen?

No, dogs should never be given ibuprofen. Even a small amount can cause life-threatening toxicity.

Ibuprofen is a common pain reliever for humans, so it’s understandable to wonder whether it can help a dog is in pain. But ibuprofen is dangerous and potentially deadly for pets, and safer, veterinary-approved options are available.

Let’s look at ibuprofen and why you should never give it to your dog.

Can You Give Dogs Ibuprofen?

Dogs should never be given ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is toxic to dogs.

If your dog is in pain, is limping or feels feverish, take them to the veterinarian instead of offering them human medication. There are much safer alternatives with less adverse effects that are still affordable.

Dogs metabolize nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) differently than humans, so even “low” doses of ibuprofen can lead to serious complications.

If ingested, ibuprofen causes dose-dependent symptoms such as:

• Kidney failure

• Vomiting blood

• Bloody diarrhea

• Seizures

• Death

How Much Ibuprofen for Dogs Is Dangerous?

Any amount of ibuprofen can be dangerous for dogs. If your dog ingests even a small amount, treat it as an emergency.

The ASPCA National Animal Poison Control is available 24 hours a day at 888-426-4435. 

Additionally, the Pet Poison Helpline can be reached at 855-764-7661. 

For a fee, both services can calculate the toxic dose and guide therapy options for you and your veterinarian.

What Is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is the generic name for a particular type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID).  It’s an active ingredient in many different brand name medications, including Advil, Midol, and Motrin.

There are many different types of NSAIDs. The NSAIDs designed for human use include aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen.

While acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often thought of being in the same category as these other medications, Tylenol is not an NSAID and works in a different way. However, Tylenol can still cause a possible toxicity in dogs.

How Does Ibuprofen Work?

Ibuprofen works by blocking the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which reduces inflammatory molecules called prostaglandins.

In addition to promoting inflammation and pain, prostaglandins:

• Maintain adequate blood flow to the kidneys

• Help protect the digestive tract

• Allow blood to clot normally

When these functions are blocked by ibuprofen or another NSAID, problems can follow.

Problems With Ibuprofen for Dogs

Cyclooxygenase comes in two forms: COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 has a beneficial role in blood clotting, maintenance of blood flow to the kidneys, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract protection.

Unfortunately, over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are non-selective, so they block the activity of both COX-1 and COX-2.

This can lead to:

• Stomach ulcers

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lack of appetite

• Coma

• Depression

• Seizures

• Kidney failure

This, combined with the fact that dogs metabolize and excrete NSAIDs differently than people, means that even relatively low doses of ibuprofen can lead to life-threatening side effects‚ including death.

Alternatives to Ibuprofen for Dogs

Veterinary NSAIDs are designed to provide pain relief while protecting your dog’s health. Common dog-safe NSAIDs include:

• Deracoxib (Deramaxx)

• Carprofen (Rimadyl)

• Etodolac (EtoGesic)

• Meloxicam (Metacam)

• Firocoxib (Previcox)

These drugs are safer and more effective for dogs than over-the-counter pain relievers for humans like ibuprofen.

Risks of NSAIDs for Dogs

No drug is completely without risk, however. All types of NSAIDs, including those designed for dogs, have been associated with the potential to cause side effects like:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Poor appetite

• Lethargy

• Gastrointestinal ulceration

• Kidney dysfunction

• Liver damage

How To Reduce Risk 

• Always follow your veterinarian’s recommendations.

• Give your dog the lowest effective dose.

• Ask your vet about combining NSAIDs with other forms of treatment, such as weight loss, physical therapy, nutritional supplements, and acupuncture.

• Don’t use two NSAIDs at the same time, or an NSAID in combination with a corticosteroid like prednisone. Doing so greatly increases the risk of side effects.

• Allow a five- to seven-day break between drugs before switching NSAIDs or switching to steroids, unless directed otherwise.

Even though ibuprofen is affordable and effective for people, there are much better (and safer) options available for relieving your dog’s discomfort. Talk to your veterinarian to determine what pain relief medication is right for your pup.