- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Aleve is one of the brand names for naproxen, a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medication can help relieve pain for people. However, it can be fatal to pets, so dogs can’t have Aleve.
Humans can eliminate Aleve quickly through their kidneys, according to Dr. Jennifer Sperry, BSc, DVM. Taking the recommended dose of Aleve can help ease pain, fever, and inflammation. Then, your system clears it before the drug can damage other parts of the body.
Animal livers, on the other hand, slowly remove and excrete the drug in the bile, Dr. Sperry says. “When bile is secreted during digestion, some of the Aleve is reabsorbed from the intestines back into the bloodstream. This means that even a low dosage of the drug sticks around for much longer and at higher concentrations.”
Read on to learn the symptoms of Naproxen poisoning and what to do if your dog has accidentally consumed Aleve. We’ll also share what you can give a dog for pain and when to talk to your vet.
Signs Of Naproxen Poisoning
Naproxen includes these brand name medications:
- Aleve
- EC Naprosyn
- Anaprox
- Anaprox DX
- Naprosyn
- Naprox Sodium
- Naproxen EC
- Naproxen SR
- Naprelan
- Menstridol
Most people can safely take naproxen, but dogs can’t have Aleve and other types of naproxen. These medications are very dangerous for dogs.
“Naproxen toxicity in dogs mainly affects two body systems: the gastrointestinal and renal systems,” says Dr. Brad Hinsperger, DVM, director of Kingsdale Animal Hospital.
He says immediate symptoms of naproxen poisoning, which are related to the ulceration of the gastrointestinal system, may include:
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting (with or without blood)
- Diarrhea
- Melena (black, often tarry stools)
- Abdominal pain
Kidney damage can also develop, depending on the amount of Aleve ingested. Kidney damage in dogs may lead to:
- Increased urination
- Increased thirst
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Blood in urine
If you notice any of these symptoms, take action immediately. You can contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 at any time. Let them know your specific situation, including the estimated time your dog ate the Aleve and how much they ate.
An ASPCA veterinary expert will guide you on the next steps.
Treatment For Naproxen Poisoning
Seek help as soon as you suspect your dog has eaten Aleve or another naproxen medication, Dr. Sperry says.
Once the medication has entered your pet’s system, it’s difficult to remove, so quick treatment is vital. “Treatment can reduce the risk of serious toxic injury,” Dr. Sperry says.
Treatment may include:
- Induced vomiting to remove drugs that haven’t been absorbed yet
- Decontamination with activated charcoal and cathartics
- IV fluids to dilute the absorbed concentration of drugs and help protect the kidneys
Your vet or an emergency vet will make the call on the best treatment option for your dog. They may direct you to start home care or tell you to get to the vet right away.
How To Treat Your Dog’s Pain Safely
If you think your dog is in pain, it’s only natural to want to help them get some relief. But it’s not always easy to tell what’s causing a dog’s pain, and the wrong treatment could make things worse.
Instead of giving your dog Aleve or any other medication meant for humans, ask your vet about the right treatment for your dog.
Dr. Hinsperger recommends the following natural treatments:
- Cold or heat therapy: Cold compresses can help treat acute pain or injuries, while a heated dog bed or heating pad can help relieve arthritis pain. Make sure to check with a vet first and watch your dog carefully when using heat therapy. Place the heated bed or pad underneath your dog, not on top of their body.
- Natural supplements: Ask your vet about giving your dog supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil.
- Massage: You can gently massage the affected area to promote relaxation and pain relief.
- Special diet: Ask your vet about a diet specifically designed for dogs with mobility issues if your dog is a senior or has arthritis.
- Gentle exercise: Keeping your dog active with light exercise like walking can help maintain their muscle strength.
- Rest: Encourage plenty of rest in a calm environment, especially after an injury or surgery.
Can CBD help?
Plenty of CBD products for dogs exist, but you’ll want to talk to your vet before trying any of these for your pet.
“CBD oil may also show promising results, but there needs to be more research into proper dosing, effectiveness, and side effects before an official recommendation,” says Dr. Hinsperger.
When To Ask A Vet About Your Dog’s Pain
It’s best to talk to your vet as soon as you notice any signs of pain. Often, dogs in pain will show unusual behaviors, including:
- Posture changes, including tail tucking, crouching, and standing with a hunched back
- Slow reflexes
- Panting
- Unusual movements, including stiffness or hesitations
- Shivering, shaking, or trembling
- Inflammation
- Licking, biting, or scratching a specific area on the body
- Restlessness
- Lack of interest in playing or eating
- Whining or whimpering
Prescription pain relief for dogs
According to Dr. Hinsperger, there are three main classes of prescription pain medication for dogs:
- NSAIDs: Dogs can’t have Aleve, but they can have some other NSAIDs, including Meloxicam, Carprofen, and Deracoxib.
- Opioids: This type of pain relief treats acute pain. Your vet will generally prescribe opioids, like Tramadol and Buprenorphine, after surgery.
- Gabapentin: This medication can help ease nerve and chronic pain. Your vet may sometimes prescribe Gabapentin alongside other pain medications
Less commonly, your vet might prescribe muscle relaxants and corticosteroids to help ease pain.
It’s important to avoid giving your dog any medications without talking to your vet first. Only a vet can properly diagnose a dog’s pain—and any issues causing it—and prescribe the right treatment.