- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
There are many human pain medications on the market, many of which are not safe for dogs. One of these is Ibuprofen, commonly called Motrin or Advil. Ibuprofen can be toxic to dogs, even in small doses, and can potentially lead to serious health issues, says Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM and co-founder of How To Pets. Instead, consult your vet if your pet is in pain to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
If your dog has already ingested Ibuprofen, stay calm and go to an emergency vet right away. Quick action is key after your dog ingests a toxic substance. If you’re in doubt, call the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435.
Below, we’ll discuss Ibuprofen safety, symptoms and treatments for Ibuprofen poisoning, and which pain treatments are actually safe for dogs.
How Toxic Is Ibuprofen for Dogs?
It’s best to avoid giving your dog any amount of Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
“While Ibuprofen products are not toxic to dogs in small quantities, it doesn’t take much to cause major problems,” says TB Thompson, DVM and Animal Welfare Advocate with Your Vet Friend. “I’ve never recommended using Ibuprofen to treat dogs because we have many safer options.”
Even the “safe” amount (5 mg/kg/day) is considered a risk as Ibuprofen poisoning have been seen with a dosage of 8 mg/kg/day for 30 days.
Symptoms of Ibuprofen Poisoning
Whether you’ve given your dog Ibuprofen for pain or they’ve accidentally consumed it, there are symptoms to keep an eye out for that indicate potential poisoning. Some symptoms are immediate, while others can affect your dog long-term.
Immediate symptoms
Dr. Ochoa says the following are immediate symptoms of Ibuprofen poisoning:
- Upset stomach: vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Lethargy: less playful or energetic than usual or a loss of interest in usual activities like dog walks
- Lack of appetite: not wanting to eat when and what they usually would
- Abdominal pain: hunched over or crying, especially when you touch their belly
- Black or tarry stools: could indicate internal bleeding
- Increased thirst or urination: could show kidneys are being affected
- Seizures: may happen in a severe case
- Coma: the most extreme case of poisoning
Long-term symptoms
If you don’t treat Ibuprofen poisoning, there could be long-term effects. Ocha says possible long-term symptoms include the following conditions and side effects:
- Chronic ulcers: ongoing abdominal pain and digestive problems, even after initial treatment
- Kidney damage: increased thirst and urination and a buildup of waste in the body
- Liver impairment: yellowing of the eyes, gums, or skin and continued vomiting or loss of appetite
- Neurological problems: seizures and/or ataxia (loss of coordination)
What’s the Treatment for Ibuprofen Poisoning?
Decontamination, the process of inducing vomiting to remove toxins from an animal, is a standard treatment for Ibuprofen poisoning, says Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, BVM, BVS, MRCVS, with The Veterinary Content Company.
Woodnutt says since time is of the essence, an emergency vet may have you start the process at home, but it’s best not to make your dog sick unless a vet instructs otherwise.
After decontamination, your vet might give them charcoal or put them on a drip, depending on the level of toxicity.
What Pain Treatments Are Safe for Dogs?
If you suspect your dog is in pain, avoid NSAIDs and opt for dog-safe pain medications. Instead, Dr. Woodnutt also suggests the following treatments:
- Heated beds for arthritic pain
- Cold packs for inflammation or acute injury
- Rest in a small room or crate for injury
- Supplements with omega fatty acids for arthritis
- Massage for joint or muscle pain or recovering from limb surgery (consult with your vet before doing this)
- Vet-prescribed pain medication such as gabapentin
Additionally, she says if your dog’s still in pain while on vet-prescribed medication, they might need a different dose or other treatment.
Takeaway
Since dogs can’t tell us what symptoms they’re experiencing from pain or Ibuprofen poisoning, your veterinarian can determine the best prognosis based on individual circumstances. Whether your dog’s in pain and you’re looking for treatment or they’ve accidentally consumed Ibuprofen, contact your vet as soon as possible for a suitable care plan.