Dog owners wonder whether they should give Ibuprofen to dogs. You should not ever give this medication to dogs as it’s too toxic. If your dog is in pain, is limping, or feels feverish, take him to the veterinarian. It is indeed a safer alternative that you have. Ibuprofen can become poisoned to pups. They may vomit blood and face acute kidney failure, seize, and die.
What Is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in people to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It’s the active ingredient in many popular over-the-counter medications like Advil®, Midol®, and Motrin®. While these drugs are widely used for humans, ibuprofen is extremely toxic to dogs and should never be administered to them.
There are various types of NSAIDs for humans, including aspirin, naproxen (found in Aleve®), and ibuprofen. While people often group acetaminophen (Tylenol®) with these drugs, acetaminophen is not an NSAID and operates differently. However, like ibuprofen, it can also be dangerous for pets.
How Does Ibuprofen Work?
Ibuprofen works by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which reduces inflammatory molecules known as prostaglandins. While prostaglandins contribute to pain and inflammation, they also play essential roles in the body, such as:
- Maintaining proper blood flow to the kidneys
- Protecting the digestive tract lining
- Supporting normal blood clotting
When ibuprofen blocks these beneficial functions in addition to reducing inflammation, it can cause serious health problems.
The Dangers of Ibuprofen for Dogs
Cyclooxygenase enzymes come in two forms, COX-1 and COX-2. While COX-1 is responsible for beneficial functions like blood clotting and kidney and GI protection, COX-2 primarily contributes to inflammation. Unfortunately, over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen are non-selective, meaning they inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2. In dogs, this dual inhibition can lead to severe side effects:
- Gastrointestinal ulcers and inflammation, lead to symptoms like vomiting (possibly with blood), diarrhea, and loss of appetite
- Acute kidney failure at higher doses, which may result in coma, depression, and seizures
Dogs metabolize NSAIDs differently than humans, making even small doses dangerous. Symptoms of ibuprofen poisoning include vomiting, bloody stool, seizures, and in severe cases, death. The risk is so high that giving a dog ibuprofen is never worth it.
Safer Alternatives to Ibuprofen for Dogs
Because of the significant risks associated with ibuprofen, pharmaceutical companies have developed NSAIDs that are specifically designed for dogs. These dog-safe NSAIDs target COX-2 more selectively, allowing for pain and inflammation relief while minimizing side effects.
Common NSAIDs approved for dogs include:
- Deracoxib (Deramaxx™)
- Carprofen (Rimadyl®)
- Etodolac (EtoGesic®)
- Meloxicam (Metacam®)
- Firocoxib (Previcox®)
These medications are more effective and much safer for canine use than human medications like ibuprofen. Never attempt to medicate your dog with over-the-counter human NSAIDs—always consult your veterinarian for appropriate options.
Understanding Risks of NSAIDs for Dogs
No medication is entirely risk-free, and even NSAIDs formulated for dogs can cause side effects, which may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Gastrointestinal ulcers
- Kidney or liver dysfunction
To minimize these risks, follow these safety guidelines:
- Follow your vet’s recommendations: Routine lab work and follow-up checks are crucial when your dog is on any NSAID.
- Use the lowest effective dose: Administer the minimum dose needed to keep your dog comfortable, and consider combining NSAIDs with other treatments like weight management, physical therapy, supplements, or acupuncture.
- Avoid combining NSAIDs and steroids: Using multiple NSAIDs or combining an NSAID with a steroid like prednisone significantly increases the risk of side effects.
- Allow a break between NSAIDs: If switching from one NSAID to another, take a 5- to 7-day break between them to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
While ibuprofen may be convenient and inexpensive for people, it poses life-threatening risks for dogs. Thankfully, there are safe, veterinarian-approved alternatives to help your pet find relief from pain and inflammation. Always talk to your vet to determine the best treatment plan for your dog’s comfort and safety.