Ibuprofen
DangerousIbuprofen and other NSAIDs are toxic to dogs.
Toxicity Level
9/10Why It's Dangerous
Even one pill can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, or seizures. Never give human pain medication to dogs.
The Science
Ibuprofen (NSAID)Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. In dogs, COX-1 inhibition reduces the protective mucus lining of the stomach, leading to gastrointestinal ulceration and hemorrhage. At higher doses, ibuprofen reduces blood flow to the kidneys by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, causing acute kidney injury. Dogs metabolize ibuprofen more slowly than humans and are much more sensitive to its gastrointestinal and renal effects. There is no safe dose of ibuprofen for dogs.
Sources
- •Merck Veterinary Manual — NSAID Toxicosis
- •ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- •Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
Dosage & Thresholds
GI symptoms can occur at 25-50mg/kg. Kidney failure risk begins at 100mg/kg. Seizures and death can occur at 400-600mg/kg. A standard ibuprofen tablet (200mg) gives a dose of 20mg/kg to a 10kg dog — enough to cause GI upset. Just 3-4 tablets could cause serious kidney damage in a small dog. Never give human pain medication to dogs — use only vet-prescribed NSAIDs like meloxicam.
Symptoms to Watch For
If your dog has ingested ibuprofen
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison hotline immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet.
callFind Emergency Vet