- Ibuprofen can be toxic for dogs, so you should not give it to your dog.
- Dogs can become very sick if they are given just three to six ibuprofen pills.
- You can ask your vet for canine-specific pain relieving drugs, or go natural.
- For more information, visit Insider’s Health Reference Library.
You can give your dog Benadryl and other human drugs. However, some medications, such as ibuprofen, may prove to be too dangerous for your dog.
Ibuprofen can be dangerous for dogs. In some cases, it can cause stomach or kidney damage or even death.
You have several options for treating your dog’s injuries and pains at home.
Here are some reasons why your dog shouldn’t be given ibuprofen. Also, here’s what you can do to help an itchy puppy.
Can dogs take ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen should not be given to your dog. It can damage your dog’s stomach or kidneys. Alison Meindl, DVMColorado State University professor and veterinarian Dr.
Because ibuprofen inhibits the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). The blocking of this enzyme decreases inflammation but also stops blood flow to your stomach or kidneys. This is not a major problem for humans but can cause serious problems for dogs.
Ibuprofen poisoning is more common in dogs than in humans.Three reasons:
- Ibuprofen may last longer in dog’s systems.
- Ibuprofen may be absorbed faster by dogs’ stomachs and intestines.
- The blood levels of ibuprofen can be higher in dogs than in humans.
“Plainly, humans can tolerate a much larger dose than can our pets,”Says Travis Arndt, DVMDirector of the Animal Medical Center of Mid-America.
Meindl states that excessive ibuprofen can lead to dangerous side effects, such as stomach ulcers, kidney damage, seizures, and even death.
“As little as 1,200 mg of ibuprofen could be fatal to a small dog,” says Arndt. Motrin or Advil usually contain this ingredient. 200 mg per pillYou can also call it:400 mgExtra strength capsules can contain up to six pills, which is why it is possible for three to six of them to be fatal.
Dogs are susceptible to ibuprofen poisoning.
Ibuprofen poisoning can be extremely dangerous and could cause problems like:
Stomach ulcers, This could lead to symptoms such as:
- Vomiting with or not blood
- Stools in dark or tarry colors
- No appetite or decreased appetite
- Lethargy
Kidney damage which may cause symptoms including:
- Urethrination has increased
- Increased drinking
- Vomiting
- No appetite or decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Seizures or coma can result from more severe overdoses.
What can I do for my dog’s pain?
Meindl says that there are many other NSAIDs made for dogs. These NSAIDs are more safe than ibuprofen, and can be effective in pain control.
The FDA approved NSAID drugs likeCarprofen and MeloxicamFor dogs, however, they can only be obtained with a prescription from your veterinarian.
Depending on your dog’s needs, there might be non-NSAID pain relief drugs. “Your veterinarian can talk with you about the best option(s) for your individual dog,” Meindl says.
You can also explore at-home alternatives for pain medication together with your dog. Meindl recommends these options:
- IcingMeindl states that an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables can be useful for acute injuries. This should be done for five to ten minutes.
- HeatMeindl suggests that this can be used to treat a more severe injury. However, you should follow certain safety guidelines.
- “Never place a heating pad on a dog as they cannot communicate that it is too hot and it is easy to burn their skin,” says Meindl.
- Meindl recommends that you microwave a moist washcloth until warm to the touch. Once the cloth is warm, wrap it in plastic and place it on the area to be treated for five minutes.
- Gentle massageIt can also be used to treat aches.
“You should have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian before starting any of these treatments in order to make sure that the treatment is appropriate for the injury,” Meindl says.
Insider’s takeaway
Dogs can be exposed to Ibuprofen, which can cause serious side effects and even death. Keep medication away from pets. If you suspect your dog might have taken any, contact poison control.
“If you suspect your pet is in pain, reach out to your veterinarian for an appointment and advice as soon as possible,” Arndt says. Your vet may be capable of finding a safe pain treatment plan for your pet.