Ibuprofen Poisoning in Dogs – Many human pain medicines are available for purchase, and many of them are not safe for your dog. One such medicine is Ibuprofen, which can also be known as Motrin and Advil. Because Ibuprofen is referred to as toxic to dogs even at lower doses, it can cause unwanted medical conditions. If you are certain you know the amount of Ibuprofen taken by your dog, stay calm and go to an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible. It is better to act fast after your dog has ingested a toxic element.
In the following blog, we will cover how dangerous Ibuprofen is for dogs, signs and symptoms of Ibuprofen poisoning, how the vet will treat your dog, and what pain medications are safe for dogs and can replace Ibuprofen.
How Dangerous Is Ibuprofen for Dogs?
In the end, think about it best to avoid giving your dog any amount of Ibuprofen or any NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). While Ibuprofen products are not referred to as toxic in dogs at low doses or amounts, it does not take much for significant issues to develop.
Even the “safe” amount (5 mg/kg/day) is still a danger because Ibuprofen poisoning has been identified at 8 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Ibuprofen, like various medications given to dogs for pain, inflammation, and many other conditions, can have toxic effects.
Symptoms of Ibuprofen Poisoning in Dogs
Instant Symptoms
Symptoms of ibuprofen poisoning can be divided into symptoms that happen instantly after ingestion to symptoms that may take days to affect your dog. Some symptoms can affect your dog immediately, while others become evident days or weeks later. The following are the instant symptoms of ingestion of Ibuprofen –
Upset stomach – Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Lethargy – Less playful or energetic than they usually are or not wanting to do their usual activities, like going for walks.
Lack of appetite – Not wanting to eat when they normally would or not wanting to eat the same food they would normally want.
Abdominal pain – They hunch or cry when you touch their belly.
Black or tarry poop – Black or tarry poop could indicate internal bleeding.
Increased thirst or urination – Increased thirst or urination could indicate the kidneys are being affected.
Seizures – Seizures may happen in a serious case.
Coma – Coma is the most extreme case of poisoning.
Long-term Symptoms
If you do not seek treatment for Ibuprofen poisoning, your dog may suffer long-term symptoms. Long-term symptoms can show medical conditions and severe side effects listed below –
Chronic ulcers – Continuing abdominal pain and digestive issues after initial treatment.
Kidney damage – Increased thirst, urination, and waste products in the body.
Liver damage – Yellowing of the eyes, gums, and skin, or continued vomiting and/or loss of appetite.
Neurological problems – Seizures and/or ataxia (loss of coordination).
What will be the treatment for Ibuprofen poisoning?
Decontamination or vomiting to get the toxin to exit the animal’s body is a general treatment for Ibuprofen poisoning. Because quick action is important, your emergency vet may start the process at home, but you should not induce vomiting in your dog unless your vet tells you to do so. After decontamination, your vet may put the dog on a drip, depending on the level of toxicity.
What Pain Treatments Are Safe for Dogs?
If you see your dog is in pain, avoid NSAIDs and go for dog-safe pain medications. Instead, the following treatments are –
- Rest in a small room or box for injury
- Supplements with omega fatty acids for arthritis
- Heated beds for arthritic pain
- Cold packs for inflammation or acute injury
- Massage for joint or muscle pain or recovering from limb surgery (discuss with your vet before implementing this)
In Conclusion
Since dogs can’t tell us how they’re feeling, it’s important to let your vet decide the best treatment for pain or if they’ve accidentally eaten ibuprofen. Whether your dog is in pain or you think they’ve ingested ibuprofen, contact your vet immediately for the right care.
FAQs
How long does ibuprofen take to affect dogs?
Signs of ibuprofen toxicity can be seen in as little as 12 hours, including diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy or weakness, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, pale gums, increased thirst and urination, seizures, and coma.
How to know if the dog has ibuprofen poisoning?
These signs may include vomiting (often with blood), diarrhea, depression, abdominal pain, reduced appetite, dark tarry stools, pale gums, and bloody stools. Higher doses can result in kidney, liver, and neurological damage.
How much quantity of ibuprofen is enough to cause kidney failure in dogs?
Toxic doses of ibuprofen begin at 50 mg/kg; doses above 175 mg or kg show clinical signs of diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, gastric ulceration and abdominal pain, and renal failure.
How much ibuprofen can you offer a dog?
No, you should not give a dog ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Humans process medicines differently from pooches. Ibuprofen may stay in a dog’s system for longer, get absorbed quicker, and reach higher levels of blood concentrations. A single dose is enough to poison your animal.
Ibuprofen is Dangerous for Dogs?
Many human pain medicines can hurt your dog, and ibuprofen (like Motrin and Advil) is one of them. Even small amounts of ibuprofen can be poisonous to dogs and cause serious health problems.
If your dog has taken ibuprofen, stay calm and call your vet immediately. Quick action is best when your dog has swallowed something toxic.
This information will explain why ibuprofen is dangerous for dogs, what signs to look for if they’ve been poisoned, how the vet will treat them, and what safe pain medicines you can use instead.
Why Ibuprofen is Bad for Dogs?
It’s best not to give your dog any ibuprofen or similar human pain relievers (called NSAIDs). Even though small amounts might not seem immediately toxic, it doesn’t take much to cause significant problems.
Even the lowest “possibly safe” amount can still be risky, and higher amounts are definitely dangerous. Ibuprofen can have harmful effects on dogs, just like some pain medicines made specifically for them.
What are the signs of Ibuprofen Poisoning in Dogs?
There are signs that can appear quickly after your dog takes ibuprofen, and other signs that might take days or weeks to show up.
Immediate Symptoms:
- Upset stomach: Vomiting and/or diarrhea.
- Lethargy: Being less energetic or playful than usual, or not wanting to do normal activities like walkin.
- Loss of appetite: Not wanting to eat their regular food or not eating at all.
- Abdominal pain: Hunching over or crying when their belly is touched.
- Black or tarry poop: This can mean there’s internal bleeding.
- Increased thirst or urination: This could mean their kidneys are being affected.
- Seizures: Can happen in severe cases.
- Coma: The most serious and extreme case of poisoning.
Long-Term Symptoms:
If ibuprofen poisoning isn’t treated, your dog can develop long-lasting problems like:
- Chronic ulcers: Ongoing stomach pain and digestive issues.
- Kidney damage: Increased thirst and urination, and waste buildup in the body.
- Liver damage: Yellowing of the eyes, gums, and skin, or continued vomiting and loss of appetite.
- Neurological problems: Seizures and/or loss of coordination (stumbling).
How Vets Treat Ibuprofen Poisoning?
Usually, the first step is to try to get the poison out of your dog’s body by making them vomit. Because acting fast is important, your vet might tell you to do this at home, but never make your dog vomit unless your vet specifically tells you to. After that, the vet might give your dog fluids through an IV, depending on how severe the poisoning is.
Safe Pain Relief for Dogs?
If your dog is in pain, don’t give them human NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Instead, here are some safer options:
- Rest: Keep them in a small, quiet space if they have an injury.
- Omega fatty acid supplements: Can help with arthritis.
- Heated beds: Can soothe arthritis pain.
- Cold packs: For swelling or recent injuries.
- Massage: Can help with joint or muscle pain or recovery after surgery (talk to your vet first).
