Why it is dangerous to dogs
Ibuprofen is a human medicine for pain and inflammation. It must never be given to a dog, even if the dog seems to be in pain. A dog can also find it by itself: dropped on the floor, or in a pack left in a handbag, which it chews open.
Dogs are very sensitive to ibuprofen. It can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and gut, damage the kidneys and, if more is eaten, affect the nervous system too. Other anti-inflammatory painkillers made for people, including rub-on gels, act in a similar way. The amount that causes harm differs from dog to dog and cannot be judged at home.
If your dog may have swallowed ibuprofen, contact a vet or an emergency clinic straight away, even if it seems well. Tell them when it could have happened, and take the packaging with you.
What to watch out for
- Vomiting can follow, sometimes with blood.
- The stool can turn black and tarry.
- The dog can have a painful belly, go off its food and become dull.
- The kidneys can be damaged.
- If more is eaten, staggering or seizures can follow.
The forms it comes in
The same substance can turn up in different places.
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Pain-relief gels
DangerousA chewed tube is dangerous too, so keep them where your dog cannot reach them.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.