Ibuprofen is a pain reliever that is considered to be well tolerated by humans. With dogs, however, things look different: Even small amounts of the pain reliever can have serious side effects in dogs and lead to life-threatening poisoning. Here’s why ibuprofen is so dangerous for dogs and how to recognize pain medication poisoning.
Can Dogs Take Ibuprofen?
- Even small amounts of ibuprofen can have significant side effects in dogs.
- Ibuprofen can seriously damage the internal organs of the dog and in the worst case lead to death.
- Never give your dog medication from the medicine cabinet without consulting the veterinarian.
Why is Ibuprofen Toxic to Dogs?
Never resort to pain relievers from your medicine cabinet if the dog is in pain. The administration of ibuprofen in dogs is life-threatening because, unlike in humans, the drug is not a welcome pain relief for dogs, but is highly toxic. Even a small amount of ibuprofen can damage the internal organs, especially the stomach, intestines, liver, and kidneys.
How Do You Recognize Ibuprofen Poisoning in Dogs?
If the dog eats ibuprofen, the first symptoms appear a few hours after ingestion. Typical symptoms of pain medication poisoning are vomiting and diarrhea, bloody vomiting, apathetic behavior, increased thirst, and tremors. If the poisoning is not treated in time, the consumption of ibuprofen can even be fatal. The first signs of poisoning appear with small amounts of 8 mg ibuprofen per kilogram of body weight. A dose of around 25 mg of the pain reliever is considered fatal for dogs. This means that even a single tablet can be dangerous for the dog.
25 mg ibuprofen is fatal to a dog.
What Can I Do If the Dog is in Pain?
As soon as you have the impression that your dog is in pain, take your four-legged friend to the vet. The veterinarian can do a thorough examination, find out the cause of the pain, and initiate the correct treatment. If drug treatment is necessary, the veterinarian will select appropriate medication at the right dose for your dog. Strictly adhere to the recommendation of your veterinarian and under no circumstances give your dog pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or paracetamol on your own.
