Can You Give Dogs Ibuprofen? No, and Here’s Why
Key takeaways:
Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in humans, is harmful to dogs.
Ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure in your pup.
You should only give your pet pain relievers prescribed by your vet.
Table of contents
Humans take ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation from ailments like toothaches, arthritis, and fever. It’s considered safe for people if taken at the proper dose. But that doesn’t mean it’s OK for a dog.
Ibuprofen is not formulated for dogs and is considered unsafe for pets. Here’s what you need to know about ibuprofen for pain relief in dogs, safer alternatives, and how to know when your pup needs pain medication.
Can you give a dog ibuprofen?
No, you cannot give a dog ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Humans process medications differently than pooches. Ibuprofen may stay in a dog’s system longer, get absorbed faster, and reach higher levels of blood concentrations. A single dose may be enough to poison your animal.
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The FDA has not approved any over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pets. So, don’t give your dog aspirin or naproxen sodium (Aleve) either. NSAID medications are one of the most common causes of poisoning in pets.
Which NSAIDs are approved for dogs?
Only give a dog NSAIDs prescribed by a vet. The following medications are specifically designed to relieve pain in dogs and are FDA approved:
Robenacoxib (Onsior)
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Enrofloxacin for severe infections: If regular antibiotics don’t cure a dog’s infection, a vet may recommend enrofloxacin. It’s a powerful medication reserved for hard-to-treat illnesses.
Remember that NSAIDs may not be the right medication. It depends on the cause of your dog’s pain. There are other pain medications for dogs including opioids, local anesthetics, and gabapentin. Talk to a veterinarian about the right pain medication for your dog.
Do’s and don'ts to relieve pain for dogs
If your dog is in pain, talk to a vet and follow their treatment plan. In addition, you can do the following:
Only give your pooch pain relievers that are made for dogs.
Watch for medication side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody (black) poop.
Ask a vet about physical therapies such as walking, swimming, or climbing stairs.
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If your dog is in pain, don’t do the following:
Don’t give your dog more medication than prescribed.
Avoid CBD products unless you check with your vet. There’s mixed evidence to support its use in dogs at this time.
Don’t give your dog another pet’s medications without talking to a vet first.
Alternative remedies for pain relief in dogs
There are several ways to manage pup pain with or without medication. Talk to a vet to see if these could work for your dog:
Cold packs to the injured area or surgical site
Therapeutic exercise such as walking, muscle building, or range of motion movement
Home modifications such as ramps, rugs, or plush bedding
Acupuncture for intervertebral disc disease
What are the signs that your dog is in pain?
Pups feel pain for various reasons. Just like humans, they may hurt themselves while playing or develop a toothache or arthritis. Unfortunately, your dog can’t tell you they’re in pain. You’ll have to look for changes in their behavior.
These pain symptoms may signal there’s something wrong with your dog:
Whining or whimpering
Sleeping more
Licking an area excessively
Trembling
Panting excessively during rest
Limping
Acting out of character, like becoming aggressive
Scratching a specific part of their body
Avoiding movement
Standing or lying down difficulties
What causes pain in dogs?
Different things can cause pain in your pooch. Like us, they can suffer an injury or develop a chronic condition.
The most common causes of pain include:
Bone cancer
Dental infections
Injury from a fall, collision, or attack by another animal
Postsurgery
When to see a vet for pain treatment in dogs
If you spot any signs of pain in your dog, take them to the vet. And call the vet if your pet’s behavior changes or they have an accident. They can find out what’s wrong with your pup and help them feel better.
You should also take your dog to the vet once a year for regular checkups. During these visits, the vet can check for common causes of pain, like arthritis and gum disease.
Frequently asked questions
Before giving your dog pain medication — even if it’s a medication for dogs — talk to a vet. Their recommendation will depend on the source of your dog’s pain and how quickly they can see your pet. If your dog has an injury, stabilize your pet and ask a vet about using a cold pack on the injury site.
You cannot give your dog human painkillers. NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and the pain medication acetaminophen (Tylenol) are toxic to dogs. Only give your dog painkillers prescribed by a veterinarian.
Aspirin is used in veterinary medicine, but it’s not typically recommended for dogs. A small dose can be toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal upsets.
The bottom line
Don’t give ibuprofen to dogs. It can be toxic and cause serious health problems. You also shouldn’t give your dog any other over-the-counter pain medications used for humans without talking to a vet.
If your dog acts differently and you suspect they’re in pain, talk to a vet. They can prescribe medications that are safe for pets and recommend alternative ways to manage pain.
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References
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American College Veterinary Pharmacists. (n.d.). Aspirin.
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Cital, S. (2019). Cannabis for pet pain. World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress Proceedings.
Dunayer, E. (2004). Ibuprofen toxicosis in dogs, cats, and ferrets. Veterinary Medicine.
Epstein, M., et al. (2015). 2015 AAHA/AAFP pain management guidelines for dogs and cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.
Gruen, M. E., et al. (2022). 2022 AAHA pain management guidelines for dogs and cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.
Lynch, A. (2019). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug toxicity. European Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Congress.
Roush, J. K., et al. (2010). Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Get the facts about pain relievers for pets.
Van Dyke, J. B., et al. (2014). Therapeutic exercise in veterinary rehabilitation. World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
Veterinary Partner. (2020). Signs of pain in pets.
