Can You Give Dogs Ibuprofen? No, and Here’s Why

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.

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.

Quiz: Which household items are dangerous for dogs?

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:

• Carprofen (Rimadyl)

• Deracoxib (Deramaxx)

• Firocoxib (Previcox)

• Grapiprant (Galliprant)

• Meloxicam (Metacam)

• Robenacoxib (Onsior)

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

• Weight loss

• Home modifications such as ramps, rugs, or plush bedding

• Omega-3 fatty acids 

• Acupuncture for intervertebral disc disease

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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

• Eating less

• 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:

• Arthritis

• 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.

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Written by:

Ana Gascon

Ana Gascon has over 15 years of writing and editing experience, with 8 years in health and medical content work. She is a content creator who focuses on acute conditions, chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and health equity.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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