Can dogs eat ibuprofen?
The full picture
Ibuprofen is one of the most common causes of NSAID poisoning in dogs in the UK, largely because owners assume it's safer than it is. The toxic dose in dogs is low — gastric ulceration occurs at around 50 mg/kg, kidney damage at 175 mg/kg, and CNS effects (seizures, coma) at higher doses. Standard adult ibuprofen tablets are 200mg or 400mg, meaning a 10kg dog eating two 200mg tablets is in the kidney-damage zone. Dogs metabolise ibuprofen more slowly than humans and the toxic threshold is much lower. UK brand names: Nurofen, Brufen, Advil, Calprofen (children's ibuprofen liquid), and most own-brand ibuprofen. Topical ibuprofen creams (Ibuleve, Fenbid Gel) are also dangerous if licked from owner's skin.
If your dog has already eaten ibuprofen
Call your vet or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 IMMEDIATELY — within 1–2 hours of ingestion, your vet may induce vomiting. Bring the packet so they can calculate the dose by weight. Treatment includes activated charcoal, IV fluids (often for 48+ hours to protect kidneys), gastric protectants (omeprazole, sucralfate, misoprostol), and bloods to monitor liver and kidney function.
Risks to watch for
- Stomach ulcers and perforation (a true surgical emergency)
- Vomiting blood, black tarry stools
- Acute kidney failure
- Seizures, ataxia, coma at high doses
- Liver damage
- Death within 24–48 hours without treatment
Safe portion size
There is no safe dose. Never administer ibuprofen to a dog. For pain relief, dog-specific NSAIDs (meloxicam, carprofen, firocoxib) are safe and effective.
Safer alternatives
- Carprofen (Rimadyl) — vet prescribed
- Meloxicam (Metacam) — most common UK veterinary NSAID
- Firocoxib (Previcox) — for chronic pain
- Gabapentin for nerve pain (vet prescription)
- Joint supplements long-term: green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, omega-3
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