Ibuprofen Poisoning in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 06/30/2016Updated: 03/29/2022
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Ibuprofen Poisoning in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Ibuprofen Poisoning?
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation in humans. It's available in many generic forms, but the most common brand names include Advil, Midol, and Motrin. 
Most people have ibuprofen in their medicine cabinets, purses, drawers, or just somewhere in their house. It's a common medication many of us take without a second thought, which makes it one of the most common causes of poisoning in dogs. While it's suitable for human use, a very small amount of ibuprofen can be harmful to a dog. 
As well as reducing inflammation, ibuprofen also reduces the production of substances used to protect the lining of the stomach; this is what causes stomach ulcers in many toxicity cases. Other side effects can include other gastrointestinal distress, renal failure, and damage to the central nervous system.
If your pet ingests ibuprofen, seek veterinary attention straight away. If you see your pet consume the medication, you can induce vomiting to avoid the body beginning the absorption process. But if your pet ingests a significant amount or if you don’t realize it until some time has passed, contact your vet immediately.
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Ibuprofen Poisoning Average Cost
From 58 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$2,100
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Symptoms of Ibuprofen Poisoning in Dogs
Some symptoms of ibuprofen poisoning in dogs, like vomiting and diarrhea, occur quickly, either immediately or within a few hours. Other symptoms, like stomach ulcers, may take longer to develop. Long-term and short-term symptoms include:
Types
Ibuprofen is the generic name of the drug. It's also known by brand names such as Advil, Motrin, and Midol. Ibuprofen is also used as an ingredient in some allergy medications and other products. However, the generic name of "ibuprofen" legally has to be on the medication label, so if you're unsure whether a product contains this drug, just check the label. Ibuprofen is available as a liquid or pill.
Causes of Ibuprofen Poisoning in Dogs
Ibuprofen is quickly absorbed after it is consumed and begins to inhibit the production of COX-1 enzymes. COX-1 enzymes produce the protective layer of the stomach, help maintain renal blood flow, and help platelets to clot when needed. Since ibuprofen works against and prevents the production of these substances, it can be very dangerous to dogs. 
Some well-intentioned pet parents give their dog ibuprofen for pain relief, believing it's safe. In other situations, a dog may help themselves to their human's medication, with the sweet coating on some ibuprofen tablets increasing the chance of ingestion.
Diagnosis of Ibuprofen Poisoning in Dogs
If there's even a slight chance your dog ingested ibuprofen, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Your vet will conduct a physical exam, looking for any of the side effects listed above. Blood work might also be recommended to get a better assessment of the damage. Key tests include:
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Chemistry panel
  • Urinalysis
  • Renal panel
If you can, bring the medication packaging with you to the vet so they know exactly what your dog consumed.
Treatment of Ibuprofen Poisoning in Dogs
The outcome of ibuprofen poisoning treatment depends on the amount of ibuprofen your dog ingested and how quickly you react. If inducing vomiting doesn’t work, your veterinarian may give your pet activated charcoal at intervals throughout the day. This will prevent the GI tract from absorbing the medication and hopefully prevent the advancement of side effects.
Some severe cases of ibuprofen poisoning may require fluid therapy, flushing of the stomach, additional anti-vomiting or antacid medication, blood transfusions, or other supportive care.
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Recovery of Ibuprofen Poisoning in Dogs
The sooner you take your pet to the veterinarian, the higher their chances of a full recovery. The prognosis for dogs diagnosed and treated quickly is good. However, if you wait too long to take your pet to the veterinarian, or if they consumed more than their system can handle, it's possible treatment will fail. Always keep human medications and other toxins out of your pets' reach.
Ibuprofen poisoning can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your dog is at risk of ibuprofen poisoning, start searching for pet insurance today. Wag!’s pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Ibuprofen Poisoning Average Cost
From 58 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$2,100
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Ibuprofen Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Pit Bull
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Four Years
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
None
I accidentally gave my 64 lbs pit mix 200mg of ibuprofen after he had an accident and fell down the stairs and was having moderate back soreness. I realized my mistake too late and am worried about him.
July 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
1 Recommendations
Hello, So sorry to hear about your dog. It would be best for him to see a vet. If it has not been too long they can make him vomit. They can also give him activated charcoal to prevent his body from absorbing this medication. This medication will cause GI issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, or ulcers.
July 30, 2020
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Labrador Retriever
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Seven Months
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
None
Our 46 pound lab mix puppy ate one 200 mg and has shown no symptoms that would indicate any issues. Our vet suggested calling poison control but could not get through to anyone. Should we be worried or just keep an eye on him?
July 21, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I'm sorry that happened to him. Ibuprofen and Advil are not recommended in dogs generally, but if given the dose tends to be around 5 mg per kilogram. So your dog would have a safe dose of 100mg. Because that is quite a bit higher, I would be concerned for kidney disease or GI ulceration. It would be best to call your veterinarian, let them know what you found out, and see if they would advise fluid therapy or stomach protectants for your dog. I hope that all goes well!
July 21, 2020
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Chihuahua
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dog-age-icon
Two Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Throwing Up, Not Eating, Drinking Some, Loss Of Weight
Yesterday I dropped a ibuprofen on the ground when taking some for myself and my dog ran up and ate it before I had the chance to pick it up thinking it was a treat. It was 200 mg what should I do
July 10, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello, This can be very toxic to dogs. It would be best for your dog to see your vet. They can run bloodwork to see if this affects any internal organ and start your dog on medication to treat them for toxicity. I hope your dog starts to feel better soon.
July 10, 2020
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Australian Shepherd/kelpie
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Mudgee
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5 Months
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Hello, my son has discovered that his year old kelpie/labrador cross (about 30kg) and our 5 month old kelpie/Australian Shepherd cross (about 12kg) has gone through his medication and may have eaten some. There were throat lozenges and Ibuprofen. He doesn't think they have eaten any of the Ibuprofen but he can't be sure. They also chewed up a wheat heat pack and ate quite a deal of the wheat inside so they both have diarrhoea at the moment. I am thinking that would probably drag through any medication and they should be fine but he is stressing. He rang our vet and they were not too worried but were concerned for the little one.
Aug. 27, 2018
0 Recommendations
In cases where ibuprofen ingestion is suspected, I would always suggest visiting a Veterinarian for a blood test to be on the safe side; however monitor both dogs for the time being and keep and contact with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 27, 2018
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Chihuahua
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Sparkle
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12 Years
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0 found this helpful

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My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Appetite
Tired
My mom gave my dog, Sparkle, one 200 MG tablet of Ibuprofen yesterday night because Sparkle had threw up earlier that day. Sparkle is a 12 year old Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix. She is around 6-8 pounds. She hasn't thrown up since then. Today she seems tired, but she hasn't shown any symptoms. What should I do?
July 27, 2018

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
That is a very high dosage of ibuprofen for a tiny dog. It would be a very good idea to get her in to see your veterinarian today, have some lab work run and check her kidney function. She may need to be on IV fluids to flush her kidneys, and she may need GI protectants for a few days. Your veterinarian can examine her and determine if she needs further treatment.
July 28, 2018
Hi I would recommend you to go to the vet ASAP . Get a blood panel done to see if has caused any damage to the kidneys or liver. I gave my 6 lbs chihuahua 100mg of childrens Moltrin Wednesday night and he passed away from liver failure yesterday a little passed noon. Take her to the vet to get her blood count checked . Hope your dog gets better
July 27, 2018
Studnando ..
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Pitt/Boxer
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Roxi
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1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Incontinence
Pale Mucous Membranes
Constipation
Not Eating
My Roxy chewed a bottle of ibuprofen and managed to get about a dozen out but I'm not sure how many she may have eaten.She did throw up 3 times after chewing the bottle, I did not see any pills in any of the piles of vomit. She is a 63 lb Pitt Boxer. She has been experiencing incontinence and not really eating or having bowel movements. I don't have the kind of money the vet wants all at once to treat her so right now we are doing the best we can for her, besides the aforementioned she's still acting herself, but I don't want my doggo to die... any help is apprechiated.
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Coton de Tulear
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Max
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2 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargic. Vommitting
Our dog is 12.5 lbs. she got into some Advil and ate 1/2 to 1 200mg tablet. She vomited twice quite quickly. We took her to the vet. They ran blood and gave her fluids. We went back the next day and did more blood work. It hadn’t changed much from the night before. They also gave her more fluids at that time. She has also been taking a medication every 8-10 hours to protect her GI. She is quite lethargic and not eating or drinking very much. Please let me know your thoughts/suggestions.
Ibuprofen Poisoning Average Cost
From 58 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$2,100
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