My Dog Ate Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen can be highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Here's what to do right now, when emergency care is needed, and what your vet may do next.
This is a veterinary emergency.
Call your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or Pet Poison Helpline right away if your dog ate ibuprofen, because stomach ulcers, bleeding, kidney injury, and neurologic signs can develop quickly.
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If your dog has consumed ibuprofen and is showing severe symptoms — such as vomiting, tremors, seizures, or collapse — they may need in-person emergency veterinary care immediately. If this is the case, we recommend calling our partner Pet Poison Helpline ($85 consultation fee). They work directly with your emergency vet to guide treatment and help resolve your pet's case faster.
When to call a vet
Go to the ER now
See a vet within 24 hours
Watch at home, call if it worsens
What Happened & Why It's Dangerous
It damages the stomach and intestines
Ibuprofen blocks protective prostaglandins, which can lead to stomach irritation, ulceration, bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
It can injure the kidneys
Those same prostaglandins help maintain blood flow to the kidneys. Toxic exposure can reduce kidney perfusion and lead to acute kidney injury.
Higher doses can affect the brain
Larger ingestions can cause ataxia, depression, tremors, seizures, coma, and other neurologic signs.
Human products may contain extra dangerous ingredients
Some ibuprofen products are combination medications. Added ingredients can create additional risks, which is why the exact product matters.
What to Do Right Now
1. Remove access — Take away the bottle, loose pills, blister packs, and any vomit or chewed packaging so your dog cannot ingest more.
2. Call for help immediately — Contact your veterinarian, the nearest emergency vet, or Pet Poison Helpline right away. Time matters with ibuprofen poisoning.
3. Gather key details — Write down your dog's weight, the product name, tablet strength, how many may be missing, and when the exposure happened.
4. Do not give home remedies — Do not induce vomiting, give food, milk, activated charcoal, or any medication unless a veterinarian or poison expert specifically tells you to.
5. Go in if advised — Your vet may recommend immediate decontamination, bloodwork, IV fluids, stomach-protectant treatment, and monitoring depending on the amount and timing.
- 1. Remove access
- 2. Call for help immediately
- 3. Gather key details
- 4. Do not give home remedies
- 5. Go in if advised
Common questions
How much ibuprofen is toxic to dogs?
What are the symptoms of ibuprofen poisoning in dogs?
How long until symptoms appear?
Will my dog be okay after eating ibuprofen?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.