Can dogs eat ibuprofen and other human anti-inflammatories?
Never give a dog human anti-inflammatories. They cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure at doses close to a single tablet for a small dog.
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- +1 (888) 426-4435ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · US · 24/7. A consultation fee applies.
- +1 (855) 764-7661Pet Poison Helpline · US · 24/7. A consultation fee applies.
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Do not wait for symptoms and do not try to make your dog sick unless a vet has told you to — some substances cause more damage coming back up. Have your dog's weight, what was eaten, roughly how much, and when, ready before you call.
What to do
Call a vet immediately with the drug name, tablet strength and number missing. Dogs have their own licensed anti-inflammatories that are safe when prescribed.
Signs to watch for
- vomiting, sometimes with blood
- black tarry stools
- abdominal pain
- loss of appetite
- increased thirst
- lethargy
- seizures at high doses
When: 2–6 hours for gut signs; kidney injury over 12–72 hours.
What makes it harmful
Non-selective COX inhibition
Blocking COX-1 removes the prostaglandins that maintain the stomach's protective mucus layer and keep blood flowing to the kidneys. Dogs have a much narrower safety margin than humans for these drugs.
How much matters
How confident is this
established
Well established in the veterinary literature and consistent across sources.
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
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Informational only, and not a substitute for veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and this page cannot account for your dog's age, size, health conditions or medication. If you are worried, phone a vet — that call is always the right call.