If your dog chewed into a bottle or was given ibuprofen, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center now. Use the ibuprofen calculator to work out the dose from the tablet strength and count.
Enter weight and amount to get an urgency level and next steps.
What to do right now
- Move your dog away from the source and pick up anything left over.
- Find the packaging, label, or plant so you know exactly what was eaten and how much.
- Note your dog's weight and the time it happened.
- Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center. Do this even if your pet seems normal.
- Do not make your pet vomit unless a professional tells you to.
- Follow the advice you are given, and bring the packaging to the clinic.
Why ibuprofen is dangerous
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks substances called prostaglandins, which protect the stomach lining and keep blood flowing to the kidneys. Without them, the stomach can develop ulcers and the kidneys can be injured.
Veterinary references report vomiting and stomach ulcers from single doses as low as 25 mg per kg, an increased risk of kidney injury at about 175 mg per kg, and seizures or coma above 400 mg per kg. Older dogs and dogs with kidney disease can be affected at lower doses. Naproxen (Aleve) and other NSAIDs have different and often lower toxic doses.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood
- Black, tarry stool
- Loss of appetite and belly pain
- Changes in thirst and urination
- Lethargy
- Wobbliness or seizures at very high doses
Timeline: when signs appear
Stomach upset can start within hours. Ulcers can develop over several days, so a dog that seems fine on day one may still develop problems. Kidney injury from higher doses usually shows up on bloodwork over 1 to 5 days.
Go straight to an emergency vet if
- Your dog is vomiting (especially blood), has black or tarry stool, is weak, wobbly, or having a seizure
- The estimated dose is in the Emergency range
- Your dog is older or has known kidney, liver, or stomach problems
- A poison control consultation or your vet has told you to bring the dog in
What the vet will do
The vet may induce vomiting and give activated charcoal, sometimes in repeated doses. Stomach protectant medicines are commonly prescribed for several days.
For higher doses, IV fluids are often given for a day or two to protect the kidneys, with bloodwork to track kidney values. With timely treatment, most dogs do well.
How to prevent it
- Keep all pain relievers in closed cabinets, not on nightstands or counters.
- Use childproof caps, and never leave pill organizers within reach.
- Never give your dog human pain medicine unless your vet prescribes it.
- Ask your vet about dog-safe pain relief.
For a room-by-room list you can print, see the pet poison-proofing checklist.
Enter weight and amount to get an urgency level and next steps.
Frequently asked questions
How much ibuprofen is toxic to a dog?
Single doses as low as 25 mg per kg have caused vomiting and ulcers. One 200 mg tablet is about 44 mg per kg for a 10 lb dog.
Can I give my dog ibuprofen for pain?
No. It is no longer recommended for dogs because of the risk of ulcers and kidney injury. Ask your vet about safer options.
My dog ate one Advil. What should I do?
Call your vet or a poison control center now. Whether one tablet is dangerous depends on your dog's weight and health.
Is naproxen (Aleve) the same as ibuprofen?
No. Naproxen is more dangerous to dogs at lower doses. Call poison control right away if your dog ate naproxen, and see the naproxen (Aleve) calculator.