If your dog chewed into a bottle of Aleve or was given naproxen, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center now, even if your dog is large and seems fine. Use the naproxen 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 naproxen is so dangerous for dogs
Naproxen 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.
In dogs, naproxen is cleared through the bile and then reabsorbed from the gut, so it stays in the body for about 3 days. ASPCA Animal Poison Control data show stomach ulcers can occur from a single dose of about 5 mg per kg and kidney injury is possible from about 10 mg per kg. That is far lower than ibuprofen. Older dogs, dogs with kidney disease, and dogs taking other NSAIDs or steroids can be affected at lower doses.
Cats may be even more sensitive to naproxen than dogs. If your cat ate any, call poison control right away.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood
- Black, tarry stool
- Diarrhea, loss of appetite, and belly pain
- Lethargy or weakness
- Pale gums
- Changes in thirst and urination
Timeline: when signs appear
Stomach and gut signs most often start within 2 to 24 hours. Kidney effects usually develop within 24 to 48 hours. Because naproxen lasts so long in dogs, ulcers can keep developing for several days, so follow-up bloodwork at 24, 48, and 72 hours is commonly recommended.
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, has known kidney, liver, or stomach problems, or also takes another NSAID or a steroid
- A poison control consultation or your vet has told you to bring the dog in
What the vet will do
If the pills were eaten recently, the vet may induce vomiting and give activated charcoal. Because naproxen cycles back through the gut, charcoal is often repeated for a day or two. Stomach protectant medicines are commonly continued for 1 to 2 weeks.
When the dose is high enough to risk kidney injury, IV fluids are usually given for at least 3 days, with bloodwork to track kidney values. Kidney effects of NSAIDs are generally considered reversible when they are found early and treated aggressively.
How to prevent it
- Keep all pain relievers in closed cabinets, not in purses, nightstands, or on counters.
- Use childproof caps, and never leave pill organizers within reach.
- Never give your dog human pain medicine unless your vet prescribes it.
- Tell guests to keep bags with medicine off the floor.
- Ask your vet about dog-safe pain relief.
For a room-by-room list you can print, see the pet poison-proofing checklist. Related: My dog ate ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and My pet ate acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Enter weight and amount to get an urgency level and next steps.
Frequently asked questions
How much naproxen is toxic to a dog?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control data show stomach ulcers can occur from a single dose of about 5 mg per kg, and kidney injury is possible from about 10 mg per kg. One 220 mg Aleve tablet is about 48 mg per kg for a 10 lb dog and about 8 mg per kg for a 60 lb dog.
My dog ate one Aleve. What should I do?
Call your vet or a poison control center now, even for a large dog. Pet Poison Helpline warns that one 220 mg tablet can cause very serious problems even in a large dog.
Is naproxen worse for dogs than ibuprofen?
Yes. Naproxen causes ulcers at much lower doses than ibuprofen, and dogs clear it very slowly, so its effects last for days.
Can I give my dog Aleve for pain?
No. Naproxen is not recommended for dogs because of the risk of ulcers and kidney injury. Ask your vet about dog-specific pain relief.