Medicines
Is ibuprofen toxic to cats and dogs?
Also sold as Advil, Nurofen, Motrin
Cats
Highly toxicDogs
Highly toxicIbuprofen is one of the most common pet poisonings. It causes stomach ulcers and kidney damage in dogs and cats, and cats are even more sensitive than dogs. Never give it to a pet.
By Maya HartIf your pet got into it
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline now, even if your pet seems fine.
- Have the packet ready: the vet needs the name, strength and how much may be missing.
- Do not make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to.
- Treatment works best within a few hours.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood
- Black, tarry stools
- Loss of appetite and belly pain
- Drinking and urinating more or less than usual
- Wobbliness or seizures at high doses
How much is dangerous
In dogs, stomach problems can start from around 25 mg per kg — a single 200 mg tablet for an 8 kg dog. Kidney damage occurs at higher doses. Cats are affected at lower doses still.
Keeping it safe
- Keep all medicines in closed cupboards, not on bedside tables
- Never give human painkillers to pets — ask your vet for pet-safe pain relief
The details
Dogs are often poisoned by ibuprofen after chewing a dropped blister pack or being given a tablet by a well-meaning owner. The coatings on many tablets taste sweet. Pet-specific anti-inflammatories exist and are dosed very differently; the two are not interchangeable.
Questions owners ask
Is ibuprofen toxic to cats?
Yes — highly toxic.
Is ibuprofen toxic to dogs?
Yes — highly toxic.
How much is dangerous?
In dogs, stomach problems can start from around 25 mg per kg — a single 200 mg tablet for an 8 kg dog. Kidney damage occurs at higher doses. Cats are affected at lower doses still.
What should I do if my pet got into it?
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline now, even if your pet seems fine. Have the packet ready: the vet needs the name, strength and how much may be missing. Do not make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to. Treatment works best within a few hours.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts