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Ibuprofen for Pets Dosage & General Information

Ibuprofen

Updated on September 10, 2024

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) for human use.

Ibuprofen

Summary

Used For: Ibuprofen is NOT recommended as an oral pain reliever in dogs and small mammals.

Brands: Advil®, Motrin®

Species: Dogs

Drug type: Pain-reliever

Prescription required: No

Pregnancy and lactation: Not for use in pregnant or lactating animals

Side effects: gastrointestinal irritation and ulcers, kidney damage, neurologic disorders, low blood pressure

General description

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication used to manage pain, inflammation, and fevers in humans. It is not recommended for use in veterinary patients due to the high incidence of significant side effects, including gastrointestinal irritation, gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney damage, neurologic disorders, low blood pressure, and heart effects.

Uses

Not recommended for veterinary patients.

How it works

The production of prostaglandins is blocked in this nonselective COX inhibitor.

Dosage

Although some veterinarians use ibuprofen in dogs, due to the risk of toxicity with even relatively low doses , PetCoach does not recommend the use of ibuprofen.

Forms

There are many different products of ibuprofen available. Ibuprofen is available in 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 600 and 800 milligram tablets, capsules or caplets; oral liquids are available in several different concentrations.

Storage information & handling

Ibuprofen should be stored in a childproof container at room temperature in a safe location out of reach of animals.

What results can I expect?

Relief of pain and/or reduction of fever.

Missed Dosage

It is best to give the medication as directed without skipping doses. If you miss a dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

May see vomiting (with or without blood), diarrhea (with or without blood), lethargy/weakness, pale gums, anorexia, nausea, abdominal pain, seizures, ataxia/staggering, depression, coma. If you think your pet has had an overdose, seek veterinarian care immediately.

Side effects

* Vomiting * Diarrhea * Gastrointestinal ulceration or erosion * Gastric perforation * Decreased appetite * Kidney damage * Kidney failure * Seizures * Ataxia/staggering * Low blood pressure * Cardiac effects * Coma * Death

Contraindications

* Previous sensitivity * Do not use in cats, ferrets, hedgehogs, or sugar gliders * Kidney disease * GI ulcerations * Liver disease

Drug interactions

Let your veterinarian know if you have given ibuprofen to your pet. Administration of any additional NSAIDs may increase the potential for GI ulceration or perforation.

Precaution

Not recommended for use in veterinary patients. In particular, do not use in cats, ferrets, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders.

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.