Can You Give Dogs Ibuprofen? No, and Here’s Why

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Humans take ibuprofen to ease pain and inflammation. It can help ease ailments like toothaches, arthritis, and fever. When taken in the proper doses, it's considered generally safe for people. But just because it's safe for you, doesn't mean it's OK for your dog.

Ibuprofen is not formulated for dogs and is considered unsafe for pets. Here's what you need to know about ibuprofen for pain relief in dogs, safer alternatives, and how to know when your pup needs pain medication.

Can you give your dog over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen?

No, you cannot give your dog ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Human bodies process medicines differently than pooches. Ibuprofen may stay in a dog's system longer, get absorbed faster, and reach higher levels of blood concentrations. A single dose may be enough to poison your animal.

The FDA has not approved any over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) for pets. So, don't give your dog aspirin or naproxen sodium (Aleve) medicines either. Combined, NSAID medications are one of the most common causes of poisoning in pets.

What NSAIDs are approved for dogs?

Instead of risking your animal's health or life, only give your dog NSAIDs prescribed by your vet. The following medicines are specifically designed to relieve pain in dogs and are FDA-approved:

• Carprofen (multiple brand names)

• Deracoxib (Deramaxx)

• Firocoxib (Previcox)

• Grapiprant (Galliprant)

• Meloxicam (multiple brand names)

• Robenacoxib (Onsior)

Depending on the cause of your dog's pain, NSAIDs may not be the appropriate choice of medication. Your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate pain medication for your dog if needed.

Do's and don'ts to relieve pain for dogs

If your dog is in pain, talk to your vet and follow their treatment plan. In addition, do the following:

• Keep an eye out for medication side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody (black) poop.

• Only give your pooch pain relievers that are made for dogs.

• Ask your vet about physical therapies such as walking, swimming, or climbing stairs.

If your dog is in pain, don't do the following:

• Don't give your dog more medication than prescribed.

• Avoid CBD products unless you check with your vet - there's mixed evidence to support its use in dogs at this time.

• Don't give your dog another pet's medications without talking to your vet first.

Alternative remedies for pain relief in dogs

There are several ways to manage pup pain with or without medication. Talk to your vet to see if these could work for your pet:

• Cold packs to the injured area or surgical site

• Therapeutic exercise such as walking, muscle building, or range of motion movement

• Weight loss

• Home modifications such as ramps, rugs, or plush bedding

• Omega-3 fatty acid (talk to your vet before giving your dog supplements)

• Acupuncture for intervertebral disc disease

What are signs your dog is in pain?

Pups feel pain for various reasons. Just like their humans, they may hurt themselves while playing or they may develop a toothache or arthritis. Unfortunately, your dog can't tell you they're in pain. You'll have to look for changes in their behavior.

These pain symptoms may signal there's something wrong with your dog:

• Whining or whimpering

• Eating less

• Sleeping more

• Licking an area excessively

• Trembling

• Panting excessively during rest

• Limping

• Acting out of character, like becoming aggressive

• Scratching a specific part of their body

• Avoiding movement

• Standing or laying down difficulties

What causes pain in dogs?

Different things can cause pain in your pooch. Like us, they can suffer an injury or develop a chronic condition.

The most common causes of pain include:

• Arthritis

• Bone cancer

• Infections in the ears or gums

• Injury from a fall, collision, or attack by another animal

• Post-surgery

When to see a vet for pain treatment in dogs

If you spot any signs your dog may be in pain, take them to the vet. If your pet's behavior changes or they have an accident, also call your vet. They can find out what's wrong with your pup and help them feel better.

You should also take your dog to the vet once a year for regular checkups. Your pet doctor can check for common causes of pain, like arthritis and gum disease.

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