Pet Care
Ibuprofen Poisoning in Pets UK — Dogs & Cats Emergency
Published Last updated 3 min read
Quick answer
Never give ibuprofen (Nurofen), naproxen, aspirin, or paracetamol to pets without vet instruction. Ibuprofen causes stomach ulcers and kidney failure in dogs and cats. If your pet swallowed any human painkiller, phone your vet or Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) immediately — do not wait for symptoms.
Why human painkillers kill pets
According to the RSPCA and BVA, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) designed for humans — ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and aspirin at wrong doses — are among the most common causes of preventable poisoning in UK pets.
Dogs and cats lack the same ability to metabolise these drugs. Ibuprofen blocks protective prostaglandins in the gut and kidneys, causing:
- Stomach and intestinal ulcers — sometimes perforating
- Acute kidney failure
- Neurological signs at high doses (tremors, seizures, coma)
Cats are particularly sensitive — even low doses can be fatal. Dogs vary by size, but a single 200 mg or 400 mg tablet can hospitalise a medium-sized dog.
How UK pets get poisoned
Common scenarios reported to Animal PoisonLine and PDSA:
- Owner gives Nurofen or generic ibuprofen for limping or after surgery
- Pet chews through a blister pack left on a bedside table
- Child drops a tablet and the dog eats it
- Owner applies human topical gel (ibuprofen cream) that the pet licks
- Confusion with vet-prescribed pet NSAIDs — never double-dose or substitute human brands
Paracetamol is a separate emergency in cats (fatal at tiny doses) — see our paracetamol guide.
Symptoms of NSAID toxicosis
Signs may appear within hours to days:
- Vomiting — sometimes with coffee-ground or bloody material
- Diarrhoea, black tarry stools (digested blood)
- Loss of appetite and abdominal pain
- Lethargy and weakness
- Increased thirst and urination, then reduced urination (kidney failure)
- Pale gums, collapse, seizures (severe cases)
Do not wait for symptoms — kidney damage may be irreversible if treatment is delayed.
Emergency treatment
- Phone your vet or out-of-hours clinic immediately
- Call Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) with tablet strength, number eaten, time, and weight
- Bring the medicine packet to the clinic
- Do not induce vomiting unless your vet advises — some pets already have ulceration
Veterinary care may include:
- Induced vomiting and activated charcoal if very recent
- IV fluid therapy to protect kidneys — often for 48–72 hours
- Stomach protectants (sucralfate, omeprazole)
- Anti-vomiting medication
- Blood tests monitoring kidney values and red blood cell count
- Hospitalisation and intensive care for severe cases
Safe pain relief for pets
Only use medications prescribed by your vet for your specific pet. Common vet-prescribed options include meloxicam, carprofen, and robenacoxib — but doses are calculated precisely by weight and species.
Never combine pet NSAIDs with human NSAIDs or steroids unless your vet explicitly directs it.
Prevention
- Store all medicines in closed cupboards — not bedside tables or handbags
- Never self-medicate pets after online advice
- Tell visitors and family members never to give human tablets
- Dispose of unused medicines via pharmacy take-back schemes
- Use a vet-approved pain plan after surgery or injury
Sources & further reading
Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I give my dog ibuprofen for pain?
- No — never give ibuprofen, Nurofen, or any human NSAID to a dog or cat. Even one tablet can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, or death. Only use pain relief prescribed by your vet.
- How much ibuprofen is toxic to dogs?
- Toxic doses can be as low as 50 mg per kg — a single 200 mg tablet may seriously harm a small dog. Cats are even more sensitive; never assume any dose is safe.
- What are signs of ibuprofen poisoning in pets?
- Vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, and collapse. Kidney failure may develop within hours to days.
- What should I do if my pet ate ibuprofen?
- Phone your vet or Animal PoisonLine immediately with the number of tablets, strength (mg), time eaten, and your pet's weight. Early treatment saves kidneys and lives.