---
title: "Ibuprofen Poisoning in Pets UK"
description: "Ibuprofen and other human NSAIDs cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure in dogs and cats. UK emergency guide — never give human painkillers."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/ibuprofen-poisoning-pets-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/ibuprofen-poisoning-pets-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-25"
date_modified: "2026-07-10"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Ibuprofen Poisoning in Pets UK

**Never give ibuprofen (Nurofen), naproxen, aspirin, or other human NSAIDs to pets.** Ibuprofen causes stomach ulcers and kidney failure in dogs and cats. If your pet swallowed any human painkiller, phone your vet or **Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000** immediately — do not wait for symptoms.

## Why human painkillers kill pets

**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.

## Approximate mg/kg guidance

| Approximate ibuprofen dose | Typical concern |
|---|---|
| Around 50 mg/kg and above (dogs) | Gastrointestinal and kidney toxicity risk commonly cited |
| Single 200 mg tablet | Can seriously harm a small dog |
| Any dose in cats | High risk — cats are especially sensitive |
| Human topical gel licked off fur | Still treat as potential poisoning |

These are rough guides only — phone with exact tablet strength, number eaten, and weight.

## How UK pets get poisoned

Common scenarios:

- 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 — see our [dog paracetamol guide](/health/can-i-give-my-dog-paracetamol-uk) and [cat paracetamol guide](/health/can-i-give-my-cat-paracetamol).

## 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

1. **Phone your vet or Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) immediately**
2. Report tablet strength, number eaten, time, and weight
3. Bring the **medicine packet** to the clinic
4. **Do not induce vomiting** unless your vet advises — some pets already have ulceration
5. Out of hours: [Vets Now emergency clinic finder](https://www.vets-now.com/find-an-emergency-vet/)

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

## FAQs

### 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 on 01202 509000 immediately with the number of tablets, strength (mg), time eaten, and your pet's weight. Early treatment saves kidneys and lives.

## Sources

- [RSPCA — Never medicate pets yourself](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets)
- [Animal PoisonLine](https://www.animalpoisonline.co.uk)
- [PDSA — Can I give my dog painkillers?](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [BVA — Pet poisons](https://www.bva.co.uk)

Canonical HTML: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/ibuprofen-poisoning-pets-uk
Last modified: 2026-07-10