Ibuprofen and other human anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) in Pets

How many ibuprofen tablets are dangerous for a dog? Convert tablets to mg/kg and compare with Merck's stomach (100–125 mg/kg), kidney (175–300 mg/kg) and seizure (400 mg/kg) ranges.

What It Is

Ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and aspirin are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They block prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining and keep blood flowing to the kidneys. Dogs and cats are far more sensitive to the human versions than people, so ordinary tablets can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure.

Where Pets Come Across It

Tablets left on bedside tables or in handbags, sweet-coated gel capsules that dogs chew, owners giving human painkillers for limping, and topical anti-inflammatory gels licked off skin.

Which Animals Are Affected

Dogs and cats, with cats more sensitive. Ferrets and birds are also at risk. Naproxen stays in a dog's body especially long, so small doses matter.

Published Toxic Dose

For ibuprofen in dogs, the Merck Veterinary Manual describes vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain after a single dose of about 100–125 mg/kg, kidney failure at 175–300 mg/kg, and nervous system signs such as seizures and coma above 400 mg/kg. It also notes a narrow safety margin: dogs given 8–16 mg/kg daily for 30 days developed stomach ulcers. Cats are more sensitive than dogs, and other NSAIDs have different thresholds.

Ibuprofen and other human anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) Dose Exposure Calculator

Enter your pet's weight and estimated quantity missing to compare against veterinary literature thresholds.

Affected Species Dog (Canine) Cat (Feline)

Pet Body Weight

kg lb

Pill Strength 200 mg (standard OTC tablet) 400 mg (extra strength tablet)

Number of Tablets

Calculating...

Signs and How Soon They Appear

Vomiting (sometimes with blood), black tarry stools, loss of appetite and abdominal pain may start within hours. Signs of kidney injury, such as drinking a lot, then producing little urine, may appear over 1 to 5 days. Very high doses cause wobbliness, seizures and coma.

What to Do Right Now

Call your vet or a poison line with the drug name, tablet strength and number missing. Never give your pet a human anti-inflammatory unless a vet tells you to. Do not induce vomiting at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and References

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicoses from Human Analgesics
• Pet Poison Helpline: Ibuprofen
• Pet Poison Helpline: NSAIDs

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