What Does Ibuprofen Do to Dogs If Ingested? Symptoms, Risks, and What to Do Now

Emergency Quick Guide (Read This First)

If you suspect your dog ingested ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or a generic), treat it as urgent. Ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers, internal bleeding, and kidney injury in dogs—sometimes before you see obvious signs.

Do this now (5 steps)

Remove access: Take away the bottle/blister pack and keep your dog away from any dropped pills.
Check the product: Note the brand, tablet strength (mg), and whether it’s regular, liquid gel, or extended-release.
Estimate the amount: How many pills were in the bottle vs. how many are left? Did your dog chew the packaging?
Call for help immediately:
- Your veterinarian or nearest emergency vet
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control or Pet Poison Helpline (fees may apply)
Be ready with details: Dog’s weight, time since ingestion, product strength, possible amount, and current symptoms.

Do NOT do this

Do not “wait and see” just because your dog seems fine.
Do not give human stomach meds unless a veterinarian tells you to.
Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian specifically instructs you.
Do not give milk, bread, oil, or “home antidotes.” They can delay proper treatment and may worsen nausea/vomiting.

Go to an emergency vet NOW if you see any of these

Vomiting (especially repeated), drooling, severe nausea
Black/tarry stool, blood in vomit or stool
Extreme lethargy, weakness, collapse
Abdominal pain (hunched posture, crying when touched)
Pale gums, fast breathing, signs of shock
Tremors, seizures, disorientation
Not drinking, not urinating, or straining to urinate

Important: This article is for education and triage support, not a substitute for veterinary care. Ibuprofen exposure can become serious quickly.

What does ibuprofen do to dogs if ingested?

Ibuprofen is a human NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). In dogs, if ingested, it can damage the stomach and intestines, reduce blood flow to the kidneys, and—at higher exposures—affect the brain and nervous system.

In simple terms, ibuprofen can:

Erode the stomach lining, leading to ulcers
Cause vomiting and GI bleeding
Trigger kidney injury or kidney failure
In more severe cases, lead to weakness, tremors, seizures, coma, and life-threatening complications

Even when a dog looks “totally normal,” harmful effects can be developing internally. That’s why fast action matters.

Why ibuprofen is dangerous for dogs

Ibuprofen works in people by blocking enzymes (often described as COX enzymes) involved in pain and inflammation. The problem is those same pathways also help protect the GI tract and maintain healthy kidney blood flow.

The two big danger zones

1) Stomach and intestinal tract (GI)

Dogs rely on protective mechanisms (mucus, normal blood flow, protective chemicals) to keep stomach acid from damaging the stomach lining. Ibuprofen can weaken those protections, which may lead to:

Gastritis (stomach irritation)
Ulcers
Bleeding (sometimes not obvious until it’s advanced)

2) Kidneys

The kidneys require steady blood flow to filter waste and regulate hydration. Ibuprofen can reduce that blood flow and, depending on the situation, contribute to:

Reduced urine production
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Acute kidney injury

Why some dogs get hit harder

Certain dogs have a higher risk of severe outcomes, including:

Dogs with pre-existing kidney disease
Dogs that are dehydrated (vomiting, diarrhea, not drinking)
Seniors, very small dogs, or dogs with other chronic illness
Dogs taking other medications that stress the GI tract or kidneys

How dangerous is it? What affects your dog’s risk

Dog owners often want one number: “Is this amount toxic?” But dose thresholds can vary, and giving a “safe amount” is risky and misleading. The safest approach is: assume it’s potentially dangerous and call a vet/poison hotline immediately.

That said, vets assess risk based on a few key factors:

1) Your dog’s size and health

A small dog can be affected by a small exposure, but large dogs are not “safe” either—especially with repeated vomiting, dehydration, or underlying conditions.

2) How much was ingested (known vs unknown)

Known amount (e.g., “one 200 mg tablet”): still urgent, because dogs vary and early care can prevent ulcers/kidney injury.
Unknown amount (e.g., chewed bottle): treat as high risk.

3) Time since ingestion

The earlier you act, the more options a vet has to reduce absorption and protect organs.

4) Formulation matters

Some products are more concerning because they can prolong absorption or add extra risks:

Liquid gels (may absorb quickly)
Extended-release tablets (may absorb over longer periods)
Combination products (ibuprofen + other ingredients)

5) Packaging ingestion

If your dog chewed blister packs or bottles, there’s also a risk of:

Mouth/throat injury
GI obstruction
Hidden pills still in packaging pieces

Toxicity Levels by Dog Weight

Dog Weight	Mild Toxicity	Serious Toxicity	Severe Emergency
10 lbs (4.5kg)	25mg (1/8 tablet)	115mg (1/2 tablet)	225mg (1+ tablets)
25 lbs (11kg)	55mg (1/4 tablet)	275mg (1.5 tablets)	550mg (3+ tablets)
50 lbs (23kg)	115mg (1/2 tablet)	575mg (3 tablets)	1150mg (6+ tablets)
75 lbs (34kg)	170mg (3/4 tablet)	850mg (4+ tablets)	1700mg (8+ tablets)

Standard ibuprofen tablets are typically 200mg each

Signs and symptoms of ibuprofen poisoning in dogs

Symptoms can range from mild stomach upset to life-threatening internal bleeding and kidney failure.

Early warning signs (often GI-related)

Drooling, lip smacking (nausea)
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Refusing food
Abdominal discomfort (restlessness, “prayer position,” hunched back)

Signs that may suggest GI bleeding or ulcers

Black, tarry stool (digested blood)
Bright red blood in stool
Blood in vomit or “coffee-ground” vomit
Pale gums, weakness

Signs that may suggest kidney involvement

Drinking more or less than normal
Urinating more or less than normal
Not urinating, or straining
Lethargy, depression
Bad breath, vomiting that won’t stop (can occur with kidney injury)

Neurological signs (more severe)

Disorientation
Stumbling
Tremors
Seizures
Collapse

Symptom checklist you can use (for your vet call)

Time since ingestion: ___
Product: Advil/Motrin/generic ibuprofen; strength: ___
Estimated amount: ___
Vomiting? Y/N (how many times: ___
Diarrhea? Y/N (any blood/black stool? ___
Energy level: normal / tired / very weak
Drinking/peeing: normal / increased / decreased / none
Gum color: pink / pale / white-ish
Any tremors, wobbliness, seizures? ___

How fast do symptoms start?

This varies by dog, amount, and formulation, but these patterns are common:

GI upset can begin within hours (nausea, drooling, vomiting).
Ulcers and bleeding may develop later, and sometimes signs show up after the initial vomiting passes.
Kidney injury may not be obvious immediately, especially early on—your dog can look “fine” while damage is brewing.

That’s why vets often recommend acting immediately, even if you haven’t seen symptoms yet.

What to do immediately (step-by-step)

Step 1: Secure the scene

Remove any remaining pills and packaging.
Keep other pets away.
Confine your dog so you can monitor.

Step 2: Identify the product

Look for:

Brand name (Advil, Motrin, store-brand ibuprofen)
Tablet strength (mg)
Form (tablet, liquid gel, extended-release)
Any added ingredients (combination cold/flu products are especially concerning)

Step 3: Estimate how much might be missing

If you’re unsure, don’t guess low. Tell the vet: “I don’t know the exact amount.”

Step 4: Call a professional right away

Call your vet, an emergency vet, or a pet poison hotline. Be ready to share:

Dog’s weight
Time of possible ingestion
Amount possibly eaten
Current symptoms
Other medications your dog takes
Any medical conditions (kidney disease, GI issues, etc.)

Step 5: Follow their instructions exactly

This matters because the “right” next step can depend on:

Time since ingestion
Whether your dog is already vomiting
Risk of aspiration (breathing vomit into lungs)
Other health conditions

If you cannot reach your regular vet quickly, go straight to the nearest emergency clinic. With ibuprofen, time is a major factor.

What a vet may do (treatment and why)

Treatment depends on timing, symptoms, and risk level. A vet’s goal is typically:

Reduce absorption (if early enough)
Protect the GI tract
Protect kidneys and maintain hydration
Monitor and manage complications

Common veterinary steps (explained simply)

1) Decontamination (case-by-case)

A veterinarian may induce vomiting if it’s safe and appropriate, based on timing and your dog’s condition.
They may use activated charcoal to bind drug in the GI tract—only under veterinary guidance (charcoal isn’t harmless and isn’t right for every case).

2) GI protection

Because ulcers are a major risk, vets often use medications that:

Reduce stomach acid
Coat and protect the stomach lining
Help treat or prevent ulceration

(Which medication and dose depends on your dog and is vet-directed.

3) Kidney protection and monitoring

If kidney risk is a concern, a vet may recommend:

IV fluids to support kidney perfusion and hydration
Bloodwork to assess kidney markers and electrolytes
Urinalysis to evaluate kidney function and hydration status

4) Hospitalization (if needed)

Dogs with severe vomiting, bleeding, dehydration, abnormal labs, or neurological signs may need:

Ongoing IV support
Repeat labs over time
Supportive care for pain, nausea, and complications

“Will my dog be okay?”

Many dogs do well with prompt treatment, especially when action is taken early. Outcomes become more serious when:

The exposure is larger or unknown
Treatment is delayed
Bleeding or kidney injury has already progressed

Common myths and dangerous advice (what NOT to do)

Myth 1: “If my dog seems fine, I can monitor at home”

Fact: Some of the most dangerous effects (ulcers, kidney injury) may not be obvious right away.

Myth 2: “Milk or bread will absorb the ibuprofen”

Fact: These do not neutralize ibuprofen and may delay proper care.

Myth 3: “I can safely induce vomiting at home”

Fact: Inducing vomiting can be dangerous (aspiration, esophageal injury), and it’s not always appropriate. Only do this if your veterinarian instructs you.

Myth 4: “Activated charcoal is always safe”

Fact: Charcoal can cause complications and isn’t correct for every case. A veterinarian should decide.

Myth 5: “Human pain meds are basically the same as dog pain meds”

Fact: Dogs metabolize many human medications differently. Some human NSAIDs can be highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts.

Recovery and follow-up: what to expect

Recovery depends on how quickly care starts and whether complications developed.

Mild cases caught early

Your vet may send your dog home with:
- GI-protective medications
- A bland diet plan
- Clear monitoring instructions
They may recommend recheck labs depending on exposure risk.

Moderate to severe cases

Your dog may need:
- Hospitalization
- Repeat bloodwork over the following days
- Monitoring for ongoing GI bleeding or kidney injury

At-home monitoring (only after veterinary guidance)

Watch for:

Return of vomiting or diarrhea
Black stool, blood in stool/vomit
Poor appetite, lethargy
Reduced drinking or urination

If any appear, contact your vet immediately.

Prevention: how to keep ibuprofen away from dogs

Most ibuprofen ingestions happen because a dog:

Finds a pill dropped on the floor
Chews a purse/backpack
Gets into a nightstand or low cabinet
Eats a bottle from the trash

Practical prevention tips

Store all human meds in a closed cabinet, not on counters or nightstands.
Keep purses, gym bags, and backpacks off the floor.
Use a lidded trash can or keep bathroom/kitchen trash behind a closed door.
Do a quick “pill sweep” if you drop something—dogs can grab it fast.
Tell guests (especially older relatives) not to leave medications in reachable areas

FAQ (People Also Ask)

1) My dog ate ibuprofen—what should I do first?

Remove access to the medication and call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, or a pet poison hotline immediately. Be ready with your dog’s weight, the product strength, and the estimated amount.

2) Is ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) toxic to dogs?

Yes. Ibuprofen is a common cause of NSAID poisoning in dogs and can lead to ulcers, internal bleeding, and kidney injury.

3) What does ibuprofen do to dogs if ingested?

It can irritate and ulcerate the stomach and intestines, cause bleeding, and reduce kidney blood flow—sometimes leading to kidney injury. Severe exposures may cause neurological signs.

4) How long after ibuprofen ingestion do symptoms start in dogs?

Some dogs show stomach upset within hours, but serious complications like ulcers or kidney injury may appear later. Don’t wait for symptoms before calling a vet.

5) What are the signs of ibuprofen poisoning in dogs?

Common signs include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy, black/tarry stool, blood in vomit or stool, and in severe cases tremors or seizures.

6) Should I make my dog vomit after eating ibuprofen?

Only if a veterinarian instructs you. Inducing vomiting can be dangerous and isn’t appropriate in every situation.

7) Can I give my dog milk, bread, or something to “coat the stomach”?

Don’t give home remedies unless your vet tells you to. These do not reliably prevent toxicity and can delay urgent care.

8) What if my dog ate ibuprofen but seems fine?

Call a vet anyway. Dogs can look normal early on while ulcers or kidney injury develop.

9) What will the emergency vet do for ibuprofen ingestion?

Depending on the situation, they may decontaminate (case-by-case), give GI-protective medications, provide IV fluids, run bloodwork/urinalysis, and monitor for bleeding or kidney injury.

10) Can ibuprofen cause kidney failure in dogs?

Ibuprofen can contribute to acute kidney injury, especially with dehydration, underlying kidney disease, or significant exposure. Early treatment improves outcomes.

11) What information should I have ready when I call the vet?

Dog’s weight, time since ingestion, product name and strength, estimated amount, symptoms, and any existing medical conditions or medications.

12) Are there dog-safe pain medications instead of ibuprofen?

Yes—veterinarians prescribe dog-specific NSAIDs and pain control options. Never substitute human ibuprofen; ask your vet for safe choices.