Question 1

How much ibuprofen is toxic to dogs?

Accepted Answer

In dogs, ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers at roughly 25 to 125 mg per kg of body weight, kidney failure at about 175 to 300 mg/kg, and neurological signs above approximately 400 mg/kg, with doses over about 600 mg/kg potentially fatal. Cats are about twice as sensitive and have no safe dose.

Question 2

Is naproxen (Aleve) worse than ibuprofen for pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Naproxen is much more potent than ibuprofen, with toxicity reported at doses as low as about 5 mg/kg in dogs, and it has a long half-life so it stays in the body longer. Any naproxen ingestion should be treated as urgent.

Question 3

Can I give my dog or cat ibuprofen for pain?

Accepted Answer

No. Human NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen are not safe for dogs or cats — they readily cause ulcers and kidney damage at doses people tolerate. Only give pain medication prescribed by your veterinarian.

Question 4

What are the signs of NSAID poisoning in pets?

Accepted Answer

Vomiting (sometimes with blood), black tarry stool, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased or decreased thirst and urination as the kidneys are affected, and at high doses wobbliness or seizures. Signs can develop over hours to a couple of days.

Did your pet eat ibuprofen or another NSAID?