When you or a family member experiences mild to moderate pain associated with a headache, arthritis, or muscle tension, do you reach for ibuprofen?
Many people do. It’s cheap and available almost everywhere. But what should you do when your dog is in pain?
As a pet parent, it’s normal to ask, “Can I give my dog ibuprofen?”
Let’s take a look at ibuprofen and why you should never give it to your dog.
Is it okay to give ibuprofen to dogs?
Never give ibuprofen to your dog. Ibuprofen is Toxic to dogs.
If your dog is in pain, limping, or has a fever, see your veterinarian. There are safer, more affordable alternatives with fewer side effects.
Ingesting ibuprofen can cause poisoning in dogs. Dogs may vomit blood, develop acute kidney failure, have seizures, and even die.
How dangerous is the dosage of ibuprofen for dogs?
If swallowed by dog Any If the amount of ibuprofen is too high, seek emergency care immediately.
ASPCA™ National Animal Poison Control We are available 24 hours a day at 888-426-4435.
moreover, Pet poisoning helpline® at 855-764-7661.
For a nominal fee, both services can calculate the toxic dose and guide you and your veterinarian through treatment options.
What is ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is the common name for certain types of ibuprofen. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is the active ingredient in various brands of medicines, including Advil®, Midol®, and Motrin®.
Never give ibuprofen to your dog. Ibuprofen is toxic to dogs.
There are different types of NSAIDs. NSAIDs designed for humans include aspirin, naproxen (Aleve®), and ibuprofen.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is often considered to be in the same category as these other drugs, but Tylenol® is not an NSAID and works in a different way.
How does ibuprofen work?
Ibuprofen works by blocking the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which reduces inflammatory molecules called prostaglandins.
In addition to promoting inflammation and pain, prostaglandins also have other beneficial functions, including:
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maintain sufficient blood flow to the kidneys
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Helps protect the digestive tract
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Allows blood to clot properly
Problems can occur if these functions are blocked by ibuprofen or another NSAID.
Problems with ibuprofen for dogs
There are two forms of cyclooxygenase, COX-1 and COX-2, but only COX-1 plays a beneficial role in blood clotting, maintaining blood flow to the kidneys, and protecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. .
Unfortunately, commercially available NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are nonselective, meaning they block both COX-1 and COX-2 activity when administered.
This results in stomach ulcers and inflammation, with symptoms such as vomiting (or vomiting). (no blood), diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
At high doses, acute renal failure occurs, followed by coma, depression, and seizures.
Ingesting ibuprofen can cause poisoning in dogs. Dogs may vomit blood, develop acute kidney failure, have seizures, and even die.
This, combined with the fact that dogs metabolize and excrete NSAIDs differently than humans, means that even relatively low doses of ibuprofen can cause life-threatening side effects, including death.
Alternatives to ibuprofen for dogs
Over-the-counter NSAIDs have serious side effects for dogs, so pharmaceutical companies have put a lot of effort into finding safe drugs for dogs that block pain, inflammation, and fever without impairing the function of other prostaglandins. I have paid.
NSAIDs that do this can reduce the likelihood of side effects while reducing pain, inflammation, and fever.
Many NSAIDs are designed specifically for dogs, including:
These medications are safer and more effective for dogs than over-the-counter painkillers for humans, such as ibuprofen.
Risks of NSAIDs for dogs
However, no drug is completely risk-free. All types of NSAIDs, including those designed for dogs, can cause side effects such as:
Here are some ways to protect your dog:
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Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding testing and retesting.
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Give the lowest possible doses and as often as possible to keep your dog comfortable. Combining NSAIDs with other treatments (such as weight loss, physical therapy, nutritional supplements, and acupuncture) is often effective.
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Do not use two NSAIDs at the same time or combine NSAIDs with corticosteroids such as: Prednisone. This greatly increases the risk of side effects.
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When switching from one type of NSAID to another, take a break of 5 to 7 days between NSAIDs to reduce the chance that the drug will have adverse effects.
Although ibuprofen is cheap and effective for humans, there are much better (and safer) options available to reduce discomfort in dogs.
Ask your veterinarian which pain medication is right for your puppy.
