ToxicEmergency
Dog ate ibuprofen? What to do
Ibuprofen is poisonous to dogs. It can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding, kidney damage and, at high doses, seizures or coma.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Keep the packaging and bring it with you.
- Don't wait for signs. Early treatment lowers the risk of serious illness.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Never give ibuprofen to your dog for pain unless your vet says so.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood
- Diarrhea or black, tarry stool
- Not eating
- Belly pain
- Pale gums
- Drinking and peeing more or less than usual
- Wobbly walking or tremors
- Seizures
Why
Ibuprofen blocks body chemicals that protect the stomach, kidneys, liver and blood clotting. Dogs have a narrow safety margin, so a small overdose can do real harm.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Ibuprofen Poisoning in Dogs
- Pet Poison Helpline: Ibuprofen
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Poisoning from Human Over-the-Counter Drugs
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.