Ibuprofen For Dogs - Dosage And Uses
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Ibuprofen is a very common over-the-counter painkiller, frequently used for human consumption. For this reason, many caregivers wonder whether or not Ibuprofen is dangerous for dogs. It’s important to know that offering your dog Ibuprofen without veterinary consultation or according to an appropriate dosage can result in severe dog poisoning or even death.
For more about ibuprofen for dogs dosage and what painkillers are safe for dogs, keep reading here at AnimalWised.
Is Ibuprofen dangerous for dogs?
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug that carries both analgesic and antipyretic properties. Because this drug does not require a prescription, many caregivers assume that they can give it to their pets. But it’s important to know that ibuprofen for dogs can have severe side effects. If dosage isn’t controlled or under the supervision of a veterinarian, it can lead to dog poisoning which can be fatal.
Dogs lack the correct enzymes to properly metabolize and eliminate Ibuprofen from the body. In addition, dogs are extremely sensitive to the ulcerating effect of these drugs, which can also cause damage to a dog’s kidneys.
With this in mind, if you believe that your dog needs Ibuprofen, always make sure to consult a veterinarian beforehand. A vet will be able to aid with a correct diagnosis as well as prescribe the appropriate medication.
Ibuprofen for dogs: uses
Are you looking for temporary pain relief for dogs? Ibuprofen is taken to alleviate discomfort and pain related to varying causes. Therefore, before applying or consuming any type of medication, a proper diagnosis of what is being treated needs to be made.
Ibuprofen for dogs acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, but is not recommended for prolonged periods of time. Ibuprofen in dogs can have severe digestive side effects, which in addition to metabolic problems, can be incredibly dangerous for dogs. For this reason, Ibuprofen is not recommended for dogs.
For more, read can I give my dog paracetamol?
Ibuprofen for dogs: dosage
If, however, despite not being very common, a veterinarian does prescribe Ibuprofen to your dog, its dosage and administration schedule needs to be strictly controlled. If not controlled correctly, a single dose a little above what is recommended could result in dog poisoning.
A toxic dosage of Ibuprofen for dogs symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Hypersalivation
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Ulcers
- Vomiting blood
- Black stools
Due to this high risk of fatality of ibuprofen in dogs, we insist that no one but your veterinarian should decide on the dosage of Ibuprofen for your dog. In addition, there are multiple other drugs on the market (tried and tested for dogs) which are safer, more effective and suitable for your dog. All drugs should be stored out of your dog’s reach. Never assume that a drug for human consumption can be administered to animals.
Learn how to identify the symptoms of poisoning in dogs with our article, dog poisoning.
What painkillers are safe for dogs?
As we’ve already clarified, Ibuprofen administered without control can result in intoxication or, in severe cases, the death of the animal. Remember, you should never self-medicate your dog. All treatment, even home remedies, require the consultation, diagnosis and selected treatment of a veterinarian. As with Ibuprofen, other NSAIDs which should be avoided include aspirin for dogs and naproxen.
Natural pain relief for dogs
Some natural anti-inflammatories for dogs include:
- Turmeric
- Blue fish
- Valerian for dogs
- Localized heat
- Arnica Montana
For more about how to use these natural pain relief for dogs methods, we recommend reading our article where we discuss the best natural anti-inflammatories for dogs.
Tylenol for dogs
While on the topic of human medicines forbidden for dogs, we also have to include Tylenol. Tylenol contains Acetaminophen, which is extremely toxic for dogs and cats. Therefore, you should never give your dog Tylenol.
This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to Ibuprofen For Dogs - Dosage And Uses, we recommend you visit our Medicine category.