Can Dogs Take Ibuprofen?

Humans are blessed with so many medications that they can consume in order to alleviate their pain, and treat whatever is ailing them. However, if your dog friend is suffering from pain, there is not much you can do except to bring your pet to the vet. But if money is tight or if you simply have no time to go to the vet, you may be tempted to give your dog Ibuprofen since it is easy to buy, and you may even have a stock of Ibuprofen medications in your medicine cabinet. But that is not a good idea. Ibuprofen is an effective medication for you, but it is definitely not advisable for your pet. Never risk the health and life of your dog just to save money, and never sacrifice your dog’s welfare because you are busy. Remember that Ibuprofen is designed for humans only, and it can be toxic for dogs.

WHAT IS IBUPROFEN?

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID that is an over-the-counter medication for the purpose of relieving bodily pain in humans. It is categorized as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic medication that is available as capsules, tablets, gels, liquids, creams, and sprays. Ibuprofen works by obstructing the production of prostaglandins by inhibiting the enzyme called cyclooxygenase, so inflammation, fever, and pain will not be experienced in the body.

SIDE EFFECTS OF IBUPROFEN ON DOGS

The prostaglandins are responsible for the proper regulation of the blood flow in your dog’s body to the kidneys, and they promote normal blood clotting, aside from the fact that prostaglandins promote fever, pain, and inflammation. They also contribute to the safe coating of the gastrointestinal tract’s inner lining with enough layer of mucus that safeguards your dog from stomach acid. And since Ibuprofen reduces the production of prostaglandins, your precious dog can suffer from intestinal problems, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting, bleeding disorders, dysfunction of the liver and kidney, and even death.

SIGNS OF PAIN IN YOUR DOG

Dogs are born with a natural survival mechanism where they instinctively hide their pain so their weakness will not be seen by predators. Even when your dog is loved and pampered in your home, your canine friend will still have the inborn instinct to not show that there is something wrong. That is why you need to be very observant of your dog, and be aware of the signs that your dog may be in pain so you can take your beloved pet to the vet, but remember never to give your pet Ibuprofen.

Your dog can feel pain the way that humans do, but they are keener on hiding their pain compared to humans. You will know if your canine companion is in pain if there are visible wounds on the body from a dog fight or any incident in the home or outside the premises. Your dog can also be in pain without visible injuries when your pet is having a hard time walking or running, doesn’t move a lot, shows resistance when you try to handle or play with your dog, sleeps longer than normal, stiffness or limping decreased appetite, whimpering or vocalizing, unusual scratching or digging at the ground, floor, or furniture, constant licking of a hurting part of the body, shivering and panting at the same time, ears are flattened against the head, repetitively standing in a bowing station, panting when not physically exhausted, lethargy and listlessness, and other signs that are connected to a change in behavior.

SIGNS OF A TOXIC IBUPROFEN REACTION FROM DOG

Ibuprofen is not approved by the FDA, and it is not legally recommended by vets all over the world. Your dog could have toxicity with Ibuprofen because you administered this medication to your dog, even with the right and noble intentions. Or, your dog could have consumed Ibuprofen because you have carelessly left your medicine bag lying around where your pet can reach. For whatever reason that your canine friend ingested Ibuprofen, you will know it because there are signs of Ibuprofen toxicity in dogs.

Several signs and symptoms of too much consumption of Ibuprofen by your dog includes irritation and agitation, lack or decrease in appetite, normal vomiting and vomiting with blood, abdominal pain, stomach ulcers, anorexia, diarrhea, black, tar-looking tools, pale mucous membranes that is a sign of anemia, dehydration, halitosis associated with kidney failure, lethargy and weakness, and stumbling. If your dog has kidney failure due to excessive Ibuprofen intake, the symptoms are ataxia, tachycardia, dyspnea, tremors and seizures, coma, renal failure, depression of the central nervous system, and it could even be fatal to your canine companion.

Some of the signs and symptoms of Ibuprofen toxicity may be noticeable immediately after digestion of Ibuprofen, but others may take longer, in a couple of days, weeks, months, and even after a few years. Stomach ulcer symptoms are typically manifested within twelve hours to four days, and extreme damage to the functionality of the kidney can be detected within twelve hours to five days.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS IBUPROFEN TOXICITY?

If it happens that your cherished pet dog has ibuprofen toxicity, you need to immediately bring your dog to the vet. Don’t waste any time, and make sure that your pet will get the proper treatment. Do not disregard any signs and symptoms that you noticed on your dog regarding the harmful toxicity from Ibuprofen. Make sure to bring you dog’s complete medical record or history so the vet will not allocate much time asking necessary questions about the allergies, previous illnesses, supplements, and other things that can possibly affect the treatment process. Your dog will most likely be required to get a complete blood count analysis, renal panel test, chemistry panel test, and urinalysis. If your dog is found to have Ibuprofen toxicity, your pet could be hospitalized in order to recover.