Can Dogs Have Advil – Learn The Health Risks

Just like people, dogs can experience pain and inflammation. This is why many dog owners turn to over-the-counter medications like Advil to help their furry friends feel better.

But can dogs have Advil? And are there any risks associated with doing so?

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the health risks of giving Advil to dogs and provide some tips for how you can safely treat your pet’s pain.

We’ll also share 5 safe NSAIDs for dogs that you can use as alternatives to Advil.

But first…

Can Dogs Have Advil (Ibuprofen) – Here’s the Short Answer

The short answer is no, dogs should not take Advil. Ibuprofen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that’s used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

While it’s safe for humans to take, ibuprofen can be toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems. In addition, dogs metabolize drugs differently than humans, so what may be a safe dose for a person can be deadly for a dog.

It’s important to never give your dog Advil or any other over-the-counter medication without first consulting with your veterinarian.

Health Risks of Advil Complications or Other Harmful NSAIDs

Like many human drugs consumed by a dog, Advil has a wide range of potential side effects in dogs, including:

• Stomach ulcers

This is one of the most common and serious side effects of Advil in dogs. Ibuprofen can damage the lining of your dog’s stomach, which can lead to ulcers. Further, ulcers can cause bleeding, which can lead to anemia.

• Vomiting or diarrhea 

Advil can also cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. This is because ibuprofen can irritate your dog’s digestive system. It can also lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous for your pet.

• Loss of appetite

Another common side effect of Advil in dogs is loss of appetite. This is because ibuprofen can cause stomach upset, which can make your dog not want to eat. The loss of appetite can also lead to weight loss.

• Gastrointestinal bleeding

Ibuprofen can also cause gastrointestinal bleeding in dogs. This is because the drug can damage the lining of your dog’s stomach and intestines, which can lead to bleeding. It damages blood vessels and can lead to anemia.

• Neurological problem

Advil can also cause neurological problems in dogs. This is because ibuprofen can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause encephalopathy, which is a condition that affects the brain. Symptoms of encephalopathy include seizures, tremors, and changes in behavior.

• Dry eyes

Another potential side effect of Advil in dogs is dry eyes. Ibuprofen can cause the production of tears to decrease, which can lead to dry eyes.

• Seizures

Seizures are one of the most serious potential side effects of Advil in dogs. Ibuprofen can cause seizures by crossing the blood-brain barrier and affecting the brain. Seizures can be deadly for dogs, so it’s important to get your pet to the vet immediately if they experience one.

As you can see, the risks associated with giving Advil to dogs are significant. If your dog is in pain, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before giving them any medication, even over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen.

There are many safe and effective pain relief options for dogs that don’t come with the same risks as Advil. We’ll share some of those alternatives below.

What To Do if Your Dog Has Advil by Mistake

If your dog has accidentally ingested Advil, it’s important you do the following:

1. Call your veterinarian immediately and let them know what happened.

They will likely want you to bring your dog in for an examination. The sooner you get your dog to the vet, the better.

If your veterinarian is not available, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. They can provide you with guidance on what to do next. The number is (888) 426-4435.

2. Induce vomiting

If your dog has only recently ingested Advil, your vet may recommend inducing vomiting. This can help to get the drug out of your dog’s system before it has a chance to do any damage. Your vet will likely give you specific instructions on how to induce vomiting.

This can be done by giving your dog a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. The recommended dose is 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight.

3. Monitor for neurologic symptoms

If your dog has ingested a large amount of Advil, it may develop neurologic symptoms such as seizures or tremors. These symptoms can be very serious and can even be deadly. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get your dog to the vet immediately.

Keep an eye out for other symptoms as well, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. These may not seem serious, but they can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous for your pet.

5 Safe NSAIDs Pain Medications for Dogs

There are many safe and effective pain medications for dogs that don’t come with the same risks as ibuprofen. Some of these include:

#1 – Carprofen (Novox or Rimadyl)

Carprofen is an NSAID that is FDA-approved for dogs. It’s used to treat pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and other joint problems. It’s also sometimes used to treat post-surgical pain.

Carprofen is available in both oral and injectable forms. The injectable form is usually only given by a veterinarian.

Common side effects of carprofen include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.

#2 – Firocoxib (Previcox)

Firocoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication that is used to treat pain and inflammation in dogs. It works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are substances that play a role in pain and inflammation. 

Firocoxib is available as a chewable tablet or an oral suspension.

Common side effects of firocoxib include vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss. More serious side effects can occur, including liver damage, kidney damage, and gastrointestinal ulcers. Firocoxib should not be used in dogs with liver or kidney disease.

#3 – Deracoxib (Deramaxx)

Deracoxib is an NSAID that is used to treat pain and inflammation in dogs. It’s available as an oral tablet. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

Deracoxib is a prescription medication that your veterinarian can prescribe for your dog.

#4 – Grapipant (Galliprant)

Grapipant is a new generation NSAID that was developed specifically for dogs. It’s highly effective at reducing pain and inflammation with fewer side effects than older NSAIDs.

If your dog is taking another NSAID, ask your vet if you can switch to Grapipant. It may provide better relief with fewer side effects.

#5 – Meloxicam (Metacam)

Meloxicam is a long-acting NSAID that’s been used in Europe for many years. It’s now available in the United States and is proving to be an effective pain reliever for dogs with arthritis and other conditions.

Our Reader’s Popular Questions

How Much Advil Can I Give My Dog?

It is not recommended to give your dog any Advil. Even a small amount can be toxic and cause serious side effects. If you think your dog has ingested Advil, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

What Is Safe To Give a Dog for Pain?

There are many safe and effective pain medications for dogs that don’t come with the same risks as ibuprofen. Some of these include carprofen, firocoxib, grapipant, and meloxicam. Talk to your vet about which one is right for your dog’s condition.

How Can I Ease My Dog’s Pain at Home?

There are a few things you can do at home to help ease your dog’s pain. These include providing a soft bed, giving your dog joint supplements, and exercising your dog regularly. You should also talk to your vet about medications that can help relieve pain.

Conclusion

Advil is not safe for dogs and can cause serious side effects. Some of these include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and liver damage.

There are many safe and effective pain medications for dogs that don’t come with the same risks. If you’re not sure which one is right for your dog, ask your vet. They can help you find the best pain medication for your pet’s condition.

Never give your dog Advil unless directed to do so by a veterinarian. If you think your dog has ingested Advil, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Have you ever needed to give your dog Advil or other pain medication?