Dogs and Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a medication that is very common in many homes because it is an effective pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug that is well tolerated by many people. Unfortunately, ibuprofen is not tolerated, even in very small amounts, by dogs.
Ibuprofen is one of the most common household drugs to cause death or severe gastro-intestinal damage to dogs. Sometimes this poisoning happens by well meaning pet owners who give the ibuprofen to their pet trying to relieve their pet’s pain, sometimes by the dog chewing through the bottle the medication comes in, or sometimes by an accidentally dropped pill the dog picks up. Many of the brand names of ibuprofen have a sweet outer layer, which makes them easier for humans to swallow and also make them even more irresistible to dogs.
If you know, or suspect, your dog has swallowed ibuprofen contact your vet immediately. They may give you advice to inducing vomiting, if your dog has not vomited on their own. The damage to the pet’s organs and digestive system may not be immediately apparent but it is critical to begin preventative treatment as quickly as possible. Your veterinarian may give activated charcoal immediately upon your arrival at the clinic or if you are a long way from the clinic may even have you give it to your dog before bringing them in to be seen. Your veterinarian will want to test the dog’s liver and kidney functioning as these organs are the bodies ‘filters’ and may suffer damage as the drug moves through them. Many veterinarians will admit a dog into emergency care and keep them for treatment; some may, as a more cost effective measure prescribe the treatments, to be provided by the pet owner, at home.
Never give your pet medication intended for humans without your veterinarians’ approval. Be sure to keep all medications out of dogs reach as many are flavored to make them more appetizing and always remember that child proof bottles are not necessarily dog proof.
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