Understanding NSAID Toxicity in Dogs
Ibuprofen inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. In dogs, this inhibition is not selective; it severely reduces blood flow to the stomach lining and the kidneys. Unlike humans, dogs cannot process this drug efficiently, leading to rapid accumulation and organ damage.
Clinical Toxicity Thresholds
- Below 25 mg/kg: Gastrointestinal risk. Monitor for vomiting or lethargy.
- 25 – 100 mg/kg: High risk of gastric ulceration and severe mucosal damage.
- Above 100 mg/kg: Critical risk of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
- Above 400 mg/kg: Extreme emergency; risk of seizures, coma, and multi-organ failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dogs have a high sensitivity to NSAIDs. A single standard tablet can be enough to trigger severe gastric bleeding in small breeds.
If your dog has ingested a human painkiller, do not wait for symptoms. Early intervention, within 1–2 hours, allows vets to induce vomiting before the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Look for persistent vomiting, dark or tarry stools (melena), excessive thirst, or sudden weakness.
No — paracetamol (acetaminophen) is also toxic to dogs, through a different mechanism affecting the liver and red blood cells. No human painkiller should be given to a dog without specific veterinary direction.