Emergency — phone the vet now
Within 2 hours for decontamination
Dog has eaten ibuprofen, paracetamol, or aspirin
Phone the vet immediately for any human painkiller ingestion — small amounts can cause severe stomach ulceration, kidney failure, or liver damage.
Recognise the signs
- Vomiting, often bloody
- Black tarry stools
- Lethargy, weakness
- Seizures, collapse (severe)
- Yellow gums (paracetamol — liver damage)
- Fast breathing
First aid steps
- Phone the vet or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 immediately.
- Bring the packaging.
- Note approximate amount and time.
- Drive to the vet without delay.
Do NOT
- Do not give human painkillers to dogs at all without vet direction.
- Do not assume small doses are safe — therapeutic dose for humans can be toxic to dogs.
- Do not induce vomiting at home unless told to.
While transporting to the vet
- Bring all packaging.
- Phone ahead.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Any known ingestion
- Vomiting (especially with blood), bloody stools, weakness
- Seizures, collapse, yellow gums
Common causes
- Tablets dropped on the floor or in pill organisers
- Bin-raiding for old packaging
- Owner well-meaningly giving 'a small dose' for limping
- Children's medications left out
What the vet will need to know
- Drug name and strength
- Number of tablets eaten
- Time of ingestion
- Dog's weight
Aftercare
- Decontamination, IV fluids, gut protectants, kidney/liver support.
- Bloods over several days.
- Hospitalisation often needed.
Prevention
- Lock all human medications away.
- Never give human painkillers to dogs.
- Pill organisers in cupboards, not on counters.
- Bin discipline.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give my dog one ibuprofen for a sprain?
No — ibuprofen is dangerous to dogs even at small doses. Vet-prescribed dog painkillers are far safer.
Is paracetamol worse than ibuprofen?
Paracetamol causes liver damage; ibuprofen causes ulcers and kidney damage. Both are dangerous, neither should be used without vet direction.
What if my dog ate just one paracetamol?
Phone the vet with the dog's weight and tablet strength — small dogs are at higher risk. Don't guess at home.