Skip to main content

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Pet toxin reference — educational information only.
Pet toxins

What to know

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) — toxicity in dogs and cats

EmergencyApplies to: dogs and cats.

Overview

Ibuprofen is one of the most common causes of pet poisoning in the United States. Found in Advil, Motrin, and many generic pain relievers, ibuprofen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that causes severe gastrointestinal ulceration, kidney failure, and neurological symptoms in dogs and cats. Cats are especially sensitive - a single 200 mg tablet can be fatal to a cat. Dogs can develop stomach ulcers and kidney damage at doses as low as 25 mg per kilogram of body weight. Never give your pet human pain medication. If your dog or cat has ingested ibuprofen, seek veterinary emergency care immediately.

Symptoms

Vomiting, bloody stool, kidney failure, seizures

Typical onset

2-6 hours

What to do

Seek emergency care immediately. Even one tablet can be dangerous, especially for cats.

This page is educational and does not replace veterinary advice. If your pet may have been exposed, call UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

Live tool

Search more substances

Toxic Substance Checker

Search common toxins and review immediate next steps. If your pet may have ingested something dangerous, call now.

53 results · 26 emergency-level

Ibuprofen is one of the most common causes of pet poisoning in the United States. Found in Advil, Motrin, and many generic pain relievers, ibuprofen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that causes severe gastrointestinal ulceration, kidney failure, and neurological symptoms in dogs and cats. Cats are especially sensitive - a single 200 mg tablet can be fatal to a cat. Dogs can develop stomach ulcers and kidney damage at doses as low as 25 mg per kilogram of body weight. Never give your pet human pain medication. If your dog or cat has ingested ibuprofen, seek veterinary emergency care immediately.

Symptoms
Vomiting, bloody stool, kidney failure, seizures
Onset
2-6 hours
What to do now
Seek emergency care immediately. Even one tablet can be dangerous, especially for cats.
Call UVEC now: (801) 218-2227
This tool is informational only and does not replace veterinary advice. If ingestion may have happened, contact UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.