Some human drugs can safely be given to dogs, but ibuprofen is not one of them. This over-the-counter pain reliever, known by brand names such as Advil and Motrin, is extremely toxic to dogs. While accidental ingestion is always a concern, petplace.com says the most common cause of ibuprofen poisoning is well-meaning owners purposely giving dogs the drug, unaware of its toxic effects. Ibuprofen poisoning may produce several symptoms, and recognizing these symptoms quickly can be key to getting your dog the treatment it needs and avoiding long-term complications.
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Bleeding
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Petplace.com says the first symptom of ibuprofen poisoning is often a bleeding stomach ulcer. While this internal symptom wouldn't be readily apparent to an owner, it will produce other symptoms that are, such as bloody or black stools and blood in vomit. The internal bleeding can also cause the dog to become anemic, which may show up on a blood test or manifest in other symptoms.
Lethargy
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A dog experiencing ibuprofen poisoning may appear listless and have little energy. The dog may have muscle weakness and stagger when he walks. He may also show a decrease in appetite or have no appetite at all.
Dehydration
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Dehydration in a dog with ibuprofen poisoning may be a sign that the kidneys are starting to fail. This is a life-threatening condition that needs immediate veterinary attention. Signs of dehydration are dry or rough skin and coat, and increased thirst. Dogs may also urinate more than normal as the kidneys seek to rid the body of the toxic ibuprofen.
Other Symptoms
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A dog with ibuprofen poisoning may also exhibit other symptoms. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain are common. In cases of severe overdose, the Merck Veterinary Manual says the drug may lead to nervous system disorders such as seizures, and heart-related problems, including low blood pressure and cardiac arrest.
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