Canine NSAID Toxicity

Over-the-counter pain relievers for humans can be deadly to dogs. Known as NSAIDs for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, these products include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen. If given to dogs, dosages of these medicines can escalate into serious emergencies with frightening symptoms. Pet owners should always speak with their veterinarian before administering any medications to their animals.

  1. Aspirin

    • A small dog can overdose on just two aspirin tablets. Also, aspirin absolutely cannot be mixed with any other NSAIDs or prescription medications. Enteric-coated aspirin is popular among humans, but the same coating prevents the aspirin from being absorbed until it travels into the dog's intestines. This can result in an uneven release of medicine that can rise to poisonous levels. Numerous over-the-counter products contain aspirin, such as Pepto-Bismol, so pet owners must pay close attention to labels. A dog that overdoses on aspirin can suffer stomach ulcers as well as damage to the liver and kidneys.

    Ibuprofen

    • Advil, Motrin and Nuprin are three leading ibuprofen products. This particular pain-reliever is slow to metabolize, which raises the severity of toxicity. In addition, ibuprofen sometimes is coated with a sugary substance that appeals to dogs, so accidental ingestion is possible. Less than one regular tablet could cause digestive ulcers in a dog that weighs less than 10 lbs. Six pills could lead to kidney failure. Poisoning in a dog leads to heart or kidney failure, dehydration or urinary obstruction.

    Naproxen

    • Naproxen is sold to humans under the names Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox and Naprelan. As with ibuprofen, naproxen metabolizes slowly, which increases the likelihood of toxicity in animals. Dosages small enough for children can be harmful to dogs.

    Acetaminophen

    • Two regular-strength tablets of Tylenol can cause serious tissue damage in dogs, especially in smaller breeds. Warning signs that a dog has been poisoned with acetaminophen include vomiting, salivating, abdominal distress and weakness. The American Veterinary Medical Association warns "Due to the significant toxicity to pets in relatively minimal dosages, the recommendation is clear--Tylenol should not be given to dogs or cats."

    Expert Insight

    • The American Veterinary Medical Association advises dog owners to always consult with their veterinarians before giving any NSAIDs to their dogs. Canine NSAID toxicity represents a leading cause of small-animal poisoning. One of the reasons for these repeated horror stories is that humans are accustomed to taking NSAIDs for their own aches and pains and mistakenly assume that these products are equally safe for animals.