Can dogs and cats eat Ibuprofen and other human NSAIDs?
Human anti-inflammatory painkillers can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure in dogs and cats; higher amounts affect the nervous system. Cats are especially sensitive.
Why
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (COX inhibition)
Signs to watch for
- vomiting (may contain blood)
- black, tarry stool
- not eating
- lethargy
- increased thirst / changes in urination
- wobbliness, seizures (large amounts)
Good to know
Never give human painkillers unless your vet prescribes them. A single tablet can be dangerous for a cat or small dog. Diclofenac gels can also be licked off skin.
If you think your pet has been poisoned
If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten or touched something poisonous, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately, even if your pet seems fine – some poisons take hours or days to show signs, and early treatment works best. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to, as this can cause more harm. Take the packaging, label or a piece of the plant with you, and note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
Sources
Sources
- PDSA – Ibuprofen poisoning in dogs and cats
- Pet Poison Helpline – NSAIDs
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Toxicoses from Human Analgesics in Animals
Checked against these sources in October 2026.