Do not give your dog ibuprofen or acetaminophen. There are some NSAIDs just for dogs: Carprofen (Novox or Rimadyl) Deracoxib (Deramaxx)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to control pain and inflammation in dogs. NSAIDs help many dogs lead more comfortable lives, but these drugs should be used carefully because they all can cause side effects, some of which can be serious.
Ibuprofen is toxic to dogs and you should never give it to your pup. Just three to six ibuprofen capsules can be deadly for dogs, so keep the medicine in a safe place. There are canine-specific pain relievers that you can get from your vet or try natural options.
No over-the-counter NSAIDs for dogs and cats are FDA-approved. Any NSAID marketed for dogs or cats online or in a pet store without the need for a prescription from a veterinarian is an unapproved animal drug, meaning FDA has not reviewed information about the drug.
Paracetamol is a very popular painkiller in humans, however it can be toxic or fatal in small animals. Dogs are less sensitive to paracetamol than cats. A 20kg dog would need to ingest over seven 500mg tablets in order to suffer toxic effects.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be safe when carefully dosed and used short term. However, the risk of toxicity is high and most vets prefer safer, more effective drugs. Aspirin—specifically buffered baby aspirin—can be safe when dosed carefully but is not as safe or effective as prescription medications.
Pain Relief for Dogs
The best of a bad lot is paracetamol, sold as Panadol, Calpol or Tylenol (called acetaminophen in the US). It is sometimes used by vets at a dose of 10 mg/kg twice daily.
Anti-inflammatory medication
The most commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) for dogs are carprofen (Novox or Rimadyl), deracoxib (Deramaxx), meloxicam (Metacam ), deracoxib (Deramaxx), firocoxib (Previcox). Some vets will okay the use of aspirin for your pup for a short term injury.
Over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for humans, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can be toxic to dogs. Giving your dog these medicines can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers, severe bleeding, and even kidney or liver failure.
Ibuprofen (Nurofen) and naproxen are common and effective medications used to treat inflammation and pain in humans, but they should not be given to pets. These drugs can be toxic (poisonous) to dogs and cats, although cats are much more susceptible to this toxicity than dogs.
For dogs, ibuprofen can easily exceed toxic levels. Ibuprofen has a narrow margin of safety in dogs. Signs of toxicosis can occur when as little as half a 200 mg pill is given to a 25 pound dog. The most common cause of ibuprofen toxicity is a well-meaning owner trying to alleviate pain in his dog.
Signs of toxicity (particularly gastrointestinal symptoms) can be seen 2-6 hours after ingestion. However, serious complications may not be seen for 4-5 days post-ingestion. Toxic consumption: Ibuprofen: Signs of toxicity may be seen at doses of 50 mg/kg (22 mg/lb) in dogs and 25 mg/kg (11 mg/lb) in cats.
Should your vet prescribe paracetamol for your dog, it's likely that it will be a dosage of 10mg per kilogram, and should only be given once a day for one or two days.
Rosmarinic acid and other compounds in comfrey also deliver the anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties that make it so effective in managing joint pain. For internal therapeutic use, give your dog ½ to 1 tsp of dried herb for each pound of food. You can also use comfrey leaf topically as a poultice.
We most commonly use Rimadyl (carprofen) or miloxicam (Metacam) as our first choice and try something different if side effects or problems occur. The most common side effects are nausea and diarrhea. Most dogs will tolerate at least one drug in this class of medications without these problems.
Carprofen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs commonly used to alleviate pain and inflammation, but they differ in their intended use and safety profile. While carprofen is specifically formulated for dogs and has a lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects, ibuprofen is designed for humans and can be harmful to pets.
The short answer is no. While your vet may prescribe aspirin to help your dog when they're in pain, you should not give them the same medication you have in your cabinet. Medicines like ibuprofen and naproxen can be toxic to dogs, even in small doses.
NSAIDS can be used on either an as needed basis or daily for treatment of more severe chronic pain. Studies have found a cumulative effect with doses given daily. In other words, dogs keep getting better (less pain, better mobility, etc.) the longer they are on daily doses.
Veterinary nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to control fever, pain, and other signs of inflammation in animals. Inflammation is the body's response to irritation or injury and results in redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in the inflamed area.
How soon after starting NSAIDs should I see a response? You should see a response in your dog within 2 weeks of starting therapy (though there is often some relief after a single dose). Studies have shown that continued weekly improvement is likely for at least the first 4 weeks of daily treatment.
Luckily, there are over-the-counter dog pain relief supplements available on the market today, such as VetPro Dog Hip and Joint Supplement. These chews are specifically designed to provide pain and inflammation relief for dogs using high-quality ingredients, including Glucosamine.
If you believe your pet ingested ibuprofen, it is important to call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center, at 1-800-213-6680 right away to have the risk of poisoning assessed. Depending upon the dose ingested, hospitalized care may be needed.
Many pain medications considered safe for people can be toxic or even fatal for dogs. Never give your dog aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or any other medication designed for humans without first consulting your vet.