I saw some people posting on social media about saving veterinary costs by giving dogs human medication. Pain medication, to be exact, is what people swore helped their dogs with pain management. And it got me wondering, can dogs take Motrin, and is it a good idea?
Dogs cannot take Motrin, and it is a bad idea to give your dog such a drug. Motrin contains ibuprofen which is toxic to dogs. Therefore, when dogs ingest ibuprofen, it causes adverse side effects, eventually damaging their kidney and gastrointestinal tracts.
Human medication is generally not suitable for your canine companion. Therefore, saving a few dollars by giving your dog your prescription puts their life in danger. Below you find information on what to do if your dog mistakenly eats Motrin. Additionally, you will learn what to do for your dog for pain. But first, learn about the side effects of Motrin on canines.
What Happens If I Give My Dog Motrin?
When you give your dog Motrin, it causes ibuprofen toxicity. Motrin contains ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is commonly used to relieve pain and treat symptoms of a fever in humans.
You will find ibuprofen listed as the common ingredient in many over-the-counter pain medications such as Advil, Midol, and Motrin.
Unfortunately, ibuprofen is one of the substances poisonous to dogs. Your dog will show symptoms of ibuprofen toxicity within a few hours after ingestion of Motrin.
Ibuprofen inhibits COX enzymes or Cyclooxygenase. These enzymes form a protective layer on the mucosal barrier in the gastrointestinal tract in dogs. This keeps the blood flowing normally and regulates platelet function.
When ibuprofen inhibits the COX enzymes, it damages the mucosal lining. This reduces blood flow to the kidneys, leading to kidney damage. It also reduces platelet function, which leads to increased bleeding.
Symptoms Of Ibuprofen Toxicity In Dogs
- Nausea
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood in the vomit
- Diarrhea
- Discolored feces, sometimes with blood
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Increased urination
- Increased thirst
- Seizures
- Ulcers and stomach perforation
- Lack of coordination and balance
Without treatments or immediate veterinary assistance rendered promptly, your canine will slip into a coma and die shortly after.
How Much Motrin Can I Give My Dog?
Motrin has not been approved for veterinary use. Therefore, you cannot give your dog any Motrin.
Even though some experts unofficially claim that you can give 5 mg to 10 mg per pound of your dog’s weight every 10 to 12 hours, it is not a good idea. Even small amounts of Motrin will cause ibuprofen toxicity in your dog.
Therefore, do not give any amount of Motrin to your canine. Keep reading to find out what you can give your pet to relieve pain instead of Motrin.
What To Do If My Dog Eats Motrin?
When your dog consumes Motrin, you need to take it to the vet. Never induce vomiting because it can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
Additionally, do not attempt to treat the symptoms because it could cause side effects or react to the Motrin negatively. Instead, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Do not wait a few days as this will worsen the condition. Instead, when you see the first few symptoms or suspect that your dog ate Motrin, ensure that you go to the emergency room. The vet will treat the canine by decontaminating to decrease the effects of the medicine.
This often starts with safely inducing vomiting. The vet will then administer activated charcoal to decrease ibuprofen absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Activated charcoal is commonly used to treat grape and raisin toxicity in dogs. The vet will also administer gastrointestinal tract protectors, antacids, and anti-nausea medications.
A veterinarian is the only person who should administer these treatments. Never attempt to administer these treatments because they have life-threatening side effects if given incorrectly.
Is There Motrin For Dogs?
There is no Motrin for dogs because it is a drug made for human consumption. Similarly, human medications for pain relief, such as Midol and Tylenol, are not suitable for dogs. They, too, contain ibuprofen and will cause toxicity symptoms.
There are some medications approved for veterinary use to relieve pain in canines. Therefore, do not go for over-the-counter human pain relief medications. Instead, take your dog to the vet when you notice signs of pain for safe prescriptions.
Symptoms Of Pain In Your Dog
When your dog is in pain, you will notice the following symptoms:
- Yelping or whimpering
- Limping
- Irritability
- Staying in one position or refusing to move from one spot
- Lowered tail
- Unenthusiasm for food and treats
- Abnormally prolonged sleeping hours
- Reluctance to play or go for walks
- Whining
Take your dog to a vet for diagnosis and treatment when you notice these symptoms. Avoid giving your dog any medication unless under recommendation by a veterinarian.
Can Dogs Take Human Medications?
There are a few human medications dogs can take with little to no side effects. However, it is not advisable because regular use is toxic to your canine.
Additionally, dogs react differently to various medicines and chemicals. Your dog could potentially develop life-threatening side effects from taking human medications.
Therefore, experts recommend sticking to pet medicine to treat any pain your canine companion experiences. Similarly, always get prescriptions for any symptoms or diseases your canine develops. Never treat your pet with human medication.
