Help! My Dog Ate Ibuprofen! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hi Dr. Paola,
My dog Daisy ate ibuprofen last night. I’m not sure how much, she’s been throwing up all morning. She seems fine other than that. I called the vet, they said a small amount of Pepto-Bismol may be used and seems to be working. Are there any other signs I need to watch for? “ – James
Quick Info about Daisy
Hi James,
Thank you for your message. It’s great you called Daisy’s vet, as this is a serious issue. Please know that Ibuprofen is very dangerous to dogs, even in small amounts, and it can cause serious harm to the stomach, kidneys, and nervous system. Vomiting is one of the first signs we might see after ingestion, but it doesn’t necessarily mean she’s out of danger. Internal damage can continue to develop for hours or even days, and dogs can appear relatively normal at first before more severe issues set in.
I personally would not recommend giving Pepto-Bismol after ibuprofen ingestion without first evaluating the dog. If Daisy is a large-sized dog, she has a better chance of recovering, as she would have ingested a smaller dose, but regardless, this can not be taken lightly. Pepto-Bismol won’t stop the potential for internal bleeding or kidney damage.
Signs you need to take very seriously include persistent vomiting, especially if it becomes bloody or looks like coffee grounds, black stools, changes in urination, lethargy, wobbliness, or signs of confusion. Please don’t wait for things to worsen. This is absolutely a situation where Daisy needs to be seen by a veterinarian in person as soon as possible.
Wishing her a successful recovery,
– Dr. Paola