Toxicity to pets

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in both human and veterinary medicine for osteoarthritis, inflammation, and pain control. There are veterinary specific NSAIDs (e.g., carprofen, deracoxib, meloxicam, etc.), which are generally less toxic to dogs than human NSAIDs (which can be extremely dangerous to pets). Examples of common human NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, diclofenac, etc. Any type of NSAID should never be given to your dog or cat without consultation with your veterinarian.

When NSAIDs are ingested in toxic amounts, it can result in severe gastric ulceration and acute kidney failure in dogs and cats. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, bloody vomitus, black-tarry stool, inappetance, lethargy, inappropriate urination or thirst, general malaise, abdominal pain, and seizures or death.

If you suspect your dog or cat was poisoned by an NSAID, call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® immediately for life-saving treatment advice. The sooner you treat this, the less expensive and less dangerous to your pet it is!