Ibuprofen Toxicity

Ibuprofen toxicity occurs when a dog or cat is exposed to ibuprofen—a common pain relief medicine found in many households—in an amount that overwhelms the body's ability to process it safely. Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs that can interfere with protective mechanisms in the stomach lining and kidneys, and in larger exposures may affect the nervous system. Even doses that are safe for humans can be harmful to pets, particularly cats, who metabolise the drug much more slowly. Owners often arrive on this page after discovering their pet has swallowed ibuprofen tablets, or because they have noticed signs such as vomiting, reduced appetite, abdominal discomfort, or changes in behaviour hours to days after a possible exposure. The time between ingestion and the appearance of signs can vary, and some animals may appear well initially. This page explores the signs that may suggest ibuprofen toxicity, the mechanisms by which ibuprofen affects the body, the investigations that help clarify the nature and severity of exposure, and the approaches used to manage the condition and support recovery.