Is this tool telling me what dose to give my pet?

No. It is a general education library about common household medications and why they can be dangerous to pets. Dosing depends on species, weight, health conditions, and the exact product — only your veterinarian should choose a medication plan for your animal.

My pet just ate pills. Should I use this page first?

If you believe your pet swallowed medication, call Utah Veterinary Emergency Center or a poison hotline right away. Bring the bottle with strength (mg), formulation (tablet/capsule/liquid), and approximate number eaten.

Why do you ask for dog vs cat?

Cats and dogs differ in sensitivity to many drugs (for example, acetaminophen). Filtering helps you read entries that apply to the pet you are worried about.

Are “natural” supplements or topical creams safer than pills?

Not necessarily. Creams can be licked, and supplements can be concentrated or combined with other ingredients (including xylitol in some liquids). Always check labels and ask your veterinarian before exposing your pet.

Is this the same as calling poison control?

No. Poison control can do case-specific triage using your pet’s weight and exact product. This page cannot replace that individualized guidance.

What are Utah Veterinary Emergency Center’s hours?

We are open 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily for urgent care and scheduled appointments. Outside those hours, call (801) 218-2227 for guidance, or go to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital if your pet has life-threatening signs.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Pet medication safety reference — educational information only.

Medication reference

What to know

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) — medication safety for dogs and cats

EmergencyReference for: dogs and cats.

Overview

Human ibuprofen is a leading cause of pet poisoning. It can cause severe stomach ulcers, kidney injury, and neurological signs in dogs and cats. Cats are especially sensitive. Never give human NSAIDs unless your veterinarian has prescribed a specific veterinary product and dose for your pet.

Symptoms

Vomiting (may be bloody), black stool, abdominal pain, lethargy, reduced appetite, increased thirst/urination

Typical onset

2–12 hours; kidney effects may appear later

Formulations

Many “cold/flu” combo products hide ibuprofen with other ingredients — read the active-ingredient panel.

What to do

Treat as an emergency until a veterinarian advises otherwise. Bring the bottle with strength (mg) and approx. number of tablets. Do not give additional medications at home unless directed.

This page is educational and does not replace veterinary advice. For possible poisoning or ingestion, contact UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

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Search more medications

Medication safety reference

Search common household medications and why they can be risky for pets. This is not dosing guidance — when in doubt, call us or poison control.

Educational reference only. It does not replace an exam or phone advice for your specific pet. Never give human medications to animals unless your veterinarian tells you exactly what to use.

23 results · 13 high-severity results

Symptoms

Vomiting (may be bloody), black stool, abdominal pain, lethargy, reduced appetite, increased thirst/urination

Onset

2–12 hours; kidney effects may appear later

Formulations

Many “cold/flu” combo products hide ibuprofen with other ingredients — read the active-ingredient panel.

What to do now

Treat as an emergency until a veterinarian advises otherwise. Bring the bottle with strength (mg) and approx. number of tablets. Do not give additional medications at home unless directed.

Call us: (801) 218-2227

Common questions

About this tool

Is this tool telling me what dose to give my pet?
No. It is a general education library about common household medications and why they can be dangerous to pets. Dosing depends on species, weight, health conditions, and the exact product — only your veterinarian should choose a medication plan for your animal.
My pet just ate pills. Should I use this page first?
If you believe your pet swallowed medication, call Utah Veterinary Emergency Center or a poison hotline right away. Bring the bottle with strength (mg), formulation (tablet/capsule/liquid), and approximate number eaten.
Why do you ask for dog vs cat?
Cats and dogs differ in sensitivity to many drugs (for example, acetaminophen). Filtering helps you read entries that apply to the pet you are worried about.
Are “natural” supplements or topical creams safer than pills?
Not necessarily. Creams can be licked, and supplements can be concentrated or combined with other ingredients (including xylitol in some liquids). Always check labels and ask your veterinarian before exposing your pet.
Is this the same as calling poison control?
No. Poison control can do case-specific triage using your pet’s weight and exact product. This page cannot replace that individualized guidance.
What are Utah Veterinary Emergency Center’s hours?
We are open 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily for urgent care and scheduled appointments. Outside those hours, call (801) 218-2227 for guidance, or go to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital if your pet has life-threatening signs.