Can I Give My Dog Human Painkillers?

Should you give a dog human painkillers? The short answer is no, not unless your vet tells you to. Here is why, and what to do if your dog has eaten some.

Quick Answer

No. Do not give your dog any human medicine unless a vet instructs you to, because you should always assume human medications are poisonous to your pet.
Ibuprofen is highly toxic to dogs, paracetamol can damage the liver and reduce the oxygen the blood carries, and aspirin should never be given by dog owners.
Vets sometimes prescribe certain medicines under strict supervision after examining a dog, but that never makes it safe to give them at home.
If your dog has eaten any human medicine, contact your vet or an out-of-hours emergency vet immediately. Do not wait for signs to appear.

It is understandable to reach for the medicine cabinet when your dog seems sore. However, you should not give your dog human painkillers without a vet's instruction, because they can be dangerous.

Vets Now names paracetamol, aspirin, codeine and ibuprofen as examples of the human pain relievers owners may be tempted to give. This guide explains why these medicines are a problem, why a vet needs to be involved and what to do if your dog has already eaten some.

Woman relaxing on a sofa at home with her greyhound - keep human painkillers away from your dog

Why Human Painkillers Are Dangerous for Dogs

Dogs Trust says all medications have a toxic dose and that only your vet can decide what is right for your dog, based on things like size, age and health. Vets Now adds that what is safe for humans can be fatal to pets.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a common human medicine that you can buy without a prescription. Vets Now says dogs need different doses of medication from humans, and that human paracetamol can be highly toxic to dogs.

Animal PoisonLine says that in dogs paracetamol affects the red blood cells, so the blood is less effective at carrying oxygen. It also causes liver injury, which occurs several days after ingestion.

Paracetamol is found in tablets, capsules, cold and flu medicines and children's syrups. Some formulations contain artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Vets Now says infant suspensions such as Calpol contain paracetamol and should never be given to a pet without first consulting your vet.

Dogs Trust adds that paracetamol and other medicines can make an unknown underlying condition such as liver or kidney disease much worse, or hide an injury that needs attention.

Ibuprofen

PDSA says ibuprofen is safe for people but toxic to both cats and dogs. It irritates the lining of the stomach and intestines, which can lead to ulcers, and in severe cases these can perforate. It can also damage the kidneys, and very high doses can affect the brain and cause seizures.

Animal PoisonLine says dogs are particularly sensitive to ibuprofen. Depending on the dose, it can affect the stomach and intestines, kidneys, nervous system and liver.

Vet holding a Pomeranian while talking to its owner in a clinic - ask a vet before giving human painkillers

Naproxen and diclofenac

PDSA names ibuprofen and naproxen as human anti-inflammatory medicines that are highly toxic to animals. Animal PoisonLine says dogs are particularly sensitive to ibuprofen and the related drugs naproxen and diclofenac. Even a low dose can cause stomach upset, gut ulceration and kidney failure.

Aspirin

Vets Now says vets sometimes prescribe and use aspirin to treat mild to moderate pain caused by osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal inflammation, but that it should never be administered by dog owners. It adds that aspirin can cause stomach ulcers and inflammation of the stomach lining.

Combination products and other medicines

Animal PoisonLine says paracetamol is often sold combined with other drugs such as aspirin and codeine, and in compound preparations that include caffeine, decongestants and antihistamines, all of which can be a toxicity concern.

Animal PoisonLine lists other human medicines that can be harmful to dogs, including caffeine-containing products, loperamide, baclofen, psoriasis creams with vitamin D compounds and used fentanyl patches.

Signs of Painkiller Poisoning in Dogs

PDSA says signs of ibuprofen poisoning can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to appear, and Animal PoisonLine says paracetamol liver injury occurs several days after ingestion. A dog that looks well is therefore not necessarily safe. Signs that sources list include:

Paracetamol: panting, difficulty breathing, a swollen face or paws, discoloured gums, lethargy, distress, vomiting and, later, liver damage
Ibuprofen: vomiting (sometimes bloody), diarrhoea, black tarry stools, abdominal pain, lethargy and weakness
Ibuprofen (also reported): tremors, seizures, loss of appetite, pale gums, drinking more, changes in how much your dog wees, and weakness or wobbliness

Never wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your vet straight away if you think your dog has eaten any human medicine.

Emergency: Contact a Vet Immediately If…

You think your dog has eaten any human painkiller or other human medicine, even if they seem well.
Your dog has swelling of the face or paws, or breathing difficulty that is getting worse.
Your dog has pale or discoloured gums, weakness, bloody vomit or black tarry stools.
Your dog has tremors or a seizure.

Call your vet or the nearest out-of-hours emergency vet straight away. Have the medicine name, strength and amount eaten ready, and take the packet with you if you can. Do not try to treat or medicate your dog yourself, and never try to make your dog vomit.

When to Contact Your Vet

Your dog seems sore, stiff or uncomfortable and you want to know what you can do. Ask before giving any pain relief.
You are worried about something your dog may have swallowed, even if there are no signs.
You are unsure whether any medicine is suitable for your dog.

Pain relief can hide an injury or a hidden condition, so your vet needs to find the cause first.

Can a Vet Prescribe a Human Medicine?

Vets Now says several painkilling drugs have been designed specifically for dogs and are far safer and more effective than drugs intended for people. PDSA says to only ever give your dog painkillers that your vet has prescribed.

PDSA says that in some circumstances a vet may prescribe a human painkiller, but only under strict supervision and only if a safe dose can be set and there is no alternative designed for use in pets. Dogs Trust says some human medications are occasionally prescribed by a vet, but every dog needs a full clinical examination and assessment first. Animal PoisonLine says paracetamol is prescribed to dogs by vets under strict direction, and warns that owners should not self-medicate at home as this will very likely result in an overdose.

In short, vets sometimes prescribe certain medicines, but that never makes it safe for you to give human painkillers yourself. If your vet has prescribed a veterinary medicine, GOV.UK explains how to check whether an animal medicine is licensed.

If Your Dog Has Eaten Human Painkillers

Remove your dog from the source.
Contact your vet without delay, or an emergency clinic if it is out of hours.
Give the medicine name, strength and amount eaten, and show the vet the packet if you can.
Do not try to treat or medicate your dog yourself while you wait.
Never try to make your dog vomit, and never use salt water, which the RSPCA says is extremely dangerous.

Vets Now says treatment depends on the amount of drug eaten, the time elapsed, any other drugs given at the same time and your dog's size. For ibuprofen, PDSA lists activated charcoal (which only works if the ibuprofen was eaten recently), medicines to protect the stomach and support the kidneys, and hospital care with a fluid drip. A vet may also make a dog sick if the medicine was eaten recently, but that is a decision for the vet and never something to try at home. PDSA says many pets with ibuprofen poisoning recover if treated quickly and have not eaten very high amounts, but pets that have eaten large amounts or developed kidney failure have a poorer outlook.

The RSPCA also describes the Veterinary Poisons Information Service Animal PoisonLine as a 24-hour emergency phone service giving advice on the treatment of animals exposed to toxins, and notes that it requires a fee. Your first call should still be your vet or an out-of-hours vet.

Keeping medicines safe

Vets Now says to keep all medicines, human and animal, safely locked away and out of your pet's reach. PDSA says to keep all forms of ibuprofen out of reach, including tablets, capsules, granules, liquids, gels, mousses and sprays. A PDSA vet advises storing medicines as you would if young children lived in your home, because they can be just as dangerous to pets, and notes that blister packs carried in pockets or bags can be very tempting for a pet. Do not let your dog lick you if you have applied ibuprofen to your skin.

How Pet Med Direct Can Help

If your dog is sore, the safest first step is to speak to your vet. Please do not buy or give any pain relief for your dog unless your vet has advised it. Our guide on how to tell if your dog is in pain may help you describe what you have noticed.

If your vet prescribes pain relief, read how pet prescriptions work. Our pain relief category lists prescription-only medicines, supplied solely against a valid prescription from your dog's own vet. Listing them is not a suggestion that your dog needs them.

Some pet medicines require a valid veterinary prescription. Pet Med Direct can only supply prescription medicines after the prescription has been checked. Always follow your vet's advice and the directions on the medicine label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give my dog paracetamol?

No, not unless your own vet has told you to. Vets Now says human paracetamol can be highly toxic to dogs, and Dogs Trust calls giving a dog paracetamol potentially dangerous. Some formulations also contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs.

Can I give my dog ibuprofen?

No. Ibuprofen is highly toxic to dogs and can cause stomach ulcers and kidney damage. If your dog has eaten some, contact your vet immediately and do not wait for symptoms.

Is aspirin safe for dogs?

Not for owners to give. Vets Now says aspirin should never be administered by dog owners, although vets sometimes prescribe it. It can cause stomach ulcers and inflammation of the stomach lining.

Why are human painkillers dangerous for dogs?

Paracetamol harms red blood cells and the liver, while ibuprofen and related drugs can damage the stomach, intestines and kidneys. Dogs are particularly sensitive to ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac.

My dog has eaten human painkillers. What should I do?

Contact your vet, or an emergency clinic out of hours, without delay, and do not wait for signs to appear. Give the medicine name, strength and amount eaten. Do not try to treat or medicate your dog yourself, and never try to make your dog vomit.

Can a vet prescribe paracetamol for a dog?

Animal PoisonLine says paracetamol is prescribed to dogs by vets under strict direction, after a thorough clinical assessment. That is a vet's decision, and Animal PoisonLine warns against self-medicating at home because it will very likely result in an overdose.

What can I give my dog for pain?

Speak to your vet. Vets Now says several painkilling drugs have been designed specifically for dogs, and PDSA says to only ever give painkillers that your vet has prescribed.

How do I keep medicines safe from my dog?

Keep all medicines, human and animal, locked away and out of reach. PDSA also notes that blister packs carried in pockets or bags can be very tempting for a pet.

Related Dog Health Guides

Sources and Further Reading

This article was researched from the sources listed above. It is general information for dog owners and is not a substitute for advice from your own vet.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice.
If you are concerned about your dog’s health, please consult a qualified veterinarian.