Upon seeing your dog is sick and experiencing pain or discomfort, it may be tempting to reach for the nearest over-the-counter medication to attempt to cure the symptoms. However, it is important to understand first what is contained in the medication and whether or not it is safe to administer to a dog.

Not all human medications can be used in canines, and some are even toxic and can result in death. As a pet owner, you may think you are helping your dog by giving them medication, but many human medications can actually cause more harm than they help. Motrin is a popular over-the-counter human medication, but is it safe to give to your dog? This article will delve into the specifics of Motrin and whether or not it is safe for use in dogs.

What is Motrin?

Motrin is a type of ibuprofen, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Motrin, and other NSAIDS like Aspirin, function by reducing the number of hormones in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Motrin is also often used to treat pain or inflammation due to many common conditions, such as headache, toothache, arthritis, joint pain, menstrual cramps, minor injury, back pain, or to reduce fever.

Motrin is only recommended for use in the treatment of human beings, and only in adults and children over the age of six months. As with any medication, Motrin carries a number of potential side effects that can occur when it is ingested. Motrin may potentially increase the risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, particularly when used for a prolonged amount of time or when taken repeatedly in high doses. Motrin can also cause stomach ulcers, intestinal bleeding or even liver damage, kidney damage, kidney disease, and kidney failure in some cases.

Is Motrin Safe to Give a Dog for Pain?

The short answer to this inquiry is maybe, as it is dependent upon the dog as well as consideration of proper dosing. Motrin and other anti-inflammatory medications can be considered toxic to dogs when administered in the incorrect dosage or in conjunction with a medication in which it interacts.

If your dog is experiencing chronic pain and you are considering administering a pain killer, it is important to consult with a veterinarian first to ensure that the dosage being administered is correct and that it is safe for your dog to ingest Motrin as it is a derivative of ibuprofen, which can be dangerous for dogs. If your dog has accidentally ingested Motrin or you are worried he may have ibuprofen poisoning, it is important to be mindful of the below symptoms of ibuprofen poisoning in dogs:

• Lack of appetite
• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• Lack of coordination
• Abdominal Pain
• Seizures
• Decreased or lack of urine
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloody feces
• Blood in vomit
• Nausea
• Coma
• Death

Steps to Take to Treat Your Dog

While giving your dog human over-the-counter medication may seem to be the simplest and fastest option, it can be potentially dangerous and be counterproductive to your dog’s health. To help your dog begin feeling better sooner, there are a number of other steps to take that are proactive and will achieve better long-term pain relief than administering over-the-counter medication without veterinary oversight.

If your dog begins exhibiting symptoms that he is uncomfortable or is experiencing anything out of the ordinary, the first thing you should do is write down all of the symptoms you can see. With animals, some symptoms can be difficult to ascertain since they cannot speak and tell you how they are feeling, but you know your dog’s habits and behaviors better than anyone else and are qualified to note any abnormalities that arise.

Once you have compiled the list of symptoms, the next step is the contact a licensed veterinarian to schedule an appointment. When you schedule the appointment, be sure to let them know when the symptoms first developed, how long they have continued, and if they have worsened. This will help establish a timeline of the symptoms for the veterinarian to analyze in relation to the symptoms you provide them with.

Depending upon the severity of the symptoms, it may be necessary to seek emergency veterinary care. Once the veterinarian examines your dog and runs any necessary tests, they will deliver you a diagnosis of what is afflicting your dog as well as what available treatment options exist. This is the safest and most reliable way to get your dog the help he needs to begin feeling better soon.