I don’t know what’s going on… I caught Max, my usually well-behaved beagle, chewing on something under the coffee table this morning, and to my horror, it was a 200mg ibuprofen tablet! I’m absolutely freaking out right now. It’s been about an hour since it happened, and he seems normal—still wagging his tail and following me around—but I’ve read some scary stuff online about dogs and ibuprofen. It’s like 10 a.m., and I haven’t been able to focus on anything else. I’m so worried something bad might happen. Has anyone else been through this? Should I be rushing to the vet, or can I wait it out and see if he has any symptoms? I’m really scared I’ll make the wrong call. Any advice is welcome!
That definitely sounds concerning, and I’m glad you reached out. Ibuprofen can be quite toxic to dogs, even in small amounts like 200 mg. It's an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) meant for humans, and unfortunately, dogs' systems don't handle it well.
When a dog ingests ibuprofen, it can lead to serious issues like stomach ulcers, kidney failure, or even neurological problems. You might notice symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, a lack of appetite, or lethargy. In more severe cases, there might be signs of abdominal pain or a noticeable change in urination frequency.
At home, you can try to prevent further absorption if it’s been less than two hours since ingestion by administering a small amount of plain, unseasoned bread or rice. This might help soak up some of the medication left in the stomach. However, do not try to induce vomiting unless directed by a professional.
Keep a close eye on your dog. If you observe any symptoms I mentioned earlier or anything else unusual, it's crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. I recommend you book a video consult with Dial A Vet to discuss the next steps and ensure your dog gets the care needed.
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