Read This Before Giving Your Dog Motrin For Pain!

Are you thinking of giving your dog Motrin to relieve persistent pain?

First off, this well-known medication is simply a trade name for Ibuprofen. In any case, using it on a pet can be tempting since it’s a readily available over-the-counter product.

Can I Give My Dog Motrin?Straight to the point:

Motrin is an effective NSAID for reducing mild to severe aches and pains, but it should not be given to your dog.

Ask any vet and they’ll tell you Motrin is not safe for animals.

Thankfully, there are much better options for canines suffering from arthritis or any other type of pain.

Keep reading to learn more…

Motrin Could Harm Your Dog

Do not provide this pain reliever in any amount. Too risky!

This may come as a surprise because Ibuprofen long had a reputation as one of the safest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the market.

But the thing is…

Research published by the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that this questionable claim never actually applied to canines.

Providing Motrin to your dog, in any dose, could cause serious harm. The same goes for Advil, Midol and Naproxen (all of which are just different names for Ibuprofen).

All of the above-mentioned pain killers should be off-limits!


What dogs should be given for pain is a huge topic in and of itself. The same goes for treatment options for K9 arthritis. Be sure to read up on those!


A Breed Specific Toxicity

While all dogs are susceptible to adverse effects…

A case-control analysis of a National Animal Poison Control Center database found that German Shepherds are especially prone to poisoning as a result of Ibuprofen ingestion.

All Versions Problematic

It really doesn’t matter which type of Motrin you have on-hand.

Dogs are vulnerable to side effects whether it’s the liquid gel form or the caplets (both of which are a standard 200mg dose).

Even the 100mg Children’s Motrin as well as the reduced strength 50mg infant formula should be avoided.

Last but not least…

The PM (Pain Reliever / Nighttime Sleep-Aid) caplets contain Diphenhydramine in addition to Ibuprofen. This combination product is also a bad idea!

So What’s The Big Worry?

Major concerns with Motrin are gastrointestinal ulceration and acute renal failure.

Yes, it’s that serious. Your dog could even die from an overdose.

But here are the much more common side effects to watch for:

  • Diarrhea
  • Bloating
  • Nausea (vomiting)
  • Rashes
  • Upset stomach
  • Behavioral changes

Signs of Motrin Poisoning

Have you mistakenly given your dog Motrin?

Obviously you need to closely observe them for indications of toxicosis.

Besides the above symptoms, an elevated temperature is concerning. A dog with a temperature above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (or 39 degrees Celsius) is a clear warning sign.

Blood in the stool would also be very troubling.

Do not delay if any of these apply. Take the bottle of Motrin, along with your furry friend, and head to a local vet ASAP!

The Bottom Line

Motrin is not even a temporary solution for dogs experiencing pain.

The risks associated with this popular pain reliever are too high and outweigh any short-term benefits.

Be warned! Do not give your dog Motrin!

What Do You Think? Have Your Say Below…

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6 thoughts on “Read This Before Giving Your Dog Motrin For Pain!”

  1. We gave our Maltese dog the children’s version of Motrin to ease her joint pain in the mornings. But it seems that made another ailment. She now sleeps most of the day and has become less interested in her meals (unless we add ground beef).

    She had some muscle tremors in her sleep that come and go. She’s lived a long 15 years and usually bounces back when she gets like this. I’m worried this might be her time.

  2. I can’t see how a Motrin could hurt a dog. I gave it to my Basset Hound for a long time and saw no ill effects.

  3. Not everyone can afford a vet. They want blood work which here is $120, then x-rays for $150. I can’t afford that. I need relieve now for my Roscoe. My husband of 42 years died recently. I don’t have the money for this. So now what? Is putting him to sleep the only option?

    1. I know a little about checking symptoms and you didn’t give us anything to form an opinion around. If you’d like us to recommend something, tell us what is happening with your dog. Exactly what are you seeing?

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