Can a Canine Take Motrin?

If your aging dog's joints start creaking or he's sore after exercise, you want to make him feel better. While you might pop a Motrin in a similar situation, giving this ibuprofen tablet to your dog could kill him. In dogs, this drug causes stomach ulceration and kidney failure in low doses. In higher doses, dogs suffer neurological issues that can quickly lead to death.

Motrin, like other brand-name ibuprofen medications such as Advil or Nuprin, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. Other NSAIDs for human use include aspirin, acetaminophen and naproxen. Any of these over the counter medications can cause serious health issues, even death, in canines. If your dog suffers from arthritis or another painful condition, take him to your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. There are prescription NSAIDs specially formulated for dogs, marketed under names such as Previcox, Dermaxx and Rimadyl.