Ibuprofen: Never for dogs or cats.
Paracetamol: Never for cats. Only for dogs if your vet prescribes it.
Why ibuprofen is a hard no
Ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure and neurological signs in dogs and cats, even at relatively low doses.
It is not a “safe human equivalent” for pets. If a pet gets into a single blister pack, that is enough to be a trip to the emergency vet.
Paracetamol is not DIY
Vets may occasionally prescribe carefully calculated paracetamol for dogs, often in combination drugs made for veterinary use.
That does not make supermarket Panadol/Paracetamol safe to guess-dose at home.
Overdoses cause serious liver injury and blood problems. Many human products also contain codeine or sweeteners like xylitol that add more risk.
Cats must never receive paracetamol due to extreme sensitivity.
If your pet has already had some
Do not wait for symptoms.
Call your closest veterinary hospital for immediate advice.
They will triage and tell you if urgent treatment is needed.
Better pain relief options
If your dog or cat is in pain, the fix is not in your medicine cabinet.
Your vet can prescribe pet-safe anti-inflammatories and pain relief with proper dosing and monitoring. That is safer and more effective than gambling with human meds.
Keep them out of reach
Most poisonings happen because a well-meaning owner doses a pet or a curious animal chews into a bag or bedside table. Store all medicines high and closed.
Bottom line
- Ibuprofen: never give it to pets.
- Paracetamol: only under a vet’s direction for dogs, never for cats.
- When in doubt, call your closest veterinary hospital.
