My dog ate naproxen (aleve) — what should I do?
🚨 RED — Go to an emergency vet NOW
Very long half-life in dogs (~74 h, Merck); ulcers and kidney injury at low doses.
What to do now
- Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed.
- Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Why it's a problem
Very long half-life in dogs (~74 h, Merck); ulcers and kidney injury at low doses.
Symptoms to watch for
Vomiting, black stool, not eating, increased thirst.
When: Hours to days
Frequently asked questions
Is naproxen (aleve) dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Very long half-life in dogs (~74 h, Merck); ulcers and kidney injury at low doses. Treat it as an emergency and contact an emergency vet or animal poison control immediately.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate naproxen (aleve)?
Vomiting, black stool, not eating, increased thirst.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats naproxen (aleve)?
Hours to days
What should I do if my dog ate naproxen (aleve)?
Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed. Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
No precise home threshold; a single 220 mg tablet can harm a medium dog. Any amount = RED.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicoses from human analgesics
- Pet Poison Helpline: naproxen
- Pet Poison Helpline: nsaids
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: aleve, naprosyn · Category: Medication · Last reviewed 2026-10-14