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Dangerous — can cause kidney failure and GI ulcers

Is Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) Toxic to Birds?

Ibuprofen is extremely toxic to dogs and cats even in small doses. It causes stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and seizures. Never give human pain medication to pets.

Quick Answer

Yes, ibuprofen (advil, motrin) is toxic to birds. Dangerous — can cause kidney failure and GI ulcers. Ibuprofen is extremely toxic to dogs and cats even in small doses. It causes stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and seizures. Never give human pain medication to pets. Watch for symptoms like vomiting (often with blood) and diarrhea (dark or bloody).

Emergency

If your bird was exposed, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 immediately.

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Vomiting (often with blood)
  • Diarrhea (dark or bloody)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Kidney failure (decreased urination)
  • Seizures in severe cases

Timeline

GI symptoms within 2-6 hours. Kidney damage within 12-24 hours.

Treatment

  • Contact vet immediately
  • Induced vomiting if within 2 hours
  • Activated charcoal
  • IV fluids for kidney protection
  • GI protectants (sucralfate, omeprazole)

Prevention

  • Never give human pain meds to pets
  • Store all medications in closed cabinets
  • Pick up any dropped pills immediately
  • Ask your vet about pet-safe pain options

Other Toxins Dangerous to Birds

🌸 Lilies🌴 Sago Palm🌷 Tulips🌺 Azaleas & Rhododendrons🌿 Oleander🪴 Aloe Vera🎄 Poinsettia🪴 Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)🌿 Pothos (Devil's Ivy)🪴 Snake Plant (Sansevieria)🧪 Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol)🐀 Rat & Mouse Poison (Rodenticides)🧴 Bleach & Household Cleaners🐛 Permethrin (Flea Treatment)💊 Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)💊 Acetaminophen (Tylenol)💊 Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs)🫧 Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca)🫧 Essential Oils (General)🫧 Eucalyptus Oil🧺 Laundry Detergent Pods🔋 Batteries🪙 Pennies & Zinc Objects🍳 Teflon / Non-Stick Cookware Fumes🐌 Slug & Snail Bait (Metaldehyde)🌱 Lawn Fertilizer🍃 Marijuana / Cannabis / THC⚪ Mothballs
🐕 Dogs version →🐱 Cats version →🐰 Rabbits version →🐹 Hamsters version →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ibuprofen (advil, motrin) toxic to birds?▼
Dangerous — can cause kidney failure and GI ulcers. Ibuprofen is extremely toxic to dogs and cats even in small doses. It causes stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and seizures. Never give human pain medication to pets.
What happens if my bird is exposed to ibuprofen (advil, motrin)?▼
Symptoms include: Vomiting (often with blood); Diarrhea (dark or bloody); Abdominal pain. GI symptoms within 2-6 hours. Kidney damage within 12-24 hours.
What should I do if my bird ingested ibuprofen (advil, motrin)?▼
Contact vet immediately. Induced vomiting if within 2 hours. Activated charcoal.
How can I protect my bird from ibuprofen (advil, motrin)?▼
Never give human pain meds to pets. Store all medications in closed cabinets. Pick up any dropped pills immediately. Ask your vet about pet-safe pain options.

Related Pet Safety Topics

🩺 Birds Symptom Checker🍎 Safe & Toxic Foods for Birds🚨 Pet First Aid Guide🐾 Birds Behavior Guide

This is for informational purposes only. In any poisoning emergency, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately.