What should I do if my pet accidentally swallows an NSAID?

If you suspect ingestion, note the time and name of the drug, keep the packaging, and contact your vet or an animal poison control center immediately for guidance.

How soon after ingestion do toxic signs appear?

Signs usually appear within a few hours but can be delayed up to 24–48 hours. Seek veterinary care immediately if vomiting, lethargy, or abnormal urination develops.

Can NSAIDs cause kidney or liver damage?

Large or repeated doses can impair kidney and liver function. Blood chemistry and urinalysis are needed to assess the damage, and follow-up with your vet is essential.

What information and items should I bring to the appointment?

Bring the medication packaging or label, a timeline of when symptoms started, photos or samples of vomit or stool, and a list of all drugs and supplements given in the past 48 hours.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

NSAID Toxicity in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Home Care [2025]

NSAID toxicity in pets often results from accidental ingestion of human pain medication. It can damage the digestive tract and kidneys — cats are especially sensitive — and requires prompt veterinary care.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, APCC, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Persistent severe vomiting or bloody vomit
•Ongoing black or bright red stools
•Marked lethargy, unresponsiveness, or loss of consciousness

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Noticeably decreased appetite lasting more than one day
•Repeated vomiting but still eating or active
•Significant change in water intake or urination frequency

01What symptoms indicate something is wrong?

Accidental NSAID ingestion in dogs and cats most commonly affects the gastrointestinal tract and mental alertness. Severity depends on the dose, the specific drug, and the individual animal.

Lethargy, drowsiness, or a noticeable drop in activity level
Sharp decrease in appetite or prolonged refusal to eat
Repeated vomiting, or vomit containing traces of blood
Diarrhea or black-colored stools (a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding)
Increased water intake, more frequent urination, or changes in urine color

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Persistent vomiting or bloody vomit
⚠️ Black or bright-red stools
⚠️ Marked lethargy, seizures, or loss of consciousness
⚠️ Very little urine output or blood in the urine

02How to assess the situation at home: what to observe and when to go to the emergency clinic

Recording key information at home before the visit helps the vet quickly assess the risk of toxicity and decide on the appropriate tests.

Note the time symptoms first appeared and the order in which they developed
Observe and write down the number of vomiting episodes and what the vomit contains
Estimate and record any changes in water intake and urination frequency
Take photos of vomit or stool for reference
List all food, medications, and supplements given in the past 48 hours
If you have the medication packaging or label, bring it to the clinic

03How will the vet diagnose the problem? Common diagnostic tests

The vet will start with a physical examination, then use blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging to assess the extent of kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal damage.

Physical examination

assess hydration, mucous membrane color, and mentation

Complete blood count (CBC)

check for anemia and white blood cell changes

Serum biochemistry

focus on liver and kidney function markers

Urinalysis

urine specific gravity, proteinuria, or hematuria assessment

Imaging (X-ray / ultrasound)

rule out other causes or complications

Endoscopy or fecal occult blood test if indicated

Referral to a hospital with full biochemistry and endoscopy capabilities is recommended

04How is NSAID toxicity treated and managed? Medication, diet, and care guide

Treatment is primarily supportive care, often requiring hospitalization to monitor hydration and organ function, with follow-up visits to track recovery.

Intravenous fluids and electrolyte support based on degree of dehydration
Symptomatic animals may need hospitalization for observation and vital sign monitoring
Short-term food withholding followed by a gradual transition to an easily digestible diet
Blood transfusion or further intervention may be needed for severe bleeding or anemia
Follow-up visits to repeat blood chemistry and urinalysis and assess recovery
Long-term kidney and liver function monitoring and rehabilitation if abnormalities persist
Ongoing management at a fully equipped hospital or toxicology specialist is recommended

05What to prepare before the vet visit: key information to help the vet quickly identify the cause

Write down when symptoms started, how often they occur, and how they have progressed

List all medications and supplements given in the past 48 hours

Bring the medication packaging, label, or a photo of the drug for identification

Collect a vomit or stool sample and place it in a sealed bag

Have videos or photos of vomiting or abnormal bowel movements ready

Transport your pet in a secure carrier and call ahead to schedule the appointment

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.