Vets warn popular trend puts animals in danger: 'They can be extremely toxic'
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Social media is a wonderful place for sharing cute pet videos, swapping recipes, and keeping up with the grandkids—but it’s also a breeding ground for some truly dangerous advice.
The latest trend making the rounds on social media has veterinarians across the globe sounding the alarm, and for good reason: it could put your beloved furry friend’s life at risk.
A video recently surfaced on social media, suggesting that pet owners can save money by giving their dogs and cats the same medications we give to children, specifically ibuprofen.
The video quickly racked up thousands of views and claimed that treating your pet’s pain with over-the-counter human meds is perfectly safe.
But before you reach for the medicine cabinet, let’s hear from the experts.
UK-based veterinarian Ben the Vet, who’s become a trusted source for animal welfare advice on social media, was quick to respond.
In a video titled 'Ibuprofen is not safe for pets,' Ben didn’t mince words: 'The advice given in this video is not correct. Ibuprofen is not a safe painkiller to give to pets, and it’s concerning to see how many views this video has had and how many pets might be harmed by this advice.'
He went on to explain that ibuprofen can be 'extremely toxic, particularly if given to small dogs or to cats.'
The consequences? Kidney failure, stomach ulcers, and in severe cases, death. What’s even more worrying is that these effects might not show up immediately.
Your pet could seem fine at first, only to become seriously ill over time.
It’s easy to assume that what’s safe for us is safe for our pets, especially when we’re trying to help them feel better.
But animals process medications very differently from humans. Even a small dose of ibuprofen can wreak havoc on a dog’s or cat’s system.
And while some human medications can be prescribed to pets by a vet (at carefully calculated doses), many are outright toxic.
Ben the Vet also pointed out that paracetamol, another common painkiller, is especially dangerous for cats and should never be given to them under any circumstances.
While it can sometimes be prescribed to dogs, it’s strictly a prescription-only medication for a reason—giving the wrong dose can be fatal.
The original social media creator claimed she was sharing the tip to help people save money on vet bills.
But as Ben wisely noted, 'That video is not going to save people money if it puts people’s animals in kidney failure and makes them very unwell.'
The cost of emergency vet care far outweighs any savings from skipping a professional consultation.
It’s tempting to turn to the internet for quick fixes, especially when vet visits can be expensive and time-consuming.
But when it comes to your pet’s health, there’s no substitute for professional advice. Self-medicating your pet is a gamble that could end in tragedy.
If your dog or cat seems unwell or is showing signs of pain, the best course of action is always to consult your vet.
They can diagnose the problem and recommend safe, effective treatments tailored to your pet’s needs.
Never give your pet any medication—human or otherwise—without checking with a qualified veterinary professional first.
The response to Ben’s warning has been overwhelmingly supportive.
Many pet owners shared their own horror stories in the comments, with one saying, 'Our dog had to be rushed to the vets after he managed to grab a tube of ibuprofen! So dangerous!'
Another added, 'If your pet is in pain they need to see a vet anyway, don’t go medicate them on your own.'
Even pharmacists chimed in, expressing frustration at customers trying to buy human medications for their pets.
'Legally speaking, we cannot knowingly sell them for use in animals, and the amount of fuss the person trying to buy them usually kicks up is crazy,' one pharmacist wrote.
We all want the best for our furry companions, and it’s natural to want to help them when they’re in pain.
But when it comes to their health, shortcuts can be deadly. Always trust the professionals, and remember: what’s safe for us isn’t always safe for them.
Have you ever come across questionable pet advice online? Or do you have a story about a close call with your own pet and medication? We’d love to hear your experiences and tips for keeping pets safe—share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read more: Pet owner's horrifying discovery could cost Aussies $1,700
The latest trend making the rounds on social media has veterinarians across the globe sounding the alarm, and for good reason: it could put your beloved furry friend’s life at risk.
A video recently surfaced on social media, suggesting that pet owners can save money by giving their dogs and cats the same medications we give to children, specifically ibuprofen.
The video quickly racked up thousands of views and claimed that treating your pet’s pain with over-the-counter human meds is perfectly safe.
A UK vet issued a warning after a social media trend encouraged giving dogs human medication, which can cause serious harm or death. Credit: @ben.the.vet / TikTok
But before you reach for the medicine cabinet, let’s hear from the experts.
UK-based veterinarian Ben the Vet, who’s become a trusted source for animal welfare advice on social media, was quick to respond.
In a video titled 'Ibuprofen is not safe for pets,' Ben didn’t mince words: 'The advice given in this video is not correct. Ibuprofen is not a safe painkiller to give to pets, and it’s concerning to see how many views this video has had and how many pets might be harmed by this advice.'
He went on to explain that ibuprofen can be 'extremely toxic, particularly if given to small dogs or to cats.'
The consequences? Kidney failure, stomach ulcers, and in severe cases, death. What’s even more worrying is that these effects might not show up immediately.
Your pet could seem fine at first, only to become seriously ill over time.
It’s easy to assume that what’s safe for us is safe for our pets, especially when we’re trying to help them feel better.
But animals process medications very differently from humans. Even a small dose of ibuprofen can wreak havoc on a dog’s or cat’s system.
And while some human medications can be prescribed to pets by a vet (at carefully calculated doses), many are outright toxic.
Ben the Vet also pointed out that paracetamol, another common painkiller, is especially dangerous for cats and should never be given to them under any circumstances.
While it can sometimes be prescribed to dogs, it’s strictly a prescription-only medication for a reason—giving the wrong dose can be fatal.
The original social media creator claimed she was sharing the tip to help people save money on vet bills.
But as Ben wisely noted, 'That video is not going to save people money if it puts people’s animals in kidney failure and makes them very unwell.'
The cost of emergency vet care far outweighs any savings from skipping a professional consultation.
It’s tempting to turn to the internet for quick fixes, especially when vet visits can be expensive and time-consuming.
But when it comes to your pet’s health, there’s no substitute for professional advice. Self-medicating your pet is a gamble that could end in tragedy.
If your dog or cat seems unwell or is showing signs of pain, the best course of action is always to consult your vet.
They can diagnose the problem and recommend safe, effective treatments tailored to your pet’s needs.
Never give your pet any medication—human or otherwise—without checking with a qualified veterinary professional first.
The response to Ben’s warning has been overwhelmingly supportive.
Many pet owners shared their own horror stories in the comments, with one saying, 'Our dog had to be rushed to the vets after he managed to grab a tube of ibuprofen! So dangerous!'
Another added, 'If your pet is in pain they need to see a vet anyway, don’t go medicate them on your own.'
Even pharmacists chimed in, expressing frustration at customers trying to buy human medications for their pets.
'Legally speaking, we cannot knowingly sell them for use in animals, and the amount of fuss the person trying to buy them usually kicks up is crazy,' one pharmacist wrote.
We all want the best for our furry companions, and it’s natural to want to help them when they’re in pain.
But when it comes to their health, shortcuts can be deadly. Always trust the professionals, and remember: what’s safe for us isn’t always safe for them.
Read more: Pet owner's horrifying discovery could cost Aussies $1,700
