Call ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 or go to your nearest emergency vet. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Ibuprofen (sold as Advil, Motrin, Nurofen, and generics) is never safe for dogs. Even a single human-dose tablet can cause gastric ulceration, intestinal perforation, and acute kidney failure in dogs. The margin between the lowest toxic dose and a lethal dose is small. Dogs cannot metabolise ibuprofen the way humans do.
The Maltese is a tiny, ancient breed prone to liver shunts (portosystemic shunts), which can impair the liver's ability to process toxins properly. They're also susceptible to hypoglycaemia, particularly under stress. Their white coat and fine features can make it difficult to spot jaundice or pale gum colour changes — use a penlight to check gum colour if poisoning is suspected.
Why Does Breed Matter for Ibuprofen Toxicity?
Toxic doses for ibuprofen are calculated per kilogram of body weight. A Maltese typically weighs 1.8–4 kg, which directly determines how much ibuprofen (NSAID) their body is exposed to relative to their size. Beyond weight, Malteses have specific traits — outlined in the breed profile above — that can affect how quickly symptoms develop, how severe they become, and what complications to watch for.
When you call Poison Control, always give your dog's exact current weight, not a breed average. Even within the Maltese breed, a significant weight difference changes the risk calculation meaningfully.
How Much Ibuprofen Is Toxic to a Maltese?
These thresholds are based on the typical Maltese weight range of 1.8–4 kg. Always use your dog's actual weight for the most accurate estimate. Use our Ibuprofen Poisoning calculator to enter your dog's exact weight.
| Dog weight | Mild signs | Serious signs | Potentially fatal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 kg (small Maltese) | 90 mg of ibuprofen | 180 mg of ibuprofen | 1.1 g of ibuprofen |
| 3 kg (average Maltese) | 150 mg of ibuprofen | 300 mg of ibuprofen | 1.8 g of ibuprofen |
| 4 kg (large Maltese) | 200 mg of ibuprofen | 400 mg of ibuprofen | 2.4 g of ibuprofen |
ℹ️ GI signs at ~50mg/kg; kidney damage at ~100mg/kg; potentially fatal at 600mg/kg+. One 400mg human tablet can exceed the GI-toxic dose for a small dog. Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center dose thresholds. Always confirm with your vet.
Symptoms of Ibuprofen Poisoning in Malteses
Symptoms typically appear within 1–4 hours of ingestion. Watch for:
Due to Maltese-specific traits noted above, pay particular attention to gum colour changes — pale, white, or yellow gums in a Maltese indicate a circulatory or liver emergency requiring immediate care.
What to Do If Your Maltese Ate Ibuprofen
- Stay calm and note how much they ate — estimate the amount and type of ibuprofen and your dog's weight. This information is critical for the vet.
- Call ASPCA Poison Control immediately — (888) 426-4435. Available 24/7. A $95 consultation fee may apply, but they will advise whether you need emergency care.
- Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a vet or Poison Control. Inducing vomiting incorrectly can cause additional harm.
- Go to an emergency vet if symptoms are already present, if a large amount was consumed, or if Poison Control advises it. Find a 24-hour emergency vet near you.
- Bring the packaging of the food or substance if possible — ingredient lists help the vet calculate exact toxin exposure.
Special Considerations for Malteses
Maltese dogs suspected of having a liver shunt face greatly increased risk from any hepatotoxic substance, as the liver's detoxification capacity is already compromised. If your Maltese has been diagnosed with a liver shunt or protein-sensitive diet requirement, tell Poison Control — this fundamentally changes the risk calculation. Emergency blood glucose monitoring is also advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — never give ibuprofen to dogs. It causes GI ulceration and kidney damage even at low doses. Ask your vet about safe pain relief options for dogs.
Call Poison Control or your vet immediately. A single 200mg tablet can exceed the GI-toxic threshold for a small dog (under 4kg). Risk depends on your dog's exact weight.
Yes — most human NSAIDs are dangerous for dogs. Naproxen (Aleve) is even more toxic to dogs than ibuprofen. Only veterinary NSAIDs prescribed for dogs are safe.
Treatment includes induced vomiting (if within 1–2 hours), activated charcoal, IV fluids to protect kidneys, gastroprotectant medications, and close monitoring of kidney values for 48–72 hours.