Social media is a wonderful place for sharing cute pet photos, funny videos and the occasional heartwarming rescue story.
But as many of us have learned the hard way, not everything you see online is safe—especially when it comes to advice about your beloved furry friends.
In fact, a recent viral trend has prompted a United Kingdom (UK) based veterinarian, known as Ben the Vet, to issue an urgent warning that could save your pet’s life.
Let’s set the scene: a viral video on social media claims you can save money by giving your pets the same medications you’d give to children—specifically, ibuprofen.
The video, which has racked up thousands of views, suggests that human painkillers are a safe and cost-effective alternative for treating your dog’s aches and pains.
Sounds convenient, right? Unfortunately, this advice is not only wrong, but it could also be fatal.
Why ibuprofen is a no-go for pets
Ben the Vet, who regularly shares animal welfare tips on social media, was quick to respond.
In his video, he stresses that ibuprofen is ‘extremely toxic’ to pets, especially small dogs and cats.
‘It can cause kidney failure and stomach ulceration,’ he explains. ‘It can be fatal. These effects can build up over time, so it may not instantly make them unwell, but over time, it can make them very poorly.’
The danger here is twofold: not only can ibuprofen cause immediate harm, but its effects can also accumulate, leading to severe illness or even death days or weeks after the initial dose.
And while the original creator of the video claimed to have received this advice from a vet, Ben is adamant there must have been a misunderstanding.
‘Ibuprofen is widely known to be harmful to give to pets,’ he says.
A Nurofen spokesperson stated: ‘Nurofen is a medicine formulated exclusively for human use and should never be administered to pets. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, please consult a qualified veterinarian.
The confusion around human medications
It’s true that some human medications can be prescribed to pets, but only under strict veterinary supervision and at carefully calculated doses.
For example, paracetamol can sometimes be prescribed to dogs, but it is a prescription-only medication for a reason. ‘Paracetamol should never be given to cats,’ Ben warns.
‘It can be prescribed to dogs, but only by a vet, because it can be very harmful if given at an inappropriate dose.’
The bottom line? Just because a medication is safe for humans—or even for children—does not mean it is safe for your pet.
Animals metabolise drugs differently, and what is harmless for us can be deadly for them.
Why social media isn’t your vet
It is easy to see why people might turn to social media for quick answers, especially when vet bills can be expensive.
But as Ben points out, ‘That video is not going to save people money if it puts people’s animals in kidney failure and makes them very unwell.’
The best—and only—place to get advice about your pet’s health is from a qualified veterinary professional. This sentiment was echoed by many viewers in the comments.
One wrote, ‘Never would give any of my dogs anything that isn’t prescribed by the vet. But then I also don’t post on social media if I think they are unwell—they go to the vet.’
Video Credit: @ben.the.vet / TikTok
Another shared a harrowing experience: ‘Our dog had to be rushed to the vets after he managed to grab a tube of ibuprofen! So dangerous!’
Even pharmacists chimed in, with one saying, ‘As a pharmacist it drives me up the wall when people come in to buy liquid human meds for animals. 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.’
What should you do if your pet is in pain?
If your pet seems unwell or is in pain, resist the urge to play doctor. Here’s what you should do instead:
- Contact your vet immediately. Describe your pet’s symptoms and follow their advice.
- Never give human medication to your pet unless specifically instructed by a vet. Even over-the-counter drugs can be dangerous.
- Keep all medications—human and animal—out of reach of pets. Accidental ingestion is a common cause of emergency vet visits.
- Educate friends and family. Share this information to help others avoid making a potentially deadly mistake.
The takeaway: Trust the experts
We all want the best for our pets, and it is natural to look for ways to save money or help them feel better quickly. But when it comes to their health, shortcuts can be deadly.
Always consult your vet before giving your pet any medication, and remember: social media is for sharing cute dog photos, not medical advice.
Have you ever encountered questionable pet advice online? Or do you have a story about a pet and medication mishap?
We would love to hear your experiences and tips—share your thoughts in the comments below and help keep our furry friends safe.
Also read: Your fluffy friend isn’t what you think: Vet exposes common pet rabbit myths
About 6 months ago I was listening to 2gb and they have a segment with the vet Dr Zamit and this question was asked about Panadol and dogs He was quoted as saying it’s ok for dogs but must be 1ml for every kg your dogs weight and most tablets are 500 in strength but having liquid Panadol for kids its goes by weight so my old dog has been on it now for 6 months no problem
2GB is the worst radio station in the country. Facts are irrelevant to them.