PupkeeperToxic
Dog ate pain relief gels and creams? Toxic: what to do now
Licking or chewing pain relief gels, such as diclofenac, can cause vomiting, stomach ulcers and kidney injury in dogs.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Pain relief gels and creams and dogs: key facts
What should I do if my dog ate pain relief gels and creams?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Keep the tube and bring it with you.
- Call quickly. Vets may try to clear the drug within the first hour.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Never give NSAIDs to your dog unless your vet tells you to.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Not eating
- Black, tarry stool
- Drinking or peeing more
- Belly pain
- Seizures, with very large amounts
Why
These gels and creams contain anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs or salicylates) that the body absorbs when a dog licks or chews them. How sick a dog gets depends on how much it swallows.
Sources
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.