Is your medicine cabinet a risk? Find out which medications can be toxic to pets
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Pets metabolize drugs differently than humans. While some human medications are utilized in veterinary medicine, the dosages, particularly in cats, differ significantly. Giving human medications, including over-the-counter and prescription, can be fatal for your pets. Pet poisonings from human medications can pose life-threatening risks. Read on to learn which human medications are toxic to pets.
NSAIDs
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly found in household medications like ibuprofen (e.g., Advil and various Motrin types) and naproxen (e.g., Aleve). Toxicity from these medications is a frequent concern.
While safe for humans, even a single tablet can be toxic for pets. Dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, gerbils, and hamsters may experience severe stomach and intestinal ulcers, along with kidney failure, as a result.
Acetaminophen
- While safe for human children, acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) should never be administered to pets, particularly cats. Just one regular-strength tablet of acetaminophen can impact red blood cells, making them incapable of carrying oxygen. In dogs, acetaminophen can trigger liver failure, and in large doses, it can damage red blood cells.
Antidepressants
- Antidepressants, including Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro, etc., are toxic to pets. While these medications are sometimes prescribed to pets in minimal doses, overdoses can result in severe neurological issues such as sedation, lack of coordination, tremors, and seizures.
Certain antidepressants can also induce a stimulant effect, causing dangerously elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Cats, in particular, may be attracted to the taste of Effexor and may consume the entire pill or multiple pills. Just one pill can lead to severe pet poisoning.
Benzodiazepines and Sleep Aids
- While these medications are designed to alleviate anxiety and promote better sleep in humans, they frequently have the opposite effect in pets. Approximately half of the dogs that ingest sleep aids become agitated instead of calm.
The remaining half exhibit symptoms of severe lethargy, lack of coordination, and respiratory depression (slow breathing). In cats, ingestion of benzodiazepines can lead to liver failure.
ACE Inhibitors
- ACE inhibitors are primarily prescribed for high blood pressure in humans but are occasionally used in pets as well. Overdoses typically result in low blood pressure, dizziness, and weakness.
However, depending on the dosage and the presence of kidney failure or heart disease history, your pet may require hospitalization for observation and monitoring.
Tips for Preventing Medication Poisoning in Pets
Ensure medications are securely stored, and never administer them to your pet without consulting your veterinarian first.
Here are some recommendations to prevent pets from accessing over-the-counter or prescription medications:
- Avoid leaving loose pills in plastic Ziploc bags, as they can be easily chewed. Encourage visiting guests to store their medications out of reach.
- If you use a weekly pill container, store it in a cabinet inaccessible to pets. Some animals may mistake the container for a toy if they get hold of it.
- Keep your medications separate from your pet’s medications. Pet poison helplines often receive calls from concerned pet owners who unintentionally give their medication to their pets.
- Hang your purse up to prevent pets from exploring its contents. Simply placing your purse out of reach can prevent exposure to potentially hazardous medications.
Takeaway
- Nearly 50% of all pet poisonings involve human drugs, as pets metabolize medications differently. Even seemingly harmless over-the-counter or herbal medications can lead to serious poisoning in pets. If your pet ingests human medication, contact your veterinarian immediately.
At Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center, we provide the best urgent care services to save your pet’s life during an emergency. We offer veterinary services in Charlottesville, VA. To book an appointment, contact us at (434) 971-9800.
