Dogs are natural explorers and will eat almost anything. Unfortunately, that includes things that are toxic to dogs. A dog owner who is unaware of potential dangers may think it’s safe to give their pet a pill or capsule without first checking with a vet. However, in many cases, that can be very dangerous for your dog. In some cases, giving your dog medication without vet approval may even be fatal. Any human medications or supplements must be evaluated by a veterinarian before they can be safely administered to pets. That’s why you must never give your dog medicine without veterinary approval!
If you suspect your pet has ingested an unsafe substance or needs medication, seek veterinary attention immediately. Contact the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at 888-426-4435 for advice about any suspected poisoning of your pet. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offer expert guidance on what action to take if you think your pet has been exposed to poisons or hazardous materials.
Knowing Which Medications Are Safe for Dogs
Dogs are generally more sensitive than humans to medications and other substances. For that reason, some human medications that are safe for humans may be dangerous or even fatal to dogs. It’s important to discuss any health concerns with your veterinarian, who can provide advice tailored to your pet’s age, weight, and breed.
Veterinarians are trained to evaluate substances that may be harmful to pets and can recommend alternative treatments that are safe for dogs like meloxicam for dogs. Some examples of human medications and supplements that are safe for dogs:
- Human Ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil, Motrin, and other anti-inflammatory drugs are safe for dogs but may cause gastrointestinal ulcers and major bleeding if given in large doses.
- Aspirin, which is toxic to all animals, is not safe for dogs.
- Most cough medicines for humans are not recommended for dogs because of their potential for toxicity.
- Most vitamins, minerals, and other supplements for humans are safe for dogs but always check with your veterinarian first.
Toxic Ingredients in Humans Medications That Are Harmful to Dogs
There are many toxic and even fatal ingredients in human medications that are harmful to dogs. Some common examples include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Dogs shouldn’t be given any acetaminophen. A single dose of this common pain reliever (given either by a human or mistakenly ingested by a dog) can cause liver failure and even death in dogs.
- Aspirin: Aspirin can cause serious illness or even death in dogs. It can cause excessive bleeding in dogs and should never be given to dogs.
- Ibuprofen: Dogs and cats metabolize ibuprofen very slowly, so it stays in their system much longer than it stays in humans. It can cause vomiting, gastrointestinal ulcers, and kidney damage in dogs.
- Nitroglycerin: This heart drug is toxic to dogs and can cause fast or erratic heartbeat, low blood pressure, and even death.
- Naproxen: This drug can cause gastrointestinal ulcers in dogs and can be fatal.
- Phenobarbital: This substance is used to treat seizures in humans, but it is lethal to dogs.
- Ticlopidine: This heart drug is toxic to dogs and can cause rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and death.
Human Medications That Are Particularly Dangerous for Dogs
Human medications that are particularly dangerous for dogs include:
- Diuretics: These can cause electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and even death in dogs.
- Coumadin: This blood-thinning drug is very dangerous for dogs and can cause death.
- Aspirin: Aspirin is very toxic to dogs and can cause internal bleeding.
- NSAIDS: This class of drugs includes ibuprofen and naproxen, which can cause gastrointestinal ulcers and kidney damage in dogs.
- Phenobarbital: This seizure medication is fatal to dogs.
- Ticlopidine: This blood thinner is toxic to dogs and can cause rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and death.
Toxic Ingredients in Pet Medications That Are Harmful to Dogs
Many common medications given to dogs can be toxic to them, including:
- Ivermectin: This deworming medication is dangerous to Collie breeds and other herding dogs. It can cause neurological damage and death.
- Pyrantel: This deworming medication can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
- Penicillin: This antibiotic is very toxic to dogs.
- Prednisone: This steroid is extremely toxic to dogs.
- Tetracycline: This antibiotic is toxic to dogs.
Always Ask a Vet
If your dog has ingested anything dangerous, or you want to know if a certain food or medication is safe for your pet, always consult your veterinarian before administering anything. Your veterinarian knows your dog’s health, breed, metabolism, and other factors that can affect proper medication use. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best treatment for your dog’s specific situation.
Even commonplace substances can be dangerous for dogs. Dogs can be poisoned by mushrooms, garlic, onions, raisins, grapes, and many other garden-variety foods. Dogs can also be poisoned by getting into cleaning products, insecticides, fertilizer, pesticides, and other hazardous substances.
Keep harmful substances out of your home and garden, and make sure your veterinarian knows what types of substances your dog might be exposed to. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best way to keep your dog safe.
Conclusion
Dogs are like children: they explore their world through their mouths. Even a dog owner who is vigilant about keeping dangerous substances out of the house can’t know when their dog will eat something toxic. Fortunately for us, many common medications and supplements are safe for dogs. However, some substances that are fine for humans are toxic to dogs. If you suspect your dog has ingested a harmful substance, veterinary attention is the best first step. Contact the APCC immediately for advice about potential poisons and how to proceed.