Human Medications Are Dangerous to Pets

Medications often poison pets, affecting approximately 40,000 dogs and cats each year. Some pet owners give their pets medications intended for people, thinking the drugs can help relieve their furry pal’s pain or stomach upset. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Since pets’ medication toxicity occurs frequently, our Milford Animal Hospital team explains the risks associated with giving your furry pal drugs intended for people. Learn how to prevent your four-legged friend from accidentally ingesting human medications and keep your pet healthy and safe.

Why some medications harm pets

Billions of medications are taken by people each year, so the sheer number of these drugs increases pets’ poisoning risk. Pets’ human medication toxicity can result because of the following factors:

• Drug toxicity unawareness — You likely take common medications, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain. However, many pet owners wrongly believe such a common medication will do the same for their pets. Remember, human drugs affect pets differently, often causing severe adverse reactions. Drug toxicity unawareness is one of the critical reasons behind pets’ accidental poisonings.
• Toxicity levels — Pets metabolize medications differently from humans, making them more susceptible to toxicity. What may be a safe dose for a person could be lethal for a pet, particularly for small dogs and cats. For example, ingestion of just one or two acetaminophen tablets can cause irreversible liver damage in cats.
• Accidental ingestion — Pets are naturally curious creatures, and medications left within their reach are fair game. Accidental ingestion may occur when pills are dropped on the floor, left on tabletops, or unsecured. 

Common drugs that are poisonous to pets

No matter whether a drug is over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed, if your pet ingests something they shouldn’t, they could become seriously ill. Several categories of human medications pose significant risks to pets, including:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — This class of drugs, including ibuprofen and naproxen, can cause gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers and kidney failure in pets.
• Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications — Benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors can cause symptoms ranging from sedation to seizures and serotonin syndrome, which results from an excess of serotonin in a pet’s system.
• Acetaminophen — Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, can cause severe liver damage and red blood cell destruction in cats and dogs.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) medications — These medications, often classified as stimulants, can cause elevated heart rate and respiration, tremors, and seizures in pets.
• Blood pressure medications — Blood pressure medications, such as beta blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, can cause stumbling, seizures, and dangerously low blood pressure when ingested by pets.

Medication poisoning signs in pets

Early recognition of medication toxicity is critical for prompt veterinary intervention. Toxicity’s side effects vary depending on the drug ingested. You should seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your pet has ingested human medication. Pets’ typical toxicity signs include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Incoordination
• Depressed breathing
• Slow heart rate
• Tremors
• Seizures
  

How to prevent pet poisoning

Proactive measures can curb your pet’s risk for accidentally ingesting medication. Take precautions to keep your four-legged friend safe by following these tips:

• Store medications securely — Store all medications securely in cabinets or drawers that are inaccessible to pets. You can use a lock box or other lockable storage for drugs and other household toxins.
• Properly dispose of leftover medications — Dispose of unused or expired medications properly, preferably by taking them to a pharmacy participating in a drug take-back program. The fewer random medications you have around your house, the safer your pet.
• Administer veterinarian-prescribed medications only — Be cautious when administering medications to pets, and only use products prescribed or recommended by our team. Some human medications, such as those to treat allergies, are sometimes used in pets with the caveat that they should only be administered under your veterinarian’s guidance.
• Spread the word about medications — Talk to family members and friends about the dangers of leaving medications within pets’ reach, especially when they are staying in your home.
• Pick up dropped pills — Pick up any medication you drop to prevent your pet from finding it and thinking it’s a snack. Consider taking your medications in a well-lit room so you can easily find a dropped pill.

Drug safety is paramount to your pet’s health and well-being. Understanding medications’ dangers and taking appropriate precautions can prevent your pet from experiencing a potentially life-threatening situation. Remember to secure medications, practice safe medication administration, and remain vigilant to prevent your pet from becoming poisoned by a human medication. However, should your pet ingest a human medication or any toxic substance, contact our Milford Animal Hospital team for prompt veterinary care.