If you notice your pet is suffering from maladies that you may be familiar with, such as a stuffy nose, backache, or upset stomach, don’t reach for the medications you would use for yourself before consulting a vet, urges veterinarian Dr. Carolynn MacAllister.
“Administration of human medications should only occur with the recommendation and supervision of a veterinarian,” MacAllister said. “Accidental pet poisoning is a common problem when pet owners intentionally give medication in an attempt to make their pet feel better.”
MacAllister stresses that pet-owners should pet-proof their homes in the same way they would for small children. Ibuprofen and naproxen, for example, can cause serious harm to pets; consumption of such medications can lead to stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as serious kidney problems in dogs, cats, and other small mammals.
MacAllister also warns that although acetaminophen may be safe for humans, the same is not true for pets, specifically for cats. Acetaminophen can easily damage cats’ red blood cells, thereby limiting their ability to carry oxygen. In dogs, this medication can also damage the red blood cells in addition to causing liver problems when consumed in large doses.
Other medications that can be harmful to pets include antidepressants, ADD/ADHD medications, sleep aids, birth control, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and thyroid and cholesterol drugs. MacAllister recommends keeping all medications safely locked away in cabinets and keeping your own medication separate from your pet’s medication as it can be easy to accidentally switch them.
“Pets metabolize medications very differently than people, so it’s imperative to use caution when storing medicines,” MacAllister said. “Even seemingly benign over-the-counter or herbal medications may cause serious poisoning in pets. Call your veterinarian immediately if your pet has consumed any human medication.”
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