Accidents happen in seconds...
Whether a dog needs urgent medication for an allergy or has swallowed drugs made for human consumption only, thinking that the same treatments that relieve pain for us can have the same affect on a dog would be a big mistake.
A dog’s stomach cannot metabolise human medicine the same way we can. Drugs are often not eliminated fast enough from a dog’s body and can cause the medicine to accumulate in various organs and this can cause serious side effects. Once a dog has ingested human drugs, it can be difficult for a vet to treat him with animal approved medicines. Before administering any medicines to your dog, always consult with your veterinarian and only ever use drugs prescribed by a veterinarian.
Top 10 human medicines to avoid
These Over The Counter (OTC) medicines for humans are the most dangerous for dogs. While the list is comprehensive, it is not a complete one. Please avoid medicating a dog if you see any of these ingredients on the label, unless prescribed by a vet.
1. NSAIDs: These non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are painmedications and can cause gastric and intestinal ulcers,which can bleed and in severe cases, perforate. NSAIDs also
cause acute renal (kidney) failure and death.
2. Acetaminophen: Another common pain killer for humans thatleads to liver failure or, in large doses, red blood celldamage.
3. Antidepressants: Included in most cold and sinusmedications, if absorbed by dogs can cause agitation,disorientation, elevated heart rate, blood pressure and body
temperature, tremors and seizures.
4. ADHD medication: Deadly for dogs, these meds causetremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures and heartproblems
5. Sleep aids: Often left on bedside tables, if dogs eat thesethey will experience a drop in blood pressure causingweakness or collapsing, elevated
heart rate and body temperature, hyperactivity, tremors and seizures.
6. Birth control pills: If ingested by non-spayed female dogs, theside effects can be devastating leading to serious bonemarrow problems.
7. Anti-anxiety: Causes a drop in blood pressure, weakness orcollapsing, elevated heart rate and body temperature,hyperactivity, tremors and
seizures.
8. Ibuprofen: Can develop stomach ulcers and kidney failure.
9. Diabetes medications: Dangerously drops a dog’s blood sugarlevel bringing on disorientation, lack of coordination and
seizures.
10. Vitamin D derivatives: Used to treat psoriasis, thyroid andosteoporosis in humans but causes fatal blood calcium levelspikes.
Keep your pet safe
A few tips on how to avoid your pet from accidentally ingesting medicine meant for humans.
Keep personal medication and drugs for your pet in twoseparate areas of the house.
Always lock medication away from sight and never leave themon a counter top or table.
Pick up any tablets or clean up all liquid meds spilt on the flooror anywhere your pet can reach, immediately.
Never medicate your pet without consulting a vet first, not evenwith small doses of a human baby’s medication!
When taking human drugs, do it in a room in which the doorcan be closed and your pet can be locked out.
Keep the number of an emergency veterinarian as well as yourregular veterinarian’s contact details somewhere easily accessible in case of emergencies.
