Pets are cherished family members, and like any family member, we want to protect them from danger. Most of us use over-the-counter and prescription medications each day, and we may consider using some when our furry loved ones are uncomfortable or in pain, but are they safe? The team at Westerville Veterinary Clinic gives you the facts about human medications and the adverse reactions they can cause in pets.

Perilous pills: 10 medications that harm pets

Pets, like people, are subject to many health woes. You may have administered pharmaceuticals to your pet at one time or another, but before you reach for that bottle of Motrin, look closely at the following medications that are hazardous to pets:

  • Ibuprofen (i.e., Advil, Motrin) — Used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in humans, ibuprofen is toxic to cats and dogs. Ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and death, in pets who ingest too much. Ibuprofen toxicity signs include vomiting, lethargy, disorientation, and loss of appetite.
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) — Acetaminophen is a pain reliever for humans, but is extremely toxic to cats and dogs. In cats, small doses can cause irreversible liver damage and sometimes death. 
  • Naproxen (Aleve) — Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), similar to ibuprofen, that causes vomiting, disorientation, high temperature, increased blood pressure, and other complications in pets. 
  • Antidepressants — Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can harm pets. Signs may include lethargy, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. In some cases, ingestion can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder medications — Medications used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in humans, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, are dangerous to pets. Ingestion causes elevated heart rate, high temperature, tremors, and potentially dangerous blood pressure changes.
  • Blood pressure medications —  These include ACE inhibitors and beta blockers, leading to dangerous drops in blood pressure in a pet who swallows them. Weakness and stumbling are common signs of blood pressure medication toxicity.
  • Anti-anxiety medications — Benzodiazepines, which include Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan, are sometimes prescribed to pets with separation anxiety, but they can cause sedation, confusion, liver damage, and coma in high doses.
  • Pseudoephedrine-based products — Pseudoephedrine is an active ingredient found in many cold, flu, and allergy medications. If ingested, these drugs can cause hyperactivity, tachycardia, high blood pressure, inability to form blood clots, and possible kidney damage in pets.
  • Multivitamins — Multivitamins may be good for people, but not for pets, because their bodies are too small for the higher doses of human vitamins. For example, vitamin D overdose commonly occurs in dogs. Vitamin D poisoning also leads to increased thirst, blood in the stool or vomit, seizures, and kidney failure.
  • Xylitol — Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in gum, candy, and treats, and is not a medication, but is used in some vitamins and medications. Xylitol stimulates a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia (i.e., low blood sugar), seizures and, untreated, can be fatal.

Pet poisoning prevention

The best poison protection for your pet is ensuring they have no access to any medications. Lock up all pills and supplements, and always take your medicine in a well-lighted area so you can quickly find any dropped pill. Clean up any liquid drug spills immediately. A pill organizer that keeps track of the ones you use each day and throwing out outdated prescriptions is a good idea. 

Prevent the potential dangers of harming your pet through awareness and being proactive. Most important is knowing that you must never feed your pet a human medication without first consulting your veterinarian. Also, keep all your medications out of your pet’s reach.

However, pets can be sneaky, and if you suspect your pet has eaten your medication, call Westerville Veterinary Clinic right away. Remember, what you consider safe for you may be life-threatening to your four-legged friend.