2024-05-13 09:29:16
Paracetamol or aspirin can be fatal to our pets. Other drugs used in humans can cause poisoning in animals. An update on the most common cases and our recommendations before giving these drugs to animals.
The first risk factor: overdose. Medications intended for humans are often not suitable for pets, especially given their weight. But even if drug doses are adjusted based on the animal’s size, the risk of poisoning remains. In fact, animals have different metabolisms than ours and may have difficulty eliminating certain drugs.
Do not use paracetamol without a prescription for animals
According to the pharmacovigilance system managed by the National Veterinary Medicine Agency of Ances, acetaminophen analgesics are frequently used in humans and rank first among drugs causing poisoning in animals. Cats do not have the enzyme to break down paracetamol, while dogs and other pets have very few. As a result, the active ingredient can accumulate in the blood, causing adverse reactions that, depending on the species, can affect the blood system, liver or kidneys. Even very low doses can be fatal, especially in cats.
Next is an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin. They can cause digestive, renal and neurological disorders in animals, leading to coma and death. There have also been reports of poisoning with anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. Finally, animals rarely require vitamin D supplementation; giving them medications containing vitamin D without medical advice may result in an overdose of this vitamin.
Only by prescription
Medications intended for humans can be used on animals, but only with a veterinary prescription. In this case, the recommended dosage and frequency must be followed to avoid poisoning. This is especially important because side effects may vary depending on the species, breed of animal, age or disease. For example, dogs are sometimes given loperamide to treat diarrhea, but because these dogs may carry genetic mutations, they may cause digestive and neurological problems in collies and related breeds.
If a human medication is mistakenly given to an animal or accidentally ingested, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian or a veterinary poison control center quickly to learn what steps to take.
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