2023-02-20 08:41:37
First risk factor: overdose. Medications intended for humans are generally not suitable for pets, particularly due to their weight. But even when adjusting the dose of medication to the size of the animal, the risk of poisoning still exists. In fact, animals do not have not the same metabolism than us and may have difficulty eliminating certain medications.
No paracetamol without prescription for animals
Frequently used in humans, painkillers based on paracetamol are at the top of the drugs causing poisoning in animals, according to the pharmacovigilance system managed by the National Veterinary Medicines Agency, within ANSES. Cats have no enzyme to break down paracetamol, while dogs and other pets have very little. The active ingredient therefore accumulates in the blood, leading to undesirable effects, affecting the blood system, liver or kidneys depending on the species. Even a very low dose can be fatal, especially for cats.
Then come the anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. They can lead to digestive, renal and neurological disorders in animals, which can lead to coma and death. Cases of poisoning have also been reported with anxiolytics and antidepressants. Finally, animals have rarely need vitamin D supplementgiving them a medicine containing it without medical advice can lead to an overdose of this vitamin.
Only by prescription
Medicines intended for humans can be given to animals but only if a veterinarian has prescribed them. In this case, it is imperative follow the recommended dose and frequency, in order to avoid poisoning. This is all the more important as the side effects can be variable depending on the species, but also on the breed, age or diseases of the animal. For example, loperamide medications are sometimes given to dogs for diarrhea, but they can cause digestive and neurological problems in collies and related breeds, due to a genetic mutation that these dogs may carry.
In the event of mistaken administration of a medicinal product for human use to an animal or accidental ingestion, it is advisable to promptly contact a veterinarian or veterinary poison control center to know what action to take.
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