What human medications can kill a dog? Many common medications that humans take can cause severe harm to a dog. NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are common household products that can have harmful effects on pets. NSAIDs have been linked to stomach ulcers and intestinal damage, as well as renal failure. NSAIDs reach peak blood concentrations in three hours or less and have the potential to kill a dog when overdosed.
Antidepressants are also problematic for pets. They can cause seizures and incoordination, as well as raise blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels. Tramadol, also known as Advil or Motrin, can have severe side effects. In addition to sedation and heart problems, tramadol can cause seizures and increase a dog’s body temperature. While it seems harmless at first, chronic use of these medications may result in a dog suffering from heart failure, kidney failure, and seizures.
NSAIDs may be fatal to your pet if ingested. They can cause severe side effects including GI tract perforations, cardiac arrest, and ulcerations. You should seek the advice of a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has accidentally ingested these medicines. You should also be sure to check your trash cans for any medications that might harm your pet. Some people are unaware of this but if they notice that a can of medication is littered around the house, they may think it is garbage.
Another common mistake that could kill a dog is administering non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. These substances are toxic to pets and can cause serious intestinal and stomach ulcers. NSAIDs also damage the liver and kidneys. The danger is even greater for cats than dogs. While these are common household medications, it’s important to understand the risks associated with them.
Human medicines can kill a dog. The drug company that produces them doesn’t have to warn pet parents about this, so a veterinarian may not even be aware that a drug contains xylitol. They’re not required by law to report this information, so you may never know if a human medicine has poisoned a dog. That said, veterinary professionals should be aware of the risks of human medications and should only give these to their pets if they’re clearly labeled.
Human sleep aids can also be dangerous for pets. Many humans use these drugs to treat anxiety or sleeplessness. Benzodiazepines can cause liver failure in animals and cause disorientation, lethargy, and labored breathing. Your vet will be able to give you an alternative to a human drug. If you suspect that you’ve given a pet one of these medications, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for advice.
Other common household items that can harm your dog include paints, cleaning solutions, and grapes. Some human foods are especially appealing to dogs, and ingesting these can lead to serious harm. Grapes, raisins, and garlic are particularly dangerous for dogs, and xylitol can even be life-threatening. However, the most common poisons for dogs and cats include the common household items that you may have around the house.
