Human medications toxic
to dogs
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Ibuprofen and Naproxen
are the most common cause of pet poisoning in small animals, and can cause
serious problems even in minimal doses. Pets are extremely sensitive to
their effects, and may experience stomach and intestinal ulcers and—in
the case of cats—kidney damage.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can cause vomiting and lethargy and certain types can
lead to serotonin syndrome—a condition marked by agitation, elevated body
temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, disorientation, vocalization,
tremors and seizures.
Acetaminophen
Cats are especially sensitive to acetaminophen, which can damage red
blood cells and interfere with their ability to transport oxygen. In dogs,
it can cause liver damage and, at higher doses, red blood cell damage.
Methylphenidate (for ADHD)
Medications used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
in people act as stimulants in pets and can dangerously elevate heart rates,
blood pressure and body temperature, as well as cause seizures.
Fluorouracil
Fluorouracil—an anti-cancer drug—is used topically to treat minor skin
cancers and solar keratitis in humans. It has proven to be rapidly fatal
to dogs, causing severe vomiting, seizures and cardiac arrest even in those
who’ve chewed on discarded cotton swabs used to apply the medication.
Isoniazid
Often the first line of defense against tuberculosis, isoniazid is
particularly toxic for dogs because they don’t metabolize it as well as
other species. It can cause a rapid onset of severe seizures that may ultimately
result in death.
Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is a popular decongestant in many cold and sinus products,
and acts like a stimulant if accidentally ingested by pets. In cats and
dogs, it causes elevated heart rates, blood pressure and body temperature
as well as seizures.
Anti-diabetics
Many oral diabetes treatments—including glipizide and glyburide—can
cause a major drop in blood sugar levels of affected pets. Clinical signs
of ingestion include disorientation, lack of coordination and seizures.
Vitamin D derivatives
Even small exposures to Vitamin D analogues like calcipotriene and
calcitriol can cause life-threatening spikes in blood calcium levels in
pets. Clinical signs of exposure—including vomiting, loss of appetite,
increased urination and thirst due to kidney failure—often don't occur
for more than 24 hours after ingestion.
Baclofen
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that can impair the central nervous systems
of cats and dogs. Some symptoms of ingestion include significant depression,
disorientation, vocalization, seizures and coma, which can lead to death.
From the ASPCA
Pet Care
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