Dr. Atul Anand
The medicine cabinet found in your home can be a very dangerous place for your pets at your home. There are many owners who look for something that could ease their pet’s discomfort, when they observe their pet is sick but it may cause death in many cases. Most of commonly used human medications can produce very toxic effects in dogs. Pet owners must understand their physiological difference, thus to prevent any potential problems with their own pets. The best advice is to never give your dog any medication without the advice of the veterinarian. The toxicity depends on the dose and frequency with which these are administered. Young animals are more susceptible to the toxic effects than adult animals. These can be available without prescription and termed as “over-the-counter” medications and includes treatment for headaches, stomachaches, stuffy noses, diarrhea and pain. These are easily available at nearby convenience stores. It is quite tempting to give some of this medication to your pet. After all, it is believed that if it helps you feel better; it is bound to help your pet. But this stands wrong. The pet’s metabolism and organs function a little differently. Medication that may greatly improve your health may be toxic to your pet. It is true that many medications available for humans can help animals, but one must be careful with the proper dose of drug to be given. It is important on witnessing overdose or toxicity and it’s serious effects it’s important to consult the veterinarian to overcome serious effects from overdose or toxicity. Some of the most common over-the-counter medications can result in serious illness if not used properly are Pseudoephedrine, Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Imodium, Diphenhydramine, Naproxen. There are a variety of signs of toxicity that depend on the type of medication taken. Symptoms like Hyperactivity, vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding stomach ulcers, blood disorders, constipation, liver damage and kidney damage are just a few of the complications that have been associated with improper use of over the counter medications.
Ibuprofen is a popular and effective over-the-counter medication available to treat pain and inflammation in human. For dogs, ibuprofen can easily exceed toxic levels. The most common cause of ibuprofen toxicity is owner trying to alleviate pain of his dog who administers a dose thinking is adequate without knowing the toxic dose. The initial toxic effect is bleeding stomach ulcers and also increasing doses of ibuprofen eventually leads to kidney failure and, if left untreated, can be fatal.
Acetaminophen is a medication commonly used to alleviate fever and pain. Dogs most commonly receive toxic amounts of acetaminophen because owners medicate them without consulting a veterinarian. Accidently also the pets are exposed as they consume tablets that may be dropped on the floor or left lying around unresponsively. Dogs are less sensitive to acetaminophen than cats. In addition to severe liver failure, acetaminophen causes damage to red blood cells. These include, Hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), formation of Heinz bodies (defects in red cells), and formation of methemoglobin (a non-functional type of hemoglobin). When methemoglobin is formed, red blood cells cannot carry oxygen and the cat has difficulty in breathing.
Aspirin toxicity (salicylate toxicity) is a poisoning that occurs following the ingestion of aspirin or aspirin-containing products. Amitraz is an insecticide used in some brands of dog tick collars and topical solutions. Toxicity most often affects curious puppies that ingest the poison but can occur from wearing the tick collar or receiving demodectic mange treatment. Typical symptoms begin within about 2 to 6 hours of ingestion and often begin with the pet becoming weak and lethargic. Vomiting, diarrhea and disorientation are also common. Without treatment, it may result in coma. In severe untreated cases, toxicity may result in death.
Amphetamines are human medications that are commonly used as appetite suppressants and mood elevators or for the treatment of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders. Amphetamines must be prescribed by a physician, but because they are popular as appetite suppressants and mood elevators, they may often be purchased illegally. Amphetamines are nervous system stimulants affecting brain. After ingestion, toxic signs are usually seen within one to two hours. Common signs include restlessness, hyperactivity, agitation, tremors and seizures. Prompt veterinary treatment for amphetamine toxicity is crucial and will give the pet a better chance of full recovery. If left untreated, amphetamine toxicity can be fatal.
If you think your pet may have been exposed to a toxin, the best thing to do is to check the label and read the information about toxicity. Most often the information on packaging regarding children is relevant to pets and some manufacturers even discuss pet toxicity. It is also recommended that to call your veterinarian to confirm the recommendations. If you go to your veterinarian, take all packaging and any information you have on the product. Consult your veterinarian or veterinary emergency facility if you suspect your pet has been poisoned. For some ingested poisons, your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting before bringing the pet in for examination and treatment. Inducing vomiting of a toxic substance should never be done unless specifically directed by a veterinarian. To avoid these problems, a veterinarian should be consulted before giving any medicine. Even if your pet has successfully taken the medication in the past, check again with your veterinarian first as this time, the dose may be different or that particular drug may not be the best choice. The best preventive care is to give your dog medications only as directed by your veterinarian. Medications that may be safe for people can be fatal to dogs and pets. Keeping medicine safely stored away can prevent many tragedies. Unfortunately, even child-proof caps aren’t dog-proof, due to those sharp teeth. Finally, properly dispose of expired medications is recommended.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
