10 Common Human Medications That Can Kill Dogs
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are the number one cause of pet poisonings. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center receives approximately 90,000 calls a year from pet owners whose dog or cat has come in contact with medicines intended for humans. The ASPCA reported that over 14 % of all the calls they receive involve pets ingesting their owner’s medications or supplements.
Common over the counter medications that are toxic for dogs include: NSAIDs –Pain reliever/anti-inflammatory- One or two of these medications can cause serious harm including kidney failure, intestinal and stomach ulcers.
- Advil
- Aleve
- Motrin
- Naproxen
- Naprosyn
- Medipren
- Nuprin
- Anaprox
- Neprelan
Acetaminophen – Pain Reliever-One regular strength tablet may cause liver damage.
- Tylenol
- Paracetamol
- Panadol
Pseudoephedrine- Decongestant-Raises blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. Can cause seizures, nervousness, and hyperactivity.
- Sudafed
- Entex
- Comtrex
- Dristan Cold
- Tavist
- Tylenol Cold
- Theraflu
- Sinarest
- Triaminicin
- Drixoral
- Nyquil
- Claritin D
- Allegra D
- Zyrtec D
Dozens of medications contain pseudoephedrine so always check labels on cold, flu, decongestants and allergy medication. One clue is if the medication had the letter D behind the name, it may contain pseudoephedrine.
Antidepressants- Listlessness, vomiting, agitation, disorientation, elevated heart rate, change blood pressure and body temperature, cause tremors and seizures.
Diabetes Medications- Causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels in dogs, disorientation, lack of coordination, and seizures.
- Glucotrol
- DiaBeta
- Micronase
- Glynase
- Glycron
- Glucovance
- Glipizide
- Glyburide
Methylphenidate (ADHD medication)-Causes elevated body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate, and seizures.
- Ritalin
- Concerta
- Methylin
- Daytrana
Vitamin D used to treat psoriasis, thyroid problems, and osteoporosis -Causes loss of appetite, vomiting, increased urination and excessive thirst due to kidney failure.
- Calcitriol
- Rocaltrol
- Calcijex
- Calcipotriene
- Dovonex
Fluorouracil-topical medication used to treat skin cancer-Causes severe vomiting, seizures and cardiac arrest.
- Efudex
- Carac
- Fluroplex
Isoniazid-used to prevent tuberculosis-Causes life threatening seizures.
- Nydrazid
Baclofen-muscle relaxant- Causes disorientation, vocalization, seizures, coma and death.
- Co Baclofen
- Kemstro
- Lioresal
- Liotec
- Nu-Baclo
To prevent accidental poisoning in your dog, keep all medications out of your dog’s reach and never:
- Leave pill bottles where your pet can reach them.
- Store your medication in the same location as your dogs (in case of accidental mix up).
- Store medication in a plastic bag
- Leave pills in your purse or briefcase
