Can I give my pet paracetamol? Human medicines that can poison cats and dogs

Why this matters in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, medicines such as paracetamol are sold in every neighbourhood pharmacy without a prescription, and most homes keep some. When a pet seems unwell, many families give a human medicine first and see a vet only later. A medicine that is safe for a person can poison a cat or dog, because their bodies handle drugs very differently from ours.

Paracetamol: never for cats

For people, paracetamol is a mild painkiller and fever medicine. For cats, it is extremely poisonous. Even part of a single tablet can cause severe poisoning and death (International Cat Care). Cats cannot break paracetamol down safely, so harmful substances build up and damage the liver and red blood cells (International Cat Care).

Dogs handle paracetamol better than cats, but a large amount, or smaller amounts given day after day, can still poison them (Merck Veterinary Manual). Give it to a dog only if a vet tells you to.

Signs of paracetamol poisoning in a cat usually appear within 4 hours, and almost always within 24 hours (International Cat Care; Merck Veterinary Manual):

• Gums and tongue turning brown or muddy in colour.
• Swelling of the face or paws.
• Fast, deep or laboured breathing.
• Weakness and tiredness.
• Vomiting and refusing food.

Other human medicines that can harm pets

The Merck Veterinary Manual lists these common household medicines among those that can poison pets:

• Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory painkillers. Given for several days, these can cause stomach ulcers, holes in the stomach and kidney damage. Even one swallow can cause sudden vomiting, diarrhoea and belly pain. Cats are harmed at about half the amount that harms a dog.
• Aspirin. Large amounts can be fatal in cats. Never give a cat aspirin or ibuprofen; it can be life-threatening (International Cat Care).
• Cold and allergy medicines. Antihistamines can cause drooling, restlessness or sleepiness and a fast heartbeat. Decongestants can cause wide pupils, a racing heart and high blood pressure.
• Vitamins and supplements with iron or vitamin D. Iron irritates the gut: signs (vomiting and diarrhoea, sometimes with blood) usually start within 6 hours, and a pet can seem to recover, then develop liver failure 12 to 24 hours later. Too much vitamin D can cause sudden kidney failure a day or two later.

This is not a full list. If a medicine was made for people, assume it is not safe for your pet until a vet says otherwise. A dose that is safe for a person, or for one kind of animal, can be deadly for another.

What to do

• Take your pet to a vet straight away. Use Find a vet on Vetofast to find a clinic near you, and call before you travel.
• Take the packet or strip with you, so the vet knows exactly what and how much was taken.
• Do not give milk, oil or salt water, and do not try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to. Salt can cause swelling in the brain, and there is no safe way to make a cat vomit at home (Pet Poison Helpline).
• Do not give another medicine to "treat" the poisoning.

How to prevent poisoning

• Keep all medicines, including vitamins, in a closed cupboard your pet cannot reach (International Cat Care; Merck Veterinary Manual).
• Never leave tablets on a bedside table, in a handbag on the floor, or loose in a strip.
• Pick up any tablet that drops on the floor at once.
• If your pet has a fever, pain or a cold, see a vet. Only a vet can choose a medicine and a dose that is safe for that animal.
• Do not ask a pharmacy to choose a medicine for your pet. Only a vet can examine your pet and choose a safe medicine.