Did it ever cross your mind to give your dog an aspirin to soothe his pain - or maybe an aspirin to your cat, when you suspected that she has a fever? Think again! Human medication is dangerous for pets and can even cause the death of your beloved furry friend.
In veterinary practice, there are often situations where pets show signs of poisoning. In these cases, after only a few questions, veterinarians may find out that the owner ?treated? the animal with human medicines. Considering that the stomach of an animal is very different than human stomach, the consequences can be terrible: decomposing drugs often released in the bodies of the animals are toxic, poisonous compounds. The situation can get even worse if pet owners do not even mention about the treatment that they have administrated to their pet: in this case, veterinary treatment combined with human medication can even be fatal.
Read on and learn more about the main toxic drugs for animals, the symptoms they cause and their impact on pets? health.
? Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
Medication containing paracetamol or acetaminophen is metabolized differently in the body of cats and dogs. In cats, even a relatively small amount of this drug can induce severe damage to the liver and red blood cells? disintegration. Poisoning occurs quickly, 1-2 hours after administration, and is manifested by loss of appetite, salivation, vomiting and bloody urine.
You can intervene by causing vomiting (using salt water or hydrogen peroxide) and administration of activated charcoal to prevent the absorption of drugs. Do not feed your cat with milk!
? Aspirin
Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is toxic for both cats and dogs, the symptoms being similar: vomiting (with and without blood) and drowsiness. The compound is highly irritating to the stomach and can cause ulcerations and perforation.
? Birth control pills
Unfortunately, there are many cases of pet owners giving contraceptives used by humans to their dogs and cats because they are cheaper than neutering or spaying procedures. The method only works temporarily, because the side effects do not hesitate to occur. In 80% of the cases, over a period of 1-2 years, you can expect severe complications and, sadly, the animal may not be saved.
? Ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen
Pain relievers are medicines widely used by humans and can be found in any home. However, in pets, even a single pill can cause severe gastric and intestinal complications and some of these substances can also lead to kidney or liver failure.
? Antidepressants (diazepam, phenobarbital)
In some cases, veterinarians may recommend sedating the animal using such drugs, but incorrect dosage can cause serious health problems: vomiting and a condition called serotonin syndrome, characterized by increased heart rate, fever, disorientation and convulsions. It is thus imperious that pet owners administrate these drugs only under the guidance of a vet.
? Benzodiazepines or sleeping pills
In humans, they have a sedating, calming effect, but in pets, they have the opposite effect: restlessness, lack of coordination, slowed breathing. In cats, they can even cause liver failure.
? Beta-blockers
These drugs are prescribed to cardiac patients, for regulating the high blood pressure. However, in animals, they produce a serious drop in blood pressure and heart rate, putting their lives in danger.
