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Top 10 Human Medications that Poison Pets 

Almost half of the calls we receive at Pet Poison Helpline involve human medications – both over the counter and prescription. Sometimes dogs chew into pill bottles or well intentioned pet owners accidentally mix up packages and give their pets a human medication. However pet poisoning from human medications happen, they can be serious. 

1. NSAIDS (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen) – Topping our list are the common household medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, which include common names such as ibuprofen(e.g. Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (e.g.Aleve). While these medications are safe for people, even one or two pills can cause serious harm to a pet. Dogs, cats, birds and other small mammals including ferrets, gerbils and hamsters may develop serious stomach and intestinal ulcers, as well as kidney failure.
2. Acetaminophen – When it comes to pain medications, acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) is popular. Even though this drug is safe for children, it is not safe for pets – especially cats. One regular strength tablet may cause damage to cats red blood cells, limiting their ability to carry oxygen. In dogs it leads to liver failure and in large does, red blood cell damage.
3. Antidepressants (e.g. Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro) – While these and other antidepressant drugs are occasionally used in pets, overdoses can lead to serious neurological problems such as sedation, incoordination, tremors and seizures. Some antidepressants also have a stimulant effect leading to a dangerously elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Pets, especially cats, seem to enjoy the taste of Effexor and often eat the entire pill. Unfortunately, just one pill can cause serious poisoning.
4. ADD and ADHD medications (e.g.Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin) – Medications used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder contain potent stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. Even minimal ingestions of these medications by pets can cause life threatening tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures, and heart problems.is
5. Benzodiazepines and sleep aides (e.g. Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta) – These medications are designed to reduce anxiety and help people sleep better. However, in pets, they may have the opposite effect. About half of dogs that ingest sleep aides become agitated instead of sedate. In addition, these drugs may cause severe lethargy, incoordination and slowed breathing in pets. In cats, some forms of benzodiazeprines can cause liver failure when ingested.
6. Birth control( e.g. estrogen, estradiol, progesterone) – Birth control pills often come in packages that dogs find irresistible. Thankfully, small ingestions of these medications typically do not cause trouble. However, large ingestions of estrogen and estradiol can cause bone marrow suppression, particularly in birds. Additionally, intact female pets are at an increased risk of side effects from estrogen poisoning.
7. ACE inhibitors (e.g.Zestril, Altace) – Angio-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are commonly used to treat high blood pressure in people and, occasionally pets. Though overdoses can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, and weakness, this category of medication is typically safe. Pets ingesting small amounts of this medication can potentially be monitored at home, unless they have kidney failure or heart disease.
8. Beta-blockers (Tenormin, Toprol, Coreg) – Beta blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure but, unlike ACE inhibitors, small ingestions of these drugs may cause serious poisoning in pets. Overdoses can cause life threatening decreases in blood pressure and very slow heart rate.
9. Thyroid hormones (e.g. Armour desiccated thyroid, Synthroid) – Pets, especially dogs, get underactive thyroids too. Interestingly, the dose of thyroid hormone needed to treat dogs is much higher than a person’s dose. Therefore, if dogs accidentally get into thyroid hormones at home, it rarely results in problems. However, large acute overdoses in cats and dogs can cause muscle tremors, nervousness, panting, a rapid heart rate, and aggression.
10. Cholestrol lowering agents (e.g.Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor) – These popular medications, often called statins, are commonly used in the United States. While pets do not typically get high cholesterol, they may still get in to the pill bottle. Thankfully, most statin ingestions only cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Serious side effects from these drugs come with long term use, not one time ingestion.

Pet poison Helpline is a service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for pet owners, veterinarians and veterinary technicians that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. Pet Poison Helpline’s fee of $35 per incident, includes follow-up consultation for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available by calling 1-800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.

Facts about canine influenza
And a new vaccine that’s now available to protect dogs

Canine influenza is…

An emerging threat to the respiratory health of dogs across the US
    All breeds and ages are susceptible to infection
    Because it’s a new virus, dogs have no natural immunity to it 

Highly contagious and easily spread through:
   Direct contact (licking or nuzzling)
   The air (coughing or sneezing)
   Contaminated surfaces (picked up on the hands or clothing of a person and then spread
   when another dog is touched or petted) 

Characterized by a persistent cough that may last several weeks, as well as runny nose, watery eyes, and a loss of appetite and/or energy 

Usually mild, but can progress to a more severe infection or pneumonia in 10% to 20% of cases and is fatal in up to 8% of sick dogs 

A concern for owners whose dogs:
   Come from a shelter, rescue center, breeder, or pet store
   Board at a kennel
   Attend doggie daycare or group training
   Visit a groomer, dog park, or other places where dogs congregate
   Participate in dog events and competitions 

Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8 is….. 

The first vaccine available to aid in the prevention of disease associated with canine influenza 

Proven to significantly reduce the coughing, severity, and spread of canine influenza infection 

Proven safe, a killed virus vaccine developed, manufactured, and marketed by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and conditionally licensed by the USDA
   A conditional license is issued to meet a special circumstance such as the emergence of a new
   virus for which there is no existing vaccine
   Administered in two doses given 2 to 4 weeks apart
   One annual booster injection is needed to continue protection 

Please contact us to schedule a vaccination for your pet. For more information on canine influenza, visit www.doginfluenza.com 

Our clinic now requires vaccination with Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8 for all dogs that board with us.

Excerpts from a Cat’s Daily Diary….. 

Day 983 of my captivity…
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. 

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. 

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am. 

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies”. I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage. 

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow – but at the top of the stairs. 

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. 

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe…For now...

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