If your frisky kitten miscalculates a leap to the kitchen counter and begins meowing pitifully and holding up a paw, you may be tempted to give them Advil or Tylenol. But, what constitutes a feline dose of these common pain relievers? The correct answer is none, as human medications can be toxic or downright fatal for pets.

Oftentimes, pet owners want to administer their own medication to immediately alleviate their pets’ ailments, but doing so can be dangerous. To better protect cats and dogs, our Williamsburg Animal Clinic team answers common questions pet owners have about giving human medications to their pets.

Question: Why can’t my pet take the same medication as me?

Answer: Pets and people have different physiologies and metabolisms, which can affect how they respond to medications. Your pet may not be able to take the same medication as you because of the following factors:

  • Dosage — Pets typically weigh much less than people, so a medication dosage that is appropriate for a person could be too high for a pet and potentially toxic.
  • Metabolism — Pets metabolize medications differently than people do. A medication that is safe for people to take at recommended dosages may not be broken down or eliminated from a pet’s body in the same way, which could lead to adverse effects.
  • Formulation — Many medications come in formulations that are specifically designed for either people or for pets. These formulations can differ in terms of dosage strength, inactive ingredients, and various other characteristics. For example, many chewable or liquid oral medications intended for human use contain the sugar substitute xylitol, which can be fatally toxic to dogs.
  • Species-specific reactions — Some medications that are safe for people may be harmful or fatal to certain animal species. For example, pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), are toxic to cats and should never be given to them.
  • Underlying health conditions — Pets may have underlying health conditions or sensitivities that make certain medications unsafe for them.

Because of these differences, always consult with your veterinarian before giving your pet any medication intended for humans. Veterinarians can prescribe medications that are specifically formulated and dosed for pets’ needs, ensuring their safety and effectiveness.

Q: Which human medications are dangerous for pets?

A: Several human medications can be dangerous or fatal to pets if ingested. Common examples include:

  • Acetaminophen — Toxic to cats, acetaminophen can also cause liver damage and red blood cell damage in dogs.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — Besides ibuprofen and naproxen, other NSAIDs, such as diclofenac and aspirin, can cause gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers, kidney failure, and other issues in pets.
  • Antidepressants — If your pet ingests an antidepressant, including a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as Prozac, they can experience vomiting, seizures, and an elevated heart rate.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications — Drugs, such as Adderall and Ritalin, can cause tremors, seizures, elevated body temperature, and other serious effects in pets.
  • Benzodiazepines — Medications, such as Xanax and Valium, can cause severe sedation and respiratory depression in pets.
  • Muscle relaxants — If ingested, a muscle relaxant, such as Baclofen, can lead to weakness, collapse, and seizures in pets.
  • Sleep aids (e.g., Ambien, Lunesta) — If your pet ingests a sleeping medication, such as Ambien and Lunesta, can cause severe sedation, lethargy, and coordination issues.

Q: Aren’t some human medications given to pets?

A: Yes, some human medications are indeed prescribed for use in pets, but they are prescribed under a veterinarian’s guidance. Your veterinarian may prescribe your furry pal certain human medications when appropriate, but the dosage, formulation, and specific circumstances are tailored to your pet’s needs. The following human medications are sometimes prescribed for pets:

  • Antibiotics — Many antibiotics used in people are also used in veterinary medicine to treat pets’ bacterial infections.
  • Pain relievers — Certain pain relievers, such as NSAIDs like meloxicam or carprofen, are prescribed by veterinarians to manage pets’ pain.
  • Antihistamines — Some antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), are used in veterinary medicine to treat pets’ allergic reactions and itching.
  • Antidepressants — Certain antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), may be prescribed by veterinarians to manage pets’ behavior issues such as anxiety or compulsive disorders.
  • Steroids — Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are used in veterinary medicine to treat pets’ inflammation and autoimmune conditions.
  • Anti-seizure medications — Drugs, such phenobarbital, commonly used to manage people’s seizures, are also used in veterinary medicine to control pets’ seizures.
  • Heart medications — Some heart medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or beta blockers, may be prescribed by veterinarians to manage pets’ heart conditions.

When human medications are prescribed for pets, the dosage and usage instructions may differ significantly from those for people. So never share your own medication with your pet.

If your pet gets their paws on your medication, whether by gobbling down a dropped pill or by taking an owner-prescribed treatment, your furry pal may develop toxicity. Don’t wait for poisoning signs to appear. Contact our Williamsburg Animal Clinic team or an animal poison control center immediately for help.