10 Medications You Should Never Give Your Pet
By RxSaver Editors•
ADHDAnxietyKidney Failure
About one-quarter of all calls made to the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) are related to pets ingesting human medications. As we all know, pets will eat about anything they find on the floor – yes this includes medications, which is why you need to be careful not to let pills you accidentally drop on the floor go unnoticed.
It’s important you make sure your medications and your pet’s medications are stored properly.
The Animal Poison Control Center has listed the 10 most common human medications they receive complaints about.
Animal Poison Control Phone Number: 855-764-7661If you think your pet has ingested one of the following, or you’re concerned with what your pet ate, call Animal Poison Control immediately.
Ibuprofen
The most common accidentally ingested med, by pets, is Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). The sweet outer coating makes these medications more appealing to pets, which is why it’s so important to keep them out of reach of pets and also why you should be mindful that you don’t leave medications on the ground if they’ve been accidentally dropped.
Ibuprofen can cause kidney failure and stomach ulcers.
Tramadol
The second most common medication accidentally ingested by pets is Tramadol Hcl (Ultram). Tramadol is a pain reliever that your veterinarian may prescribe to your pet in doses that are appropriate. You should never give this medication to your pet, without consulting a veterinarian first.
Alprazolam
Alprazolam (Xanax) is prescribed as a sleep-aid or anti-anxiety medication. Avoid allowing pets to ingest alprazolam since it can make them sleepy or wobbly. In some cases, alprazolam can cause pets to become very agitated. Weakness or collapse could be caused if a pet ingests a large dosage of alprazolam.Adderall
The drug Adderall is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and is a combination of four different amphetamines. The drug does not have the same effect in pets as it does in humans. In pets, it can cause an elevated heart rate and body temperature, along with hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures.
Zolpidem
Zolpidem Tartrate (Ambien) is used as a sleep aid for people. People commonly leave these types of pills by their bedside, making them easy for pets to get into. Zolpidem can make cats wobbly and sleepy, though most pets develop an elevated heart rate and become very agitated.Clonazepam
Clonazepam (Klonopin) is an anticonvulsant, anti-anxiety medication that can sometimes be prescribed as a sleep-aid. Animals who ingest clonazepam can become sleepy and wobbly, and too much of it can lower their blood pressure, which can lead to weakness and collapse.Acetaminophen
A very common pain killer, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be found in many households. Cats are very sensitive to acetaminophen, but dogs can be affected too. The drug can cause liver damage and can also cause damage to your pet’s red blood cells, making them unable to carry oxygen.
Ec Naproxen
Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) is a pain reliever available over-the-counter. Cats and dogs are both very sensitive to naproxen and even small amounts can cause kidney failure and stomach ulcers.Duloxetine
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is an antidepressant and anti-anxiety drug. If pets ingest Duloxetine, it can cause agitation, vocalization, tremors, and seizures.
Venlafaxine Hcl
Venlafaxine Hcl is an antidepressant. The Animal Poison Control Center says that for some reason, cats love to eat capsules. Vocalization, seizures, tremors, and agitation can be caused if pets ingest Venlafaxine.Be Mindful When Opening Medication
Always keep human medicines away from pets, unless your veterinarian has specifically told you to give your pet a specific medication.
Never leave your pills on the counter or within reach of pets. If you are taking your medication and happen to drop a pill on the ground, pick it up as soon as possible. We all know how quickly a pet can pick something up off the floor.
Be sure to contact your veterinarian, if your pet ingests a medication that is not prescribed for them. Never give your pet a medication that is not prescribed to them.
Just because a medication does one thing for a human, it doesn’t mean it will have the same effect for a pet.
The list of these ten medications isn’t conclusive, meaning they aren’t the only ones that could do harm to your pet.
These ten are just the most commonly reported medications the APCC receives reports on. The list below is ranked in order of the most complaints.
RxSaver Editors
RxSaver Editors are wellness enthusiasts who help you learn how you can save the most on prescription medication costs and other health-related topics.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
