Paracetamol is a common drug that we all keep at home but did you know that this household medicine can be toxic to dogs and cats?
Packets within easy reach can be too much of a temptation for some pets, which can lead to accidental ingestion. Sometimes we also see well-meaning owners attempting to medicate their animals, which can also lead to toxic doses being administered.
If you even just suspect your pet has eaten paracetamol, call your vet immediately.
Paracetamol is rapidly absorbed by the digestive system, and symptoms of toxicity can develop within a few hours.
Young animals, small breeds, cats, and older animals with concurrent illnesses are at a greater risk of toxicity from a single dose.
Symptoms of paracetamol poisioning include:
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Brownish coloured gums
- Swollen face/neck/limbs
- Jaundice (yellow tinge to skin/whites of eyes)
- Coma
As with any exposure to a toxic substance, time is of the essence!
If caught early enough a vet can induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal. The activated charcoal attracts the remaining molecules of paracetamol and keeps them from being absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract.
Blood and urine tests will also need to be performed to determine if intravenous fluid therapy is required to help support the liver and kidneys. In severe cases, anaemia (low red blood cell count) can develop and a blood transfusion may be required.
The best treatment is, of course, prevention. Be mindful of where packets of paracetamol are kept in the house and that they are not left lying around in easy-to-reach places. Never use human medications to treat your pet without seeking veterinary advice first.
If ingestion is known or suspected, call your clinic as soon as you can, to get advice from our hospital team.
