March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, and for five years in a row, human medications have topped the list as the most common toxin for pets.  The ASPCA Poison Control Center received more than 25,000 calls for exposure to prescription human medications, and more than 18,000 calls for exposure to over-the-counter human medications (including herbals and nutraceuticals).

 

Some of those cases were accidental, such as pills dropped on the floor, or the pet finding the medication in a purse or by counter surfing.  However, some of those calls were also due to pet owners thinking it was okay to give their pet a human medication….after all, if it’s safe for humans, it’s safe for pets, right?

 

WRONG!

 

Pets metabolize medications differently than humans, so while something may be safe for you or your child, it’s not safe for your pet.  Yes, there are some human medications which are given to pets, but the dosing is different than with people.

 

1)  NSAID’s (advil, aleve, motrin)

            Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are common medications people want to give their pets for arthritis or sudden pain.  Stomach ulcers, liver problems, and kidney failure can result from pets ingesting even a small dose of these medications.

 

2)  Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

            Tylenol is a popular pain medication for humans, but it is certainly not safe for pets!  Red blood cell damage and liver failure can result from pets receiving Tylenol.

 

3)  Antidepressants

            Some antidepressants are used in pets, but not all, and the dose is different than what an average human would take.  Some antidepressants are poisonous no matter what the dose, while others can cause problems if given at the wrong dose.  Concerns include sedation, incoordination, tremors, seizures, elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and elevated temperature.

 

4)  ADD/ADHD medications

            These medications contain stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate.  Even a low dose can cause tremors, seizures, heart problems, and elevated body temperatures.

 

5)  Benzodiazepines and sleep aids (Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta)

            Anti-anxiety medications are used on occasion with pets, but at carefully measured doses.  Anti-anxiety and sleep aid medications can cause agitation, severe lethargy, incoordination, and low respiratory rates.  Liver failure is also a concern.

 

6)  Birth Control

            A common medication that pets ingest accidently, large doses can cause bone marrow suppression.  Intact female pets would also be at risk of estrogen poisoning.

 

7)   Ace Inhibitors (Zestril, Altace)

            These medications are used to treat high blood pressure.  They are sometimes used in pets as well, but at different doses.  Too much of these medications can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, and weakness.

 

8)  Beta-blockers (Tenormin, Toprol, Coreg)

            These medications treat high blood pressure in people, but can cause serious problems in pets, including low blood pressure and a very slow heart rate.

 

9)  Thyroid hormones (Armour desiccated thyroid, Synthroid)

            These thyroid medications are different than those used to treat thyroid problems in pets.  Overdoses can cause muscle tremors, nervousness, panting, rapid heart rate and aggression.

 

10)  Cholesterol lowering agents (Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor)

            These medications cause mild stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, when ingested once.  More serious side effects are seen with long-term use in pets.

 

A few pointers on keeping your pets safe from your (and their!) medications:

 

-          Keep all medications out of reach of pets, preferably in a high cabinet.  Pets are known to counter surf so medications left out on the counter are at risk for ingestion.  Pets will chew through bottles and other packaging.  Some pet medications (and children’s medications) are flavored, and pets have been known to chew through packaging and eat an entire supply of flavored medications.

-          Never keep loose pills in plastic baggies.  This is common for when traveling, but makes it way too easy for pets to chew through the bag to get the pills.

-          Keep your medications separate from your pets.  Ideally they should be in a separate cabinet.  It’s very common for pet owners to give their pet one of their human medications by mistake.

-          If you keep medications of any kind in your purse or backpack, be sure to hang it up or close it up in a closet.  Pets can and will get into purses and backpacks and sniff out medications.

 

If you suspect your pet may have ingested any type of medication, don’t hesitate to call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680.  Both of these centers charge a small fee for calling, but have veterinary toxicologists on staff to best help you help your pet.  They will be able to tell you what to expect from your pet, and if you should seek emergency care.  When you call, have ready the packaging from the substance ingested, your pet’s current weight, and current medical conditions your pet may have, and a list of any medication your pet is on.

 

 

The above information brought to you courtesy of the ASPCA Poison Control Center and the Pet Poison Helpline.