Top Ten Dangerous Medications for Pets

According to the Oregon Veterinary Association, "Nearly half of the calls received by Pet Poison Helpline involve human medications, both over-the-counter and prescription." The following medications are a serious health threat to all pets and are often given to a pet without knowledge of the health dangers. Be aware of which human medications are dangerous or even lethal to a pet.

* Ibuprofen - this over the counter medication is at the top of the list for poisoning animals. Ibuprofen medications include: Advil, Aleve, and Motrin. Many pet owners believe they are helping their pet by giving them this anti-inflammatory medication, especially if the pet is old and suffering from arthritis. Even one ibuprofen tablet can cause serious damage to dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, hamsters, and gerbils. Pet poisoning associated with Ibuprofen include: stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers, and kidney failure.

*Tylenol - Acetaminophen, also known under the popular name of Tylenol is totally safe for children and adults but not for animals. Cats are particularly susceptible to the dangers of Tylenol. One Tylenol tablet can cause damage to the red blood cells of cats, preventing the blood from carrying oxygen.

Tylenol causes liver failure in dogs and an overdose of Tylenol damages the dog's red blood cells.

*Antidepressants - Antidepressant drugs are prescribed for pets occasionally but an overdose of these medications cause serious health problems or death. Dangerous antidepressants for pets are sold as, Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, and Lexapro. Symptoms of antidepressant poisoning in pets include: lethargy, seizures, tremors, and lack of coordination. Other symptoms that also occur in pets are rapid heart rate and high blood pressure, and fever. Cats are known to like the taste of Effexor and can die from ingesting only one tablet.

*ADHD/ADD medication - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder medications contain stimulants like methylphenidate and Amphetamines. Pets that ingest tiny doses of these medications can suffer from deadly seizures, tremors, fever, and heart failure.

*Sleeping Pills - benzodiazepines and medications like Xanax, Ambien, Lunesta, and Klonopin relieve stress in people, helping them to sleep but for pets it is just the opposite. The majority of dogs known to ingest sleeping pills became excitable and agitated. These drugs also cause a drunken walk in pets and difficulty breathing. Cats suffer from liver failure when eating benzodiazepine medication.

*Birth Control - Birth control medications like: estradiol, progesterone, and estrogen are harmful to pets. A small dose of birth control medication in pets is not harmful but a dog that gets a hold of an entire package is in danger of bone marrow suppression. Female pets that have not been spayed can suffer from estrogen poisoning when ingesting birth control medication.

*ACE Inhibitors - High blood pressure medication are also known as ACE inhibitors are prescribed under the names of Zestril and Altace. These medications are also prescribed to pets but an overdose can have serious consequences. Symptoms of ACE inhibitor poisoning in pets include: dizziness, low blood pressure, weakness, and in extreme cases, kidney or heart failure.

*Beta Blocker - Beta blockers like Tenormin, Toprol, and Coreg cause serious problems in pets. Even a small amount of these medications causes an extremely dangerous drop in blood pressure and slow heart beat.

*Thyroid hormones - Medications such as, Armour desiccated thyroid and Synthroid are often prescribed for dogs with thyroid problems. Dogs are not in danger from ingesting thyroid hormones but cats suffer from muscle spasms, panting, aggression, and rapid heart rate from overdoses.

*Lowering Cholesterol - Cholesterol lowering medications like, Lipitor, Zocor, and Crestor do not cause fatal consequences if pets get into them. Pets that ingest cholesterol lowering medication suffer from some diarrhea and vomiting but the symptoms pass on their own.

Resources:

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association: "Top 10 Human Medication Hazards for Pets"

Pet Poison Helpline