About Acetaminophen & Dogs

Acetaminophen is a widely known pain reliever and fever reducer. Brand names of this drug include Tylenol and some forms of Excedrin. Acetaminophen is available as a standalone drug and is also one of the main active ingredients in many flu and cold medications. In the right proportions, acetaminophen is safe for humans, but it can be lethal if ingested by a dog or cat.

The Facts

There are two main causes for the ingestion of acetaminophen by pets: The pets find and eat pills that have fallen on the floor; and the owner medicates the pet without consulting the pet's veterinarian. It is very important to keep pills of all kinds away from your pets and be aware of any that may have fallen out of the bottle. Be sure to only give your pets medications that are prescribed to them by a veterinarian and administer them in the proper doses.

Risk Factors

Both dogs and cats are at risk for acetaminophen toxicity, however cats are generally more vulnerable to this ailment due to their small size. A dog that weighs 50 pounds or more would have to consume more than seven 500mg tablets to experience fatal consequences, whereas an average-size cat need only consume 250mg of acetaminophen. Small dog breeds, such as Yorkshire terriers and Chihuahuas, are at an elevated risk because of their petite size and low body weight. Although smaller animals are at higher risk, it is wise to keep all animals, regardless of size, away from pills and medications that were not prescribed for them.

Effects

Acetaminophen can severely harm or kill dogs and cats by causing liver failure and/or damage to the red blood cells. The acetaminophen causes the red blood cells to hemolyze, meaning that they burst and release the hemoglobin that they contain. Acetaminophen can also result in the formation of Heinz bodies, or red blood cell defects. These defects cause the red blood cells to not be in circulation for as long as they are supposed to. Acetaminophen can also cause the formation of methemoglobin. Normal hemoglobin enables the red blood cells to carry oxygen. Methemoglobin is a dysfunctional form of hemoglobin that does not enable the red blood cells to carry oxygen. As a result the dog (or cat) will have great difficulty breathing.

Identification

The symptoms of acetaminophen toxicity become apparent in stages, but some of the warning signs include: vomiting, respiratory difficulty, excessive drooling, discolored gums, swelling, awkward movements, convulsions, coma, jaundice and altered mental state.

Time Frame

There are no home remedies or treatments for acetaminophen toxicity. It is crucial that you immediately take your dog (or cat) to a veterinarian immediately after noticing any of these symptoms. There is a chance for survival if the animal is treated soon after ingestion of acetaminophen, even if large quantities were consumed. The sooner you take your pet to the vet, the better.