Tylenol Toxicity in Dogs

Unfortunately, Tylenol toxicity is not uncommon in dogs. Many pet owners use acetaminophen (found in Tylenol) for their dog's pain management, unaware that it can be toxic in very small doses. As an example, from January 1998 to March 2000, Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) veterinarians at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals "consulted on more than 1,050 cases of accidental exposure to acetaminophen ingestion in dogs and cats."

  1. General Information

    • Acetaminophen is a synthetic non-opiate available in more than 200 prescription and non-prescription forms. It is indicated for both pain and fever reduction, but has no anti-inflammatory effects. Toxicity can result from just one dose or cumulative doses, leading to cyanosis and liver toxicity. Cyanosis is the result of too much deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood. Liver toxicity is the result of a destructive or poisonous effect on the liver cells. Both can lead to death in humans and dogs.

    Signs and Diagnosis

    • Signs of Tylenol toxicity can include: excessively rapid, difficult or labored breathing; jaundice; vomiting; low body temperature; facial or paw edema; lethargic behavior; diarrhea; and appetite loss. If your dog has taken Tylenol and exhibits any of these symptoms, take him to your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian can make a firm diagnosis based on your dog's exposure to Tylenol and his clinical signs. Laboratory tests can also confirm acetaminophen toxicity.

    Treatment

    • Treatment depends on how much Tylenol your dog has ingested and when, so be sure to let your veterinarian know the dosage your dog took (number of mg, if possible) and at what time. Because stabilization is a priority, your dog may require oxygen if he's having difficulty breathing. In addition, your veterinarian may perform a whole blood transfusion depending on toxicity severity. In most cases, decontamination also requires repeated uses of activated charcoal to induce vomiting.

    Misconceptions

    • Tylenol is safe and effective when properly used in humans. Therefore, many owners believe it to be safe and effective for their dogs. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed and extremely effective pain control drugs for pets." However, the FDA does not consider Tylenol in this classification because it has not approved Tylenol for use in animals.

    Outcomes

    • Your veterinarian is the best person to advise you on what pain medications to give your dog.

      As noted, exposure to Tylenol can have serious health effects for dogs. Prompt attention to acetaminophen ingestion, particularly when signs and symptoms of toxicity are present, can mean the difference between life or death for your dog. According to the Animal Poison Control Center, "with prompt and aggressive treatment and good supportive care, most animals will recover completely." Your veterinarian is the best person to advise you on what pain medication to give your dog, which is the first step toward preventing Tylenol toxicity.