Certain medications intended for human use are also capable of providing medical aid to pets. One such example is Tylenol, an over-the-counter pain medication which is primarily comprised of acetaminophen. You can sometimes administer Tylenol to a pet dog to relieve pain or discomfort in certain situations, but it is important to be able to know which situations best call for this method of treatment.
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Types
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There are several different over-the-counter pain medications that have been recommended for use in dogs as well as humans, including acetaminophen, or Tylenol; aspirin; and Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin. Each of these products contains different active ingredients and affects the dog in different ways. According to Caroline Tanaka, DVM, all three are acceptable medications to administer to dogs, but only when the situation calls for it, and if there is not a serious risk of side effects.
Function
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Tylenol is one of the most popular analgesic medications in the United States, providing pain-, swelling- and fever-reducing capabilities to human patients of all ages. In dogs, Tylenol can provide many of the same benefits. For this reason, it functions as a home remedy for pain and fever in dogs, especially on a short-term basis, such as before the dog can see a veterinarian. Tylenol is not meant to be a long-term remedy for fever or pain in a dog, and there are side effects to consider when administering this type of medication to a dog.
Advantage
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Aspirin products are reasonably likely to cause side effects like gastric ulcers in dogs. They can successfully heal if the medication's use is halted, but if they are ignored, these gastric ulcers can lead to death. Ibuprofen-based products are also quite likely to cause gastric ulcers, though the likelihood of life-threatening ulcers is less likely in cases involving Ibuprofen treatments in comparison to Aspirin treatments. Because Tylenol products do not cause ulcers in dogs, this option offers an advantage over other pain-relieving products.
Warning
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Although rare, there Tylenol does have a side effect when administered to a dog. One uncommon reaction to Tylenol in dogs is that they can experience liver failure, and this liver failure might not always respond to treatment, meaning that there are life-threatening reactions to this type of medication. It is important to consult a veterinarian when administering Tylenol to your dog.
Expert Insight
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"Tylenol is available in different forms, including chewable tablets, liquid suspension, coated caplets and gel capsules, and it also comes in a number of different dosage sizes," said Carolina Tanaka, DVM. "It is vitally important that you administer the right dosage based on the weight of the dog, and the best way to determine this proper dosage is to consult your veterinarian for advice before you simply give Tylenol to your dog."
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