Often when a pet dog is in pain, the owner will want to do whatever he can for it. Sometimes owners even turn to their own medicine cabinets to find Fido relief. While some human medications are appropriate and can alleviate mild pain in dogs, some are dangerous and can make situations far worse, and can even kill the pet they were intended to help. This is why it's important for dog owners to be aware of what medications present a danger to their dogs.
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Ibuprofen
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Ibuprofen, one of the most common over-the-counter pain relievers, can be dangerous to dogs. It can lead easily to death from kidney failure or internal bleeding in dogs that do not receive immediate veterinary care. The toxic effects depend on the weight of the dog. In small dogs, less than one pill can prove fatal, as dangerous levels begin at 50mg for every pound the dog weighs. If a dog has gotten into the pills on its own, the owner is often unaware of how many doses have been taken. This is when it's especially important to seek immediate assistance. Often, dogs are tempted to eat the medication because of the thin "candy" coating which is put on the outside of each pill to mask the taste. Dogs that have taken ibuprofen may have symptoms such as a lack of energy or appetite, or bloody stools. Treatment may involve induced vomiting, rehydration, and various medications to help the stomach ulcers. The animal will almost always have to stay at the vet for at least one night, usually more.
Acetaminophen
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While acetaminophen is not as toxic to dogs as ibuprofen, it still poses a danger, because it can lead to liver failure and blood damage at high doses. Toxicity begins at about 70mg per pound of the dog, which makes smaller dogs much more likely to be at risk than larger ones. Owners should watch out for things like vomiting and labored breathing, which are some of the first signs of acetaminophen intake in dogs. Later signs include things like swelling and clumsiness, though at that point the dog is in critical danger and may die. When taken to a vet, the vet will try to prevent liver damage and rush the acetaminophen out of the dog's system. An IV will be set up, and the dog might receive blood transfusions.
Naproxen
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Naproxen is an extremely dangerous medication for dogs to ingest. Dogs who receive toxic levels can suffer internal bleeding and kidney failure. For every pound of body weight, a dog only has to take about 2.5mg of naproxen to reach toxic levels. Dogs who have taken naproxen might begin throwing up or showing signs of an upset stomach. They may refuse to eat and become clumsy in their movements. Veterinary treatment may include inducing vomiting, administering an IV and medicating to stop stomach bleeding.
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