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| 1. NSAIDs (e.g.,
ibuprofen, naproxen) - Topping our list are
the common household medications called non-steroidal
anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), which include common
names such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil and some
types of Motrin) and naproxen (e.g., Aleve). While
these medications are safe for people, even one
or two pills can cause serious harm to a pet.
Dogs, cats, birds and other small mammals including
ferrets, gerbils, and hamsters may develop serious
stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as kidney
failure. |
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| 2. Acetaminophen
- When it comes to pain medications, acetaminophen
(e.g., Tylenol) is popular. Even though this drug
is safe for children, it is not safe for pets—especially
cats. One regular strength tablet of acetaminophen
may cause damage to a cat’s red blood cells,
limiting their ability to carry oxygen. In dogs,
acetaminophen leads to liver failure and, in large
doses, red blood cell damage. |
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| 3. Antidepressants
(e.g., Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro)
- While these and other antidepressant drugs are
occasionally used in pets, overdoses can lead
to serious neurological problems such as sedation,
incoordination, tremors and seizures. Some antidepressants
also have a stimulant effect leading to a dangerously
elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and body
temperature. Pets, especially cats, seem to enjoy
the taste of Effexor and often eat the entire
pill. Unfortunately, just one pill can cause serious
poisoning. |
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| 4. ADD and ADHD
medications (e.g., Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin)
- Medications used to treat Attention Deficit
Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
contain potent stimulants such as amphetamines
and methylphenidate. Even minimal ingestions of
these medications by pets can cause life-threatening
tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures,
and heart problems. |
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| 5. Benzodiazepines
and sleep aids (e.g., Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien,
Lunesta) - These medications are designed
to reduce anxiety and help people sleep better.
However, in pets, they may have the opposite effect.
About half of dogs that ingest sleep aids become
agitated instead of sedate. In addition, these
drugs may cause severe lethargy, incoordination
(including walking “drunk”), and slowed
breathing in pets. In cats, some forms of benzodiazepines
can cause liver failure when ingested. |
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| 6. Birth control
(e.g., estrogen, estradiol, progesterone)
- Birth control pills often come in packages that
dogs find irresistible. Thankfully, small ingestions
of these medications typically do not cause trouble.
However, large ingestions of estrogen and estradiol
can cause bone marrow suppression, particularly
in birds. Additionally, intact female pets are
at an increased risk of side effects from estrogen
poisoning. |
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| 7. ACE Inhibitors
(e.g., Zestril, Altace) - Angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are commonly used to treat
high blood pressure in people and, occasionally,
pets. Though overdoses can cause low blood pressure,
dizziness, and weakness, this category of medication
is typically safe. Pets ingesting small amounts
of this medication can potentially be monitored
at home, unless they have kidney failure or heart
disease. |
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| 8. Beta-blockers
(e.g., Tenormin, Toprol, Coreg) - Beta-blockers
are also used to treat high blood pressure but,
unlike with ACE inhibitors, small ingestions of
these drugs may cause serious poisoning in pets.
Overdoses can cause life-threatening decreases
in blood pressure and a very slow heart rate. |
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| 9. Thyroid
hormones (e.g., Armour desiccated thyroid, Synthroid)
- Pets—especially dogs—get underactive
thyroids too. Interestingly, the dose of thyroid
hormone needed to treat dogs is much higher than
a person’s dose. Therefore, if dogs accidentally
get into thyroid hormones at home, it rarely results
in problems. However, large acute overdoses in
cats and dogs can cause muscle tremors, nervousness,
panting, a rapid heart rate, and aggression. |
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| 10. Cholesterol
lowering agents (e.g., Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor)
- These popular medications, often called statins,
are commonly used in the United States. While
pets do not typically get high cholesterol, they
may still get into the pill bottle. Thankfully,
most statin ingestions only cause mild vomiting
or diarrhea. Serious side effects from these drugs
come with long-term use, not one-time ingestions. |
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