While acetaminophen (APAP) enjoys a reputation of safety and effectiveness
for humans, it is probably one of the worst medications that can be
administered to a dog or cat.
Owners watch, hover, anticipate every need, and jump to the medicine
cabinet when they perceive fevers, aches or pains in their pets. Because
the normal body temperature of dogs and cats (101 F, 103 F) approximates
that of fever in humans, many well-intentioned owners administer fever-relievers
to their pets. Since it is safe for small children, acetaminophen
is usually the medication they choose.
However, acetaminophen represents the most common fatal drug poisoning
in cats and has also been responsible for many deaths in dogs. Between
1992 and 1997, the ASPCA Poison Control Center received 1,464 calls
about dogs and cats that ingested APAP.
While acetaminophen can be used safely in most dogs under veterinary
supervision, there is no safe dose recommended for cats. APAP toxicity
in cats is due almost exclusively to intentional administration by
humans. Doses as small as 163 mg -half of a regular strength tablet
- have resulted in death.
Dogs and cats aren’t considered to have fever unless their
body temperature is above 103 F (dogs) or 104 F (cats). Animals with
temperatures in this range or higher should be examined by a veterinarian
as soon as possible. Fever in dogs and cats can be caused by infections,
parasites, drug reactions, and exposures to high temperatures.
Many of these conditions can be life threatening and contagious to
other pets. Under no circumstances should an owner administer any
anti-fever medication to a pet without a veterinarian’s advice.
Pets exhibiting aches and pains should also be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Owners should refrain from administering over the counter pain medications
unless advised by a veterinarian. Acetaminophen is sold in more than
100 over the counter products, including Tylenol, Tempra, and Panadol.
If a pet ingests APAP, a veterinarian should be called immediately.
Owners may be advised to induce vomiting as soon as possible. This
is typically accomplished through administration of ipecac to dogs
or hydrogen peroxide to both dogs and cats. The veterinarian will
advise what dose of each product to use. The veterinarian needs to
know how much the pet weighs, how much acetaminophen was consumed
or given and how long since it was ingested.
Signs of APAP poisoning in dogs and cats are very difficult for owners
to detect. The liver and the blood are organs primarily affected by
APAP poisoning. Initially, dogs and cats may vomit but show no other
signs of toxicity. In advanced stages of poisoning from APAP ingestion,
cats can exhibit swollen paws and face, difficulty breathing and darkened
mucous membranes in their mouth.
Dogs exhibit lethargy, loss of appetite, and their skin may appear
yellowish due to jaundice from liver failure. Animals showing these
signs do not have a good chance of survival.
Antidotes are available but the best treatment for acetaminophen
poisoning is prevention. While it may be one of the safest medications
for administration to humans, its safety for pets cannot be assumed.
Dogs and cats are not small humans. For the best pet health, administration
of any medication should occur only under the guidance of a licensed
veterinarian.
For more information, contact Sandra Justice (317) 697-4617 or
e-mail to sandraejustice@cs.com.
Sandra and Charles Lindstrom are pharmacist/owners of Nora Apothecary,
an independent pharmacy practice.
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