Poisoning by Human Medications
Over-the-counter medications, followed by prescription human medications, lead the statistics for intoxications in dogs and cats. This shows how important it is to keep medications out of reach of our pets as well.
However, a complete presentation of possible intoxications by medications would go beyond the scope of this guide. In case of suspected intoxication of our dogs or cats with medications intended for humans, please refer to the poison control centers listed below, and the animals should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
However, some key ones will be listed here.
Pain relievers, as well as anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing agents like Aspirin, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, or Diclofenac, are found in almost every household. Often as combination preparations and with added caffeine.
The mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory drugs is a reduced formation of substances in the body (prostaglandins) that mediate inflammation.
Symptoms
Anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to local irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach ulcers, even up to perforation of the stomach ulcers.
Since blood clotting is inhibited at the same time, the tendency to bleed in the gastrointestinal tract increases. The consequences are bloody vomiting (hematemesis) and bloody stool (melena). Some dog breeds are particularly sensitive.
The anti-inflammatory effect simultaneously means a reduction of the local defense in the gastrointestinal tract.
The animals’ overall condition is disturbed.
Other possible adverse effects include damage to the kidneys and bone marrow.
With pre-existing conditions, the risk of toxic effects is particularly high.