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 drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. is a reduced formation of substances in the body (prostaglandins) that mediate inflammation.
Symptoms
Anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. can lead to local irritation of the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract, resulting in loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems., and stomach ulcers, even up to perforationA perforation is a rupture or hole in the wall of a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract or bladder, which can lead to the release of contents into the body and severe infection. Perforations are Emergencies that require rapid veterinary intervention in dogs and cats. of the stomach ulcers.
Since blood clotting is inhibited at the same time, the tendency to bleed in the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract increases. The consequences are bloody vomiting (hematemesisHematemesis is the Vomiting of blood, indicating Bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. In dogs and cats, this can be caused by ulcers, foreign bodies, poisoning, or Tumors and requires immediate veterinary attention.) and bloody stool (melena). Some dog breeds are particularly sensitive.
The anti-inflammatory effect simultaneously means a reduction of the local defense in the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. 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 toxicToxic means “poisonous” and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. effects is particularly high.