The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says that drug poisoning is the most common cause of small animal poison exposure. The potential dangers arise from the fact that different animals breakdown or metabolize medications and homeopathic or herbal remedies differently. What is perfectly safe for you to take could lead to potential toxicity, illness or even death to your pet. Note that there are medications specifically made for animal use that may also have a human formulation. Some of these human formulations cannot be used in animals without causing harm. Perfect examples of this would be a diphenhydramine liquid or chewable tablet or a toothpaste that contains xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is used as a sweetener. It is not only found in OTC medications and toothpastes, xylitol can be found in sugar-free chewing gums, candies, breath mints and sprays. The ingestion of xylitol by dogs can trigger significant insulin release from the pancreas causing a sharp drop in blood sugar levels, resulting in loss of coordination, seizures, depression, liver damage, and even death with repeated use.
One of the most common questions is "Can I give my dog or cat Tylenol (acetaminophen)?" Lets concentrate on dogs first. You need to discuss this with your veterinarian. If it is acceptable then it should be for short term use and at the appropriate dosage. This determination should be made by your veterinarian since it is calculated by the weight and breed of the dog. Otherwise, you risk destroying red blood cells resulting in anemia. You also put your dog at risk of developing irreversible liver damage which left untreated could result in death. The other thing to remember is that when administering acetaminophen to your dog using a liquid or chewable dosage form, make sure it does not contain the artificial sweetener xylitol that is mentioned above. Now for cats, NEVER EVER give acetaminophen to a cat. A cat's liver is not capable of breaking down acetaminophen and even the smallest amount leads to liver failure and death. If your cat has ingested acetaminophen accidentally, seek the help of a veterinarian immediately.
Aspirin is also another drug with which to be cautious when medicating pets. Aspirin should not be used by cats because it can not be completely metabolized by the liver for a period of 3-4 days which can lead to toxic levels and death. This, however, does not mean it can't be given but it should only be under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Be aware that Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate both contain byproducts of aspirin. Aspirin causes stomach bleeding in dogs so, only buffered aspirin should be used, prescibed by a veterinarian.
The same holds true for other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (narproxen). A cat's liver cannot break down these drugs and toxic levels accumulate. This is true of dogs too with some NSAIDs , although the sensitivity of their stomachs and intestinal tracts is the main concern. Their use can cause bleeding, ulcers, and perforations in the stomach or intestines. Either way, their use in cats and dogs should be used under the supervision of a veterinarian because NSAID toxicity can lead to shock, seizures, renal failure, and ultimately death. There are only a few NSAIDs available for pets which are specifically manufactured for them and should only used if prescribed by your veterinarian.
Local or topical anesthetics like Benzocaine Spray or other OTC products that contain lidocaine or benzocaine can be harmful to pets if not applied properly or ingested. They can affect the pets central nervous system (CNS) causing seizures and they can affect muscle control even that of the heart which could lead to irregular heart beats and possibly death.
As far as herbal or homeopathic remedies found in your local drug store, health food store, or supermarket that are made for human use, most are not recommended for pet use. There are, however, some products that are safe as long as used at the correct dosages and forms (e.g. tablets, capsules, liquids, or chewables ) . Examples of these are glucosamine & chondroiton for arthritic conditions, milk thistle for liver protection and health, valerian root for insomnia or anxiety, cranberry extracts for prevention against recurring urinary tract infections, and ginger root for nausea or motion sickness. It is extremely important to verify the dosages to be administered with your veterinarian before use.
There are OTC medications that are safe for your pets and can be used as long as you verify the dosage to be used. Dramamine can be used for cats and dogs for motion sickness. It should be given 40 to 60 minutes prior to travel and will last up to 6 hours. Antihistamines; Chlortrimeton (chlorpheniramine), Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are commonly used for sedation, itching or allergies. Imodium (loperamide) is another over the counter medication that is safe to use for cats and dogs for diarrhea. Just be careful of using the liquid form because it may contain alcohol which can be toxic to cats and dogs.
Although I am knowledgeable when it comes to medications for pet use, I recommend that you consult with your veterinarian before administering any medications to your pet. One of the main reasons is that your pet may have a preexisting medical condition that would prohibit its use. The other reason is that animals metabolize medications differently which is not only limited to the type of animal, but even the breed. Remember if buying an OTC medication for your pet make sure you are buying exactly what was recommended and not a combination product that may contain something that is poisonous or toxic to your pet such as acetaminophen, Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), xylitol, or alcohol.
Lastly, in the case of accidentally overdosing your pet or in the case of a pet poisoning, you should have the number to a 24 hour veterinary hospital or the phone number for Animal Poison Control Center Hotline (888-426-4435) available and within reach.
No comments:
Post a Comment