Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter pain and fever reducing medication. Pet owners should be on the lookout for acetaminophen in many products. While this drug is safe for human use, it has toxic to some animals especially cats.

Pets may show no signs initially. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage or decrease the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen. Cats are more likely to develop early red blood cell changes while dogs are more likely to develop liver damage. Depending upon the dose, both red blood cell changes and liver damage may occur in either species.

 

Websites:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Poisoning Alert for Dogs and Cats

Acetaminophen

Tylenol® (Acetaminophen) Toxicity in Dogs

Acetaminophen – American College of Veterinary Pharmacists.

Analgesics (Toxicity) – Merck & Co., Inc.,

Tylenol Poisoning in Dogs and Cats – Pet Health Network

 

 


The content of this page is not veterinary advice. A number of factors (amount of substance ingested, size of the animal, allergies, etc.) determine what is toxic to a particular pet. If you think your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, call Pet Poison Helpline or seek immediate veterinary treatment.