In short no. You should never give your dog paracetamol or any other medication that is meant for humans to your dog.
You should always keep pet and human medication separate and well out of reach of your dog or other household pet. Store paracetamol and other medications in a locked cabinet to ensure that you avoid any unpleasant mishaps.
What is Paracetamol?
Paracetamol is the generic name for a painkiller that contains the active ingredient called acetaminophen and is widely used in the UK to ease mild pain and lower slightly raised temperatures. It can be bought off the shelf in many places and does not need a prescription. This can lead to many people overlooking the potential risks that can accompany it’s incorrect use. Even in humans, taking too much paracetamol, either in one dose or over time, can be very dangerous and should only ever be taken in the recommended doses. It tends to get to work quickly and wear off within a couple of hours and only rarely cause side effects in Humans.
Paracetamol is sometimes prescribed for your dog however the dosages will reflect the weight of your best friend. Giving a 500mg tablet to a Miniature Poodle for example, could cause ill effects. It is unlikely to be fatal but could case damage to the liver and red blood cells so always better to be safe than sorry. Obviously here at My Best Friend Dog Care we focus on pets of the canine variety but we also have a furry feline named Charlie. Giving as little as a 250mg dose to a cat is very likely to be fatal!
What other human painkillers can I give to my dog?
If like me, you have a variety of pain medication in your home you should be informed of the dangers the most common types pose to your dog.
Can I Give Ibuprofen to my Dog?
Ibuprofen, more commonly known by the brand name Nurofen, is a very effective treatment of pain and inflammation in humans but should never be given to dogs. This type of drug can be toxic for dogs and other household pets. A single 200 milligram ibuprofen tablet can be toxic to a cat or a small dog and the effects can occur rapidly and damage the kidneys and stomach.
Can I Give Aspirin to my Dog?
Too much Asprin can be toxic. 320mg of Aspirin could be toxic for a 5kg and any amount given on an empty stomach can cause ulcers.
What Should I do if I Think my Dog has Ingested Paracetamol, Aspirin or Ibuprofen?
Contact you vet immediately. Have the medication and dosage that the dog has ingested to hand and it is likely that you will need go the vets where they will in the first instance try to induce vomiting.
So, in answer to the question “Can I Give My Dog Paracetamol?” the simple answer is no, unless it has been prescribed by your vet.
My Best Friend Dog Care Services
At My Best Friend we offer a range of dog care services including Dog Walking, Doggy Day Care, Home Boarding, Pet Sitting and Puppy Care. We work hard to provide a caring, convenient and professional service to your best friend and we take pride in treating your dog as if they were our own.