As pet owners, we want the best for our pets, which includes keeping them safe from harm. However, some dangers can come from unexpected places, such as the medications we use every day. Many human medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, can be harmful—or even deadly—if ingested by pets. Understanding which medications are dangerous and how to prevent accidental ingestion is key to ensuring your pet’s safety.

Here’s a guide to the human medications that can be dangerous to pets and what you can do to keep them safe.

Common Human Medications That Are Dangerous to Pets

1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen is commonly used to treat pain and reduce fever in humans, but even small doses can be dangerous for pets—especially cats. Cats lack the enzymes required to break down acetaminophen, and ingestion can lead to serious health complications, such as liver failure and blood cell damage. Dogs can also suffer from acetaminophen toxicity, which may result in liver damage or issues with oxygen transportation in the blood. Clinical signs of Acetaminophen ingestion in pets can look like vomiting, rapid breathing, swelling of the face or paws, lethargy or weakness.

2. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), are frequently used to manage pain and inflammation in humans, but they can be very harmful to pets. Even small doses can cause gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney failure, or liver damage in both dogs and cats.

Symptoms of NSAID Toxicity:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea (potentially with blood)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite

3. Antidepressants
Medications prescribed for depression in humans, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants, can cause serious health problems in pets. Ingestion of these medications can result in symptoms like vomiting, tremors, seizures, and even life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

4. Cold and Allergy Medications
Over-the-counter medications used to treat colds, allergies, or sinus congestion often contain decongestants like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, which can be dangerous for pets. Ingestion can lead to rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and nervous system issues, including hyperactivity or seizures.

5. Blood Pressure Medications
Medications such as beta blockers and ACE inhibitors are commonly prescribed to control high blood pressure in humans, but these drugs can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure in pets. Symptoms may include lethargy, weakness, or even collapse.

6. ADHD Medications
Medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as amphetamines, are particularly dangerous to pets. Even a small dose of amphetamines can result in life-threatening symptoms such as seizures, tremors, hyperactivity and elevated heart rate.

Pets that have ingested ADHD medications should receive immediate veterinary attention.

A light-colored cat with green eyes is peeking out from under a brown blanket. The cat is lying on a soft, light-colored surface and appears relaxed and cozy.

7. Sleep Aids and Anti-Anxiety Medications
Medications like benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium) and sleep aids (e.g., Ambien) can have severe effects on pets. While these drugs are meant to relax humans, they can cause extreme sedation, loss of coordination, or slow breathing in pets.

Preventing Medication-Related Accidents

To keep your pets safe from accidental medication ingestion, it’s important to take the following precautions:

  • Store medications securely: Always keep medications in closed cabinets or drawers, out of your pet’s reach.
  • Never give human medications to pets: Human medications can be harmful or fatal to pets. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
  • Dispose of medications safely: Ensure that any unused or expired medications are disposed of properly, so your pet can’t accidentally ingest them.
  • Keep medications in their original containers: This reduces the risk of confusion and makes it easier to identify the medication in case of an emergency.
  • Educate your family: Make sure everyone in your household understands the risks and knows to keep medications out of reach of pets.

What to Do If Your Pet Ingests Human Medication

If you suspect your pet has ingested any human medication, it’s important to act quickly:

  1. Gather information: Identify the medication, the dose, and the amount ingested if possible.
  2. Contact your veterinarian: Call Memorial Villages Animal Hospital or your nearest emergency veterinary clinic for immediate assistance.
  3. Bring your pet in: If instructed, bring your pet to the veterinary hospital right away for examination and treatment.

In Summary

While human medications may be helpful for us, many of them are dangerous to pets and can lead to serious health complications or even death. By keeping medications securely stored and knowing what to do in case of accidental ingestion, you can protect your pet from these hazards.