Dogs are also sensitive to the effects of paracetamol where it can cause extensive liver damage leading to failure of the liver; a life-threatening complication. Early signs can include vomiting and reluctance to eat, which progress to diarrhoea, abdominal pain, jaundice, bleeding and collapse.
If your pet has ingested paracetamol, contact your veterinarian immediately and take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet instructs you to.
Paracetamol is a very popular painkiller in humans, however it can be toxic or fatal in small animals. Dogs are less sensitive to paracetamol than cats. A 20kg dog would need to ingest over seven 500mg tablets in order to suffer toxic effects. In cats, one 250mg paracetamol tablet could be fatal.
If treatment begins promptly then a dog has a good chance of survival, but they will still require a stay in the animal hospital and medication for some time afterwards to protect their liver. However, serious cases of paracetamol poisoning in dogs can be fatal.
"It's important never to give paracetamol to your dog unless your vet tells you to - it can be very dangerous if it's given incorrectly."
A mild case of paracetamol poisoning can give your dog an upset stomach, and they may appear to be tired. Other symptoms can include laboured breathing, swelling on the face, neck or limbs, gums turning brownish-grey and jaundice. More serious cases can include signs of staggering, vomiting and restlessness.
If you do give your dog paracetamol (without your vet prescribing it), or your dog eats some tablets by accident, they might exhibit conditions that include: Stomach problems. Difficulty breathing. Vomiting.
(N-acetyl-para-aminophenol; APAP)
Acetaminophen poisoning can cause gastroenteritis within hours and hepatotoxicity 1 to 3 days after ingestion. Severity of hepatotoxicity after a single acute overdose is predicted by serum acetaminophen levels. Treatment is with N-acetylcysteine to prevent or minimize hepatotoxicity.
If death does not occur, people tend to recover fully over a couple of weeks. Without treatment, death from toxicity occurs 4 to 18 days later. Liver failure, kidney failure, pancreatitis, low blood sugar, lactic acidosis.
Affected dogs show signs 30 minutes to 4 hours after ingesting the poison. Initially affected dogs become anxious and have an elevated body temperature. Panting is usually seen. Progressively they become worse and staggery.
They will appear tired, and when you don't consult your vet early, it may also produce signs of staggering, restlessness, and vomiting. There may even be blood in the urine and stool.
However, repeatedly taking more than the recommended dose or overdosing on paracetamol can cause serious injury to the liver and even death.
Your vet may suggest making the animal vomit if ingestion just occurred, but your pet may also need intravenous fluid support or treatment with specific medications and antidotes to combat the toxin.
Signs of toxicity from acetaminophen may develop within 1-4 hours of ingestion. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage or decrease the red blood cell's ability to carry oxygen (methemoglobinemia). Dogs may become depressed or weak, with rapid breathing, a high heart rate, panting, abdominal pain, vomiting or drooling.
Depending upon the dose, both red blood cell changes and liver damage may occur in either species. Red blood cell changes can occur within 4-12 hours. Pets may become weak and depressed. They also may stop eating and develop rapid breathing, a high heart rate, panting, abdominal pain, vomiting or drooling.
A diagnosis of acetaminophen toxicity is usually confirmed through diagnostic tests, including an acetaminophen level, electrolytes, kidney function tests, amylase, lipase, liver function tests, complete blood count, and coagulation factors.
Many people have no symptoms in stage 1. In stage 2 (after 24 to 72 hours), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain may develop. At this stage, blood tests show that the liver is functioning abnormally. In stage 3 (after 3 to 4 days), vomiting becomes worse.
The recommended paracetamol dosing for adults and children 12 years and over is 500 to 1000mg every four to six hours as necessary, with a maximum of 4000mg in any 24 hour period.
Active ingredient: each Panadol 500 mg Film Coated Tablet contains paracetamol (500 mg). Panadol products contain paracetamol; do not take them with other medicines that also contain paracetamol. Paracetamol is in many medicines to treat pain, fever, symptoms of cold and flu, and sleep medicines.
Paracetamol toxicity, albeit accidental or intentional overdose, is an ongoing global problem that continues to result in cases of hepatotoxicity, acute liver failure, and even irreversible liver injury necessitating liver transplantation.
Paracetamol begins to ease pain and lower a high temperature about 30 minutes after a dose is taken. Its effects usually last for about 4 to 6 hours.
Acetylcysteine has long been recognized as an effective antidote, via oral or intravenous administration, minimizing the risk and severity of acute liver injury if administered sufficiently early after a paracetamol overdose.
What are the possible side effects of paracetamol for my pet? Side effects with paracetamol are rare but it can sometimes cause vomiting and diarrhoea. There is a risk of liver damage and it is therefore advisable to watch your pet for signs such as increased drinking, general fatigue or yellow colouration in the eyes.
No. Sadly, the toxic dose for cats of paracetamol is very low. This means there is absolutely no safe dose of paracetamol for cats. Paracetamol should never begiven, and should be kept out of reach of cats to prevent accidental ingestion.
Paracetamol can kill dogs even in a small overdose.
Side effects or symptoms of overdose of paracetamol in dogs can include liver damage, ulceration of the digestive tract, pale gums, vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, or seizures.