How Much Is Too Much? Understanding Dog Overdose

Dogs can overdose on a variety of medications, including those designed for humans and veterinary pills. Human medications that can cause poisoning in dogs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol®), which can lead to organ damage, liver failure, and even death. Other common human medications that are dangerous for dogs include blood pressure medications, sleep aids, and drugs for attention-deficit disorder and hyperactivity. It is important to consult a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has overdosed or ingested any poisonous substances.

Human medications can be toxic to dogs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and indomethacin are some of the most common human medications to cause poisoning in dogs. These drugs are rapidly absorbed when ingested orally by dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. At recommended dosages for humans, NSAIDs have little effect on the kidneys, but in cases of overdose, or chronic usage, they can cause renal damage in dogs. The simultaneous use of two NSAIDs can lead to kidney dysfunction, and NSAID overdose has also been linked to clotting problems and liver disease in dogs.

Acetaminophen, often sold under the brand name Tylenol, is another easily accessible human medication that is dangerous to dogs. Even a single dose can cause organ damage in medium-sized dogs, and liver injury or even liver failure in dogs more generally.

Other human medications that can be harmful to dogs include:

• Antidepressants, seizure and anxiety medication
• Benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam and lorazepam)
• Serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Adderall
• Birth control pills
• Heart and blood pressure medication
• Calcium channel blockers
• Medications to lower cholesterol
• Drugs for skin cancer (e.g. 5 fluorouracil)
• Psoriasis medicine (e.g. calcipotriene)

If you suspect your dog has ingested any human medication, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. It is helpful to bring the original container to the veterinarian so they can identify the drug involved, its strength, and the number of pills or tablets that were in the container.

Prescription pet medication is easily overconsumed by dogs

It's worryingly easy for dogs to overdose on prescription medication. This is often due to medication being left in an accessible place, and dogs being attracted to the flavour of the medicine. Many medications are flavoured to make them more appealing and easier to swallow, but this also makes them tempting for dogs.

Dogs can also overdose on medication if multiple family members give the dog medicine without realising the animal has already been treated. In addition, dogs can chew the bottle and ingest all the medication inside.

It's important to note that the same dose given to a human cannot be given to a dog. Dogs have a lower body weight and differences in metabolism, so any dose of medication designed for humans can have adverse effects on dogs. Even a single dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can cause severe organ damage in a medium-sized dog.

If you suspect your dog has overdosed on medication, contact your vet immediately. If possible, bring the original container to the veterinarian so they can identify the drug, its strength, and the number of pills or tablets that were in the container.

Signs of overdose and toxicity in dogs

Dogs are curious creatures, and it is not uncommon for them to accidentally overdose on medications or ingest something poisonous. The signs of overdose and toxicity in dogs can vary depending on the substance and the amount ingested, but there are some common symptoms to watch out for. Here are the signs of overdose and toxicity in dogs:

• Gastrointestinal issues: Diarrhea, blood in the stool, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
• Neurological issues: Seizures, tremors, behavioural changes such as lethargy, unsteady gait, or hyperactivity.
• Bruising or bleeding: Look for areas with little to no hair, such as the gums, inside the ear flaps, or the groin. Other signs include nose bleeds or bloody urine.
• Unusual material in stool: Keep an eye out for peculiar green or corn-like substances, which could indicate rodenticide ingestion.
• Cardiac or respiratory problems: An irregular heartbeat, slow heart rate, or trouble breathing.
• Liver or kidney failure: This may be indicated by jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) or abnormal liver enzyme levels in blood tests.
• Other symptoms: Weakness, concentration problems, low blood pressure, excessive thirst, frequent urination, or discolouration.

If you suspect your dog has overdosed or ingested something toxic, it is important to act quickly. Remove your dog from the potentially poisonous substance, take note of their symptoms, and contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately. Have any remaining potential poison or packaging ready, and if your dog has vomited, collect a sample. Follow your veterinarian's instructions, and if necessary, induce vomiting or seek emergency treatment.

Treatment for accidental medication poisoning

If you suspect your dog has ingested medication, it is important to act quickly. First, try to identify whether the medication was prescribed for your dog, or whether it was medication intended for humans. This is important, as medication intended for humans can have adverse effects on dogs, even in small doses, due to differences in body weight and metabolism.

If you believe your dog has ingested human medication, you should bring the original container to your veterinarian. If you are unsure what your dog has ingested, look for evidence such as an empty container or a box that has been torn apart. You may need to look in your dog's favourite hiding spots. If your dog has started vomiting, you may be able to identify the medication by looking at the vomit. If the medication was in liquid form, it will be more difficult to identify.

Once you have identified the medication, contact your veterinarian for guidance. They may suggest making your dog vomit to remove the substance from their stomach. Do not induce vomiting without consulting a veterinarian, as this could cause further damage. Your veterinarian may also recommend calling a poison control hotline for dogs. They will be able to advise you on next steps, which may include giving your dog hydrogen peroxide with milk to induce vomiting, and getting your dog to an emergency treatment facility as soon as possible.

At the veterinary hospital, the veterinarian may induce vomiting or pump your dog's stomach to limit further absorption of the medication. They may also give your dog activated charcoal to bind to the drug in their gastrointestinal tract and prevent it from being absorbed. Fluids will also likely be administered to maintain blood pressure and flush the drug out of your dog's system. Your dog will probably need to stay in the hospital for several days to ensure that all their systems have returned to normal.

Medications with serious side effects on dogs

Medications can have a range of side effects on dogs, and it's important to consult a veterinarian about the risks of a drug and its potential benefits. Some side effects are mild, but others can be more severe and even life-threatening.

One of the most common side effects of pet medications is gastrointestinal upset. This can include vomiting, diarrhea, and a decrease or lack of appetite. These symptoms often resolve as the dog's body adjusts to the medication. However, sometimes the symptoms can become severe.

Another common side effect is excessive salivation, often caused by medications with a bitter or unpleasant taste. Tramadol, a commonly prescribed pain medication for pets, is known to have a bitter taste and should not be crushed.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers in pets, which can then cause vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with blood and/or dark, tarry stools.

Some medications can also cause skin irritation, such as antibiotics, thyroid medications, steroids, and flea and tick medications. Symptoms of skin irritation can include hair loss, itchiness, swelling, redness, scabbing, red bumps, hives, and blisters.

Liver or kidney damage is another potential side effect of medications in dogs. Common signs of liver or kidney damage include increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and lethargy.

Additionally, medications can affect a dog's central nervous system, causing restlessness, hyperactivity, or dysphoria, an altered mental state where the dog may vocalize, pant, or have difficulty settling down.

In rare cases, medications can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in dogs, which can be life-threatening. Antibiotics have been implicated in causing low platelet disorders, which can lead to hemorrhaging or bruising.

Some medications can also cause difficulty standing or walking and collapse by altering the cardiovascular system and affecting blood pressure.

It's important to monitor your dog for any side effects and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns. Do not discontinue your dog's medication without consulting your veterinarian.

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