By Dr Matt Pascall

For all pet owners, it is very important to realize that some human drugs can be poisonous to their pets. Given that most households stock a number of medications, knowing the drugs to watch out for can help minimize the risk of accidentally poisoning your pet.

(1) NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs):
These are common pain-relieving medications we all keep around the house. Whether you refer to them by brand name (e.g. Volatren) or by generic (ibuprofen, diclofenac), these medications are very dangerous to pets.

• Most pets will experience stomach and intestinal upsets, with gastric ulcers being common. Some NSAIDs can also cause kidney or liver damage.

• Toxic doses vary. If your pet has consumed any amount of human NSAIDs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Given daily, NSAIDs will certainly cause potentially fatal gastric ulceration.

(2) Antidepressants: As we begin to understand more of how chemical imbalances can affect our moods and our mental stability, an increasing number of Australians are now taking these drugs. Examples include: Prozac®, and Zoloft®.

• Vomiting and lethargy are common symptoms of an overdose. In some cases, a condition known as serotonin syndrome can occur. Pets will exhibit elevated body temperatures, increased heart rates and blood pressure as well as disorientation and vocalization

• Toxic doses vary. Contact your veterinarian if your pet ingests any of these drugs.

(3) Acetaminophen (Aspirin): One of the most common pain relievers in Australia is Aspirin® may be great for us, but it can be deadly to cats. Dogs are also affected, but often not to this extreme.

• Dogs can experience liver damage and occasionally red blood cell damage.
• A single extra strength Aspirin® has been known to kill cats.

(4) Methylphenidate (Ritalin): This medication is used for treating attention-deficit, hyperactivity disorder.

• This medication can elevate a pet’s heart rate to a dangerous level and has the potential to cause abnormal heart rhythms and seizures.
• A 5 mg tablet or patch could be fatal for a cat or small dog. The more common sizes of 15 or 20 mg can be fatal for any dog if not treated.

(5) Fluorouracil: This anti-cancer drug is used to treat minor skin cancers in humans. Discarded cotton swabs used to apply this medication are a prime source of pet poisonings.

• This drug is rapidly fatal, causing severe vomiting, seizures, and even cardiac arrest in pets. This drug should not ever be used in cats.
• Any unintended contact by your pet with this drug is reason for a call to your veterinarian

(6) Isoniazid: This is a first line tuberculosis drug with a very narrow margin of safety.

• Extremely dangerous to dogs. Dogs will have serious seizures and then enter a stuporous state.

• Toxic doses: Five 300 mg tablets are fatal to a 10 lb dog.

(7) Pseudoephedrine: This very popular decongestant is found in a variety of cold and sinus products (Dimetapp®, Sudafed®, etc).

• Acts as a stimulant to dogs and cats, your pets will act hyperactive. Head bobbing, agitation, tremors and seizures are all common.
• Toxic doses: Clinical signs can be seen in dogs up to 10 lbs ingesting a single 12 hour Sudafed® (120mg pseudoephedrine). 2 tablets could kill most toy breed dogs.

(8) Anti-diabetic medications: Glipizide (GlucotrolR) gliclazide, and glyburide (MicronaseR) belong to a class of drugs known as sulphonylureas. These tablets work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. Medications like glipizide and glyburide can cause sudden and major drops in blood sugar of pets.

• Symptoms include disorientation, lack of coordination, and seizures.
• Toxic doses: Cats exhibit liver problems at higher doses. Toxic dosages vary according to the size of the pet; however any exposure is dangerous. For glipizide, poisoning occurs most often after ingestion of large amounts, for instance, greater than ten 5 mg tablets. Glyburide and gliclazide are longer lasting medications and smaller dosages result in prolonged low blood sugar and complications thereof.

(9) Vitamin D derivatives: Vitamin D is often used in humans to treat psoriasis (skin condition). It is available in ointments or solutions.

• Dogs develop vomiting, depression, anorexia, diarrhea and increased urination with 12-24 hours.
• Toxic doses for pets are very small. Since it might be difficult to quantify the amount your dog ate, you should contact your veterinarian in the case of ingestion.

(10) Baclofen: Baclofen is used to treat muscle symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis and spinal disorders, including spasm, pain and stiffness.

• Dogs show signs of vomiting, weakness, and disorientation. Dyspnoea and respiratory distress can occur.
• The prognosis is not good as deaths can occur from small numbers of 10 mg tablets.

This handout provides general advice only. For specific advice regarding your pet please speak to your veterinarian at The Lost Dogs Home Veterinary Clinic.

The Lost Dogs Home Veterinary Clinic, 2 Gracie St, North Melbourne, 3051.