Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a commonly used painkiller for humans that can also reduce fever. But is it also suitable for dogs? In this article, you will find out what paracetamol does to dogs, what risks and side effects it has and what alternatives are available.

What is paracetamol?

Paracetamol is an active ingredient that belongs to the so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This group of medicines has an anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and antipyretic effect. Paracetamol is mainly used for mild to moderate pain such as headaches, toothache or menstrual pain. It can also help to reduce fever in the case of colds or flu.

How does paracetamol work in dogs?

Paracetamol can theoretically also be used in dogs to relieve pain or fever. However, paracetamol is not approved for dogs and should only be administered in exceptional cases and under veterinary supervision. The reason for this is that dogs cannot metabolize paracetamol as well as humans. This means that paracetamol can lead to an overdose and severe symptoms of poisoning more quickly in dogs.

What are the risks and side effects of paracetamol in dogs?

The most common side effects of paracetamol in dogs are gastrointestinal complaints such as vomiting, diarrhea or blood in the stool. Paracetamol can also damage the liver and kidneys and lead to anemia. The symptoms of paracetamol poisoning in dogs include

  • Weakness
  • listlessness
  • salivation
  • abdominal pain
  • Low temperature
  • Accelerated breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Bluish or yellow mucous membranes
  • Blood in the urine or brown discoloration of the urine
  • Swelling of the face or paws

Paracetamol poisoning can be life-threatening and must be treated immediately by a vet. Treatment usually consists of gastric lavage, the administration of activated charcoal and an antidote (N-acetylcysteine).

How much paracetamol can I give my dog?

The dosage of paracetamol for dogs depends on the dog's body weight. The recommended dose is between 10 and 15 mg per kilogram of body weight every 8 to 12 hours. This means that a 10 kg dog may receive a maximum of 150 mg of paracetamol per dose. However, a typical tablet contains 500 mg of paracetamol, which can be too much for a small dog. Therefore, you should never simply split a tablet or give it to your dog without talking to your vet first.

What alternatives are there to paracetamol for dogs?

There are many other painkillers for dogs that are safer and better tolerated than paracetamol. These include, for example:

These painkillers are also NSAIDs, but have been specially developed for dogs. They also have an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effect, but have fewer side effects on the liver and kidneys. However, they can also cause gastrointestinal problems if they are given over a long period of time or in high doses. You should therefore only use these painkillers after consulting your vet.

 

Paracetamol is a painkiller for humans that can also be effective in dogs, but is very risky. Paracetamol can quickly lead to an overdose in dogs and to severe symptoms of poisoning, which can be life-threatening. You should therefore never simply give your dog paracetamol, but always ask a vet for advice. There are many other painkillers for dogs that are safer and more suitable than paracetamol.

The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.

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