Tylenol, or Acetaminophen, is an anti-inflammatory medication for human pain. The same can’t be said for dogs. Dogs should NOT be given Tylenol (even the smallest dose can be toxic.), says Dr. Julie Buzby, veterinarian and founder of ToeGrips for Dogs, a product that helps senior dogs avoid slipping on floors.
Below, we’ll discuss symptoms of Tylenol poisoning, how to identify signs of pain in dogs, what you can give your dog for pain instead that’s safe.
What Are the Symptoms of Tylenol Poisoning?
If your dog’s ingested Tylenol, take your dog to the veterinarian right away. Dr. Buzby says Tylenol poisoning can affect the kidney, liver, respiratory system, and neurological system and lead to the following symptoms if left untreated.
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Strained breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Gum discoloration
- Brown urine
- Lack of coordination
- Muddy brown membranes in their nose
- Dry eye
- Depression
- Weakness
How Do Vets Treat Tylenol Poisoning?
If your dog’s ingested Tylenol, get them to the vet. Once there, Dr. Buzby says treatments for Tylenol poisoning include:
- Induced vomiting
- Activated charcoal to absorb toxins
- Blood transfusion
- Oxygen therapy
- Acetylcysteine, an antioxidant drug to reduce effects in the bloodstream
The specific treatment will depend on how much and how long ago the dog took Tylenol. Be prepared with the following information to the best of your knowledge. Thankfully, Dr. Buzby says the likelihood of full recovery is pretty good with immediate, comprehensive care. If there is any long-term damage to your dog’s health from Tylenol, it would most likely relate to liver failure (though this is rare).
Does My Dog Need Pain Medication?
Pet parents never want to see their dogs in pain; Dr. Buzby says if your pup displays any of the following, whether from acute or chronic pain, it’s time to find some dog-safe pain treatments that are NOT Tylenol.
- Dilated pupils
- Different posture
- Change in activity
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Whining or crying
- Struggling to walk properly
What Can You Give Your Dog For Pain Instead of Tylenol?
Dog pain treatment is highly specialized. Here are the best ways to treat your dog’s pain, whether that’s with prescribed medication or at-home remedies.
Medications or supplements
While Tylenol is not pet-safe, Dr. Buzby says there are plenty of anti-inflammatory drugs that are specifically formulated for dogs with acute and chronic pain. Some of these include Gabapentin, Meloxicam, and Carprofen.
Additionally, pain in dogs often stems from joint and muscle problems, so supplements are a great way to nourish your dog’s body to prevent pain in the first place. Some recommended supplements include Cosequin and Glucosamine.
Lastly, if the pain is severe or won’t go away with medication, Dr. Buzby says surgery is always an option, but typically vets will only go down this route as a last resort.
Holistic remedies
If you’d rather treat your dog’s pain at home, there are a plethora of at-home treatments that can help your dog in no time. These include:
- Ice packs or heating pads
- Massages
- Acupuncture
- Doggy steps or mobility aids
- Heated dog beds
Takeaway
Generally, while Tylenol and other NSAIDs are a go-to for our pain, we shouldn’t give them to our dogs. If you give your pup an unprescribed human medicine, or they ingest human medication, contact your veterinary office immediately to see if your dog should come in for a visit. Always keep your medications out of their noses, mouths, or paw’s reach.
