We often hear about the top foods that dogs shouldn't eat but very rarely the top plants, chemicals and even drugs that are toxic to pets. Dogchannel just put out an article that discusses these top human medicaiton that can be harmful to your dog.

The article states that every year tens of thousands of calls are made regarding pet poisoning because of human prescription drugs, rat poisons, etc. There is a 24-hour helpline (800-213-6680) available to help call in the North America region to help pet owners and vets that may be dealing with a case of pet poisoning. The following is the list of human drugs that can be harmful to pets:

NSAIDs - (e.g. Advil, Aleve, Moltrin) This is a common household drug called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and include drugs with ibuprofen and naproxen.

Acetaminophen - (e.g. Tylenol) While safe to use with people its definitely not safe to use with pets (especially cats), one tablet of acetaminophen can cause red blood cell damage in cats.

Antidepressants - (e.g. Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro) May sometimes be used for pets but overdosing can cause serious neurological problems. Some pets especially cats, seem to like the taste of Effexor and may eat an entire pill.

ADD/ADHD medications - (e.g. Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin) Even small amounts of these drugs can cause serious tremors, seizures, elevated body temps, and heart problems.

Benzodiazepines and sleep aids - (e.g. Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta) about 50% of dogs who have ingested sleep aids have become agitated instead of sedated. These drugs can cause lethargy, incoordination and slowed breathing.

Birth Control - (e.g. estrogen, estradiol, progesterone) If a pet ingests a large amount of estrogen and estradiol it may cause bone marrow suppression (especially in birds). Also, intact femal pets can have side effects from estrogen poisoning.

ACE inhibitors - (e.g. Zestril, Altace) Not life threatening and some pets can be monitored at home however there is the chance of kidney failure or heart disease.

Beta-Blockers - (e.g. Tenormin, Toprol, Coreg) Even small amounts of this drug can cause serious poisoning in pets. Overdoses can even cause dangerous drops in blood pressure and slow heart rate.

Thyroid Hormones - (e.g. Armour Desiccated Thyroid, Synthroid) Large ingestions of this medication can cause muscle tremors, nervousness, panting, rapid heart rate and aggression.

Cholestrol Lowering agents - (e.g. Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor) Can cause mild vomiting and diarrhea, serious side effects can happen with long term use.

If your pet has ingested any kind of drug it would be advisable to contact Pet Poison helpline who will have veterinary professionals including board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialists, board-certified veterinary emergency critical care specialists, veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians specifically trained in the field of toxicology

there is no need for dogs to have any human meds specified for humans...not healthy and could be very harmful if not designed to be ok for dogs.

good info to know! thanks for posting it!

In Chip's last two years the vet had me giving him 1/2 od a lo-dose asprin everyday for pain.

Betterdog4u wrote:

In Chip's last two years the vet had me giving him 1/2 od a lo-dose asprin everyday for pain.

Yeah, in the back of the Dog Owners Veterinary Handbook there was a list of some human meds that you are able to give to your dog, but the doses are considerably lower and its important that its done under vet supervision/recommendation.