Why you shouldn't give your dog human medicines

Dogs need medicines and doses specific to their bodies



Topic: Veterinary


CAN I GIVE MY DOG MEDICATION IF HE IS UNWELL?

Approximate reading time :  6 minutes

We know how bad it is when your pet is down, in pain or doesn't feel like playing. Dogs are animals that, under normal conditions, are usually very happy and active, so seeing them sick causes us great shock and concern. At this time, you may have been tempted to give your dog a medicine from your medicine cabinet to make them feel better. But you should know that this is never a good idea. Medicating your dog with substances designed for humans is very dangerous, as their bodies work differently and metabolise these drugs in a different way. Even if you mean well, giving your dog a medicine with a formulation designed exclusively for humans is very risky, as it could cause adverse reactions, in some cases very serious ones. This can happen even in the case of everyday or over-the-counter medicines that we all have at home. Be careful not to ‘self-medicate’ your dog!


Dog with various human medicines

Table of contents


1- Dangers of human medicines in dogs

2- Which human medicines are dangerous for dogs?

Dangers of human medication in dogs


If you suspect something is wrong with your dog, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with your vet, but never give your dog medication on your own without consulting a professional and calculating the dosage by eye. Here are some of the problems your dog could suffer if you medicate them with products for human consumption.

    • Organ problems. A dog's body metabolises the chemical compounds contained in medicines differently than a person's. If not eliminated correctly, these particles can accumulate in the animal's various organs, causing kidney, liver or lung failure. When not eliminated correctly, these particles can accumulate in the animal's various organs, causing kidney, liver or lung failure.

    • Failure to diagnose. No matter how well you know your dog, it is difficult to know for sure what is wrong with them. Medicating your dog without a diagnosis, assuming what is causing them to be unwell, is extremely dangerous. On the one hand, the medicine you give them could harm the real problem, and on the other hand, every day that passes without a visit to the vet will mean that they are not receiving the right treatment for their condition.

    • Overdose. Human medicines come in formats that allow us to easily ingest the dose that corresponds to us. But dogs' bodies are different, so it is impossible to calculate how much medicine your pet needs. Even if you break the tablet in half, you won't know if you are giving the right dose. It's best not to take any chances, as the effects could be serious. Every dog needs a different dose of medication depending on their weight and age, and this is not something you can calculate by eye or a quick internet search.

Which human medicines are dangerous for dogs?


The human medicines that we most commonly think of giving to our dogs are those that we perceive as harmless because of their everydayness and accessibility. For you it may be a very common thing to take a painkiller for a headache. The pills you use probably relieve your discomfort and do not cause any side effects. But don't forget that we are talking about chemicals, which even in the case of people always have some effects on the body, especially if we abuse them for a long time. In the case of dogs, this is even worse, as their body is not prepared to process these compounds and reactions of varying severity can occur. These are the main human medicines that you should never give to your pet:


Dog trying to catch medication

  • NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Anti-inflammatory drugs work in people by relieving inflammation, as the name suggests, and also by reducing pain. One of the most popular is ibuprofen, which is present in most home medicine cabinets. However, this medicine is not recommended for dogs, as it damages the gastric mucous membranes, causing ulcers, diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In the worst cases it can lead to kidney failure, with lethal consequences.


  • Analgesics

Paracetamol is one of the best known and most commonly used painkillers for pain relief, as it can be bought over the counter. But giving this compound to your pet could cause a destruction of red blood cells, responsible for transporting oxygen, causing intoxication of certain tissues. In addition, paracetamol can also have negative effects on your dog's liver.


  • Antibiotics

A person should never take antibiotics without the corresponding medical prescription, as, in the long run, a resistance is generated in the body that forces the use of more and more aggressive medications, making the treatments much more complicated. The same applies to dogs, but there is also the added risk of poisoning, as it is very difficult to calculate the correct dosage. The most frequent symptoms are vomiting and excessive salivation, although in the long term they can cause liver and kidney damage.


  • Aspirin

This is also a drug commonly used in people that we may consider using in dogs. In fact, in an appropriate dose, your vet may prescribe this medicine for your furry friend. But you should never give aspirin to your dog on your own, as it can cause vomiting, kidney problems, fever or seizures as a reaction to an overdose.


  • Benzodiazepines

Some dogs have a very difficult time on car journeys or trips to the vet because they have not been properly socialised, i.e. we have not habituated them from puppyhood with gradual exposure. Many people may think of medicating their pets with tranquillisers such as Diazepam to ease their nerves in times of stress. However, this is totally inadvisable and very dangerous, as it could cause a paradoxical effect on their body, causing even more nervousness, as well as affecting the liver. Benzodiazepines are used in dogs with epilepsy in appropriate doses and always under veterinary supervision.

In short, if you notice your dog is down and you think they might be ill, don't gamble. Take them to the vet for a diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribe the most appropriate medication so that they will soon feel better and be back to their old self.