Tylenol recall and safety with medications and pets

     Recently a recall on Tylenol brand acetaminophen products for people brought up a common subject regarding medications. Even though this is an over the counter drug, and therefore should seem fairly safe, acetaminophen can cause liver damage in dogs. It will kill cats. Period. Cats do not have the same liver drug detoxification pathways that other animals do. For example, cats can only receive one half of a baby aspirin dose once every three days. If a cat is getting aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, they can quickly become compromised in their kidneys and or liver. Even drugs that are prescribed for pets and are animal-specific can still have potential for side effects. These potential issues can be even more dangerous if a medication is flavored, such as some commonly prescribed arthritis meds such as chewable carprofen (Rimadyl) or deracoxib (Deramaxx). If you have flavored medications for your pet, make sure to keep them safely out of reach of keen noses and mouths so they do not consume a toxic amount.
In the event an empty bottle of medications is found, call the veterinary emergency room or poison control with the medication’s name, strength, and best estimate of how many pills were in the bottle and how long ago the pet may have ingested it. Depending on what the medication is, the size of the pet, and how long ago the meds were consumed, inducing vomiting may be ideal, but most often a visit to the ER is recommended.