Experts are warning that dogs could die in just 24 to 72 hours through simple mistake
UK pet owners are increasingly turning to the internet for ways to treat their animals at home, with searches for “can dogs take paracetamol?” reaching approximately 24,000 annually. This trend comes as veterinary treatment costs continue to rise.
However, experts are warning that this seemingly harmless money-saving attempt is extremely dangerous for pets and can prove toxic or even fatal if administered incorrectly, according to research by pet insurance specialists at MoneySuperMarket.
Animals metabolise medications differently from humans, meaning drugs that are safe for people can be harmful to pets. For dogs, a therapeutic dose of paracetamol is approximately 15mg per kilogram, whilst a typical human dose of 150mg per kilogram can be lethal.
Giving paracetamol to your pet can prove fatal(Image: SVPhilon via Getty Images)
A single paracetamol tablet available from a pharmacy or local shop typically contains 500mg of paracetamol. This far exceeds the recommended dosage for small, medium, and even some large dog breeds.
Kara Gammell, at MoneySuperMarket, warned: “Paracetamol is one of the most searched-for human medications, but it’s far from the only risk. Well-meaning owners may assume that if a medicine is safe for people, it must be safe for pets, but that simply isn’t true and even small misjudgements in dosing can lead to serious harm,” reports Wales Online.
“Occasionally, vets may prescribe a carefully calculated veterinary-specific formulation of medicines similar to paracetamol, but this is done on a case-by-case basis. Pet owners should never attempt to use human painkillers at home. The risk of dosing incorrectly is very real.
“Trying to save money by using human paracetamol instead of vet-prescribed medication can lead to a painful, emotional, and costly emergency visit – and, in the worst cases, a fatal outcome. For owners worried about unexpected costs, pet insurance can help cover certain emergency treatments, depending on the policy. Comparing policies on MoneySuperMarket can help you understand the level of cover available and find the right option for your pet.”
Pets are unable to metabolise paracetamol in the same way humans can, meaning it can poison them and cause severe cellular damage. In serious cases, where large quantities have been consumed – sometimes without the owner even realising – approximately one-third of fatalities occur within the first 24 to 72 hours.
Kara advised: “If your pet has been given paracetamol – even unknowingly – you should seek emergency veterinary care immediately, and share as much information as possible with the vet, as even small delays can increase the risks. Clinical signs may appear within four hours and can include vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, loss of appetite, difficulty standing, bluish gums or tongue, and a rapid heartbeat. Acting quickly gives your pet the best possible chance of recovery, so don’t wait for symptoms to worsen before getting help.”
Cases of poisoning often necessitate immediate emergency care, blood tests, hospitalisation, and intensive treatment, with costs that can rapidly rise into the hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
Recent research from MoneySuperMarket revealed that a third of pet owners have made an emergency visit to the vet for incidents such as poisoning in the past year. Kara added: “Emergency vet visits are typically more expensive than a routine appointment and with costs now averaging £268.92 – around 6% higher than last year.
“When a pet is sick or injured, their care will always be the priority but these rising costs can add extra pressure for owners at an already stressful time. Pet insurance can provide valuable peace of mind, helping owners focus on their pet’s health rather than worrying about the financial impact of unexpected treatment.”
