Oakland Park Animal Hospital

2200 West Oakland Park Blvd.

Oakland Park, FL 33311 US

2200 West Oakland Park Blvd.

Oakland Park, FL 33311 US

(954) 731-4228

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Appointment Request
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
    • Blog
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • Areas We Serve
  • Conditions We Treat
    • Lameness & Limping
    • Pet Allergy
      • Pet Allergy FAQs
    • Pet Eye Infections
    • Pet Dental
    • Pet Dehydration and Heatstroke
    • Pet Ear Infections
    • Mast Cell Tumors in Cats
    • Vomit and Diarrhea
  • Services
    • Arthritis In Pets
    • Pet Medical Services
    • Exotic & Pocket Pets
      • Avian
      • Veterinary Care for Exotic Pets
      • Reptile Care
      • What to Expect
      • Exotic & Pocket Pets FAQ
    • Laser Pain Management
    • Metabolic & Endocrine
    • Pet Eye Infections FAQ
    • Pet Exam
    • Pet Illness
    • Pet Seizures
    • Pet Boarding
      • Pet Boarding FAQs
      • Cat Boarding
      • Dog Boarding
    • Pet Grooming
      • Dog Grooming
      • Pet Grooming FAQs
    • Pet Surgery
      • Orthopedic Surgery
      • Pet Surgery FAQ
    • Spay and Neuter
      • Cat Spay and Neuter
      • Dog Spay and Neuter
      • Spay and Neuter FAQs
    • Puppy & Kitten Care
      • Puppy And Kitten Care FAQ
    • Heartworm Treatment
      • Heartworm Treatment FAQ
    • Senior Pet Care
      • Senior Pet Care FAQ
      • Senior Pet Wellness
    • Pet Emergencies
      • Pet Emergency FAQ
      • Pet Urgent Care
      • Urgent Care FAQs
    • Pet Dermatology
      • Pet Dermatology FAQ
    • Fleas &Ticks Treatment
      • Fleas & Ticks FAQ
    • Vaccinations
      • Vaccinations Required By Law
      • Vaccination FAQ
    • Cold Laser Therapy
      • Cold Laser Therapy FAQ
    • Mental Stimulation For Cats
    • Mental Stimulation For Dogs
    • Microchipping
      • Pet Microchipping FAQs
    • Pet Gastrointestinal Problems
      • Pet Gastrointestinal Problems FAQ
  • Petsimonials
  • Online Store
  • Reviews
  • Contact Us
  • Veterinary Blog
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Human vs Pet Medications: Why You Should Never Share Medicine with Your Pets

Human vs Pet Medications: Why You Should Never Share Medicine with Your Pets

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Cat and dog under blanket

Can Pets and People Share Medication?

Every year, thousands of pets become sick when they swallow or are exposed to medication intended for humans. In fact, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center received more calls in 2021 about poisoning caused by over-the-counter and prescription medications than any other toxic substances. Although pet owners are only trying to help their furry friends, many pets suffer unnecessary health issues or even die when they receive human medications.

Why It's Not a Good Idea to Give Your Pet Human Medications

People and pets often metabolize (break down) medications differently. Breaking down an over-the-counter or prescription drug makes it easier for the drug to enter the bloodstream and travel to the tissues. Unfortunately, a drug that helps you feel better could make your pet very sick if the medication becomes stronger when it metabolizes.

Human medications can be used for pets in some instances but only if recommended by your veterinarian. If a drug is safe for your pet, the veterinarian will let you know the appropriate dosage for your dog, cat or small animal. Giving a pet the same dosage you use could cause serious health complications.

Medications That Can Sicken Your Pet

Many medications approved for use in people could sicken your dog, cat, or small animal ill, including:

  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs decrease inflammation and pain and are a good choice if you have a headache or joint or muscle pain. Some NSAIDs are safe for pets, but the NSAIDs you take aren't. If your pet takes ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen sodium or other NSAIDs, it could experience vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, or liver and kidney damage.
  • Acetaminophen. Cats are particularly sensitive to acetaminophen and can die if they ingest it. Both cats and dogs may develop liver damage from the over-the-counter medication, according to Drugs.com.
  • Vitamins and Supplements. The vitamins and supplements you take to improve your health could harm your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reports that alpha-lipoic acid, xylitol, iron, vitamin D3 and coffee extract, common ingredients in supplements, are particularly unsafe for pets. These ingredients may cause health problems ranging from vomiting to seizures to death.
  • Antidepressants and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Medication. If your pet swallows ADHD or antidepressant medication, it could develop seizures, tremors, elevated heart rate and high body temperature.
  • Decongestants and Allergy Medications. Pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, the active ingredients in medications that relieve your congestion or ease your allergy symptoms, may make your pets very ill. These drugs, particularly those that have a "D" at the end of their names, such as Claritin-D, can cause seizures, dangerously elevated heart rate and death.
  • Beta-Blockers. Beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure may have the opposite effect on your pet. The drugs could cause your pet's blood pressure and heart rate to drop to dangerously low levels.
  • Sleeping Aids and Anti-Anxiety Medication. Your pet might become agitated or develop an elevated heart rate or low blood pressure if it swallows sleeping pills or anti-anxiety drugs.
  • Topical Cancer Medication. Fluorouracil, a topical medication applied to cancerous lesions on the skin, can kill dogs, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although there have been no reports of deaths in cats, the FDA notes that the medication could also sicken cats that are exposed to it.

How to Protect Your Pet

Protecting your pet from toxic drugs can be as simple as:

  • Keeping all medication in a secure place
  • Putting child-proof locks on your cabinets if your dog or cat knows how to open the doors
  • Picking up dropped pills and cleaning up spilled medication immediately
  • Placing empty pill bottles, applicators or tubes in the outside trash as soon as you finish a dose or prescription
  • Asking your veterinarian if a medication is safe for your pet
  • Calling your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or another poison control center if your pet accidentally ingests a human medication.

Are you wondering if a particular medication is safe for your pet or worried that your companion may have accidentally swallowed one of your medications? Give us a call and we'll let you know what to do.

Sources:

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2021

ASPCA: Which Supplements and Vitamins Are Dangerous for Pets?, 1/15/2021

U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA Advice on Pet Exposure to Prescription Topical (Human) Cancer Treatment - Fluorouracil, 11/2/2020

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine: Keep Your Medications Away from Pets

Drugs.com: Is it Safe to Give Human Medicine to Pets?, 9/14/2021

American Veterinary Medical Association:10 Poison Pills for Pets

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Cats
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Featured Links

Click to find out more

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Wow! Thanks to all the staff at Anderson Vet Clinic. I feel like you all truly love what you do! My kitty, Lola and I always have such a pleasant experience when we come in. Fortunately, it’s usually just for a check-up, but I would not leave Lola in anyone else’s hands but yours. Thank you for your caring commitment!"
    Maya Smith / Los Angeles, CA
  • "I have benefited tremendously from the care my pet received from Dr. Anderson."
    John Doe / San Diego, CA
  • "Fabio wasn’t eating the food I was giving him and I didn’t feel he was getting the nutrition he needed. Thanks to Dr. Anderson, he evaluated Fabio and his current diet to make some recommendations and now Fabio has gone from barely eating to finishing his meals and he looks healthier than ever. You clearly are an expert in your field...thanks so much!"
    Tara Brown / Kansas City, MO

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • March Newsletter: Care Tips for Your Pocket Pets

    Do you follow these pocket pet care guidelines? ...

    Read More
  • March Newsletter: First Time Pet Owner? Here's What You Need to Know

    Bring a pet home soon? Take a look a few things you should know. ...

    Read More
  • Caring for Your Older Pet

    Many of the same problems that affect people as they age, such as arthritis and diabetes, can also affect your pet. Making a few changes to the way you care for your furry friend will help you ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy as the years go by. Look for Common Signs of Illness Changes ...

    Read More
  • February Newsletter: Weird Things Your Cat Does and What They Mean

    Looking for an explanation for your cat's strange behaviors? ...

    Read More
  • February Newsletter: Where to Start When Training Your Puppy

    Is your puppy ready to be trained? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: National Bird Day

    Got any plans for National Bird Day? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: Don't Forget to Vaccinate Your Pets this Year

    Is pet vaccinated? ...

    Read More
  • December Newsletter: Cold Weather Tips for Your Pets

    Are your pets ready for winter weather? ...

    Read More
  • December Newsletter: Pets and the Holidays: What to Know before Feeding Your Pet Table Scraps

    Could holiday table scraps cause health woes for your pets? ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: How arthritis can affect your pet

    Could your pet have arthritis? ...

    Read More
No form settings found. Please configure it.

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map