Community Spirit, March 2018

common household painkiller is Ibuprofen, which
One
the enzymes necessary for your dog or cat to
inhibits
normal gastric mucosal barriers, blood flow
maintain
the kidneys, and blood platelet aggregation.
through
means that if your pet has ingested Ibuprofen, he
This
suffer perforated intestines, compromised kidney
may
not make themselves apparent until the following
may
days.
and medicines such as Calpol that contain
Paracetamol,
are another common component of the
paracetamol,
deforms and destroys their red blood cells. For this
it
it can cause liver failure, and the damage to red
reason,
cells reduces your pet’s ability to get sufficient
blood
around his body, which can even cause brain
oxygen
Symptoms of paracetamol poisoning in pets
damage.
gastrointestinal upset, swollen face and/or
include
(especially in cats), and bluish-tinged mucosal
limbs
Similarly, Aspirin ingestion can cause
membranes.
haemorrhage, anaemia, raised body
internal
vomiting, gastric ulcers, and other
temperature,
complications. All of these painkillers are
metabolic
and manufactured for the human metabolism,
designed
they are not licensed for use in pets as they have
and
scientifically proven to be harmful. Many human
been
also contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener
medications
you might put in your cup of tea or find in sugar-
which
you must seek veterinary advice, as what is safe to
here
your dog may be dangerous for your cat, and vice
give
cats and dogs, just like humans, can suffer
Though
disturbances and may need a course of
psychological
as part of their treatment, this is always
antidepressants
careful veterinary supervision. Such medications
under
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or
include
serotonin-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as
selective
or Daparox. As in humans, the wrong dose of
Prozac
can lead to what is known as Serotonin
antidepressants
a potentially fatal condition triggered by excessive
Syndrome,
system activity. If your pet has accidentally ingested
nervous
in the home, symptoms may include altered
antidepressants
states, tremors, convulsions, muscular rigidity,
mental
dilation, and in severe cases coma or death. The
pupil
is usually good, however, with rapid veterinary care
prognosis
if your pet has no pre-existing medical condition to
and
the picture.
complicate
function, and his blood may be unable to clot properly.
of Ibuprofen toxicity may include vomiting,
Symptoms
loss, apathy, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, pale
appetite
and ocular conjunctiva, or abnormal bleeding.
gums
symptoms may appear within an hour, but they
These
cabinet. The active ingredient,
medicine
is metabolised by your pet’s liver, and
acetaminophen,
chewing gum, but which is highly toxic to dogs.
free
painkillers are species-appropriate, but even
Veterinary
versa.
vomiting, diarrhoea, tachycardia, raised body temperature,
A N I M A L W E L L B E I N G | C O M M U N I T Y S P I R I T