Tylenol, or acetaminophen, is a go-to pain reliever for humans, but it can be deadly to dogs. Do not give your dog any Tylenol for any reason. There is no safe Tylenol dosage for dogs.
As much as we hate to see our dogs in pain, you can’t assume the pain relievers we take ourselves are effective, or more importantly, are safe drugs for our dogs.
The answers to the questions “Can I give my dog Tylenol for pain?” and “How much Tylenol can I give my dog?” are short and simple: No and none.
Pain should always be diagnosed by a veterinarian before treatment, and the veterinarian will advise you as to the best and safest way to treat pain in your dog.
Why say ‘no’ to Tylenol and Acetaminophen
While sometimes used in veterinary medicine for dogs under strict guidelines, Tylenol, a common over-the-counter pain reliever for humans, can kill your dog.
When ingested, according to the FDA, acetaminophen can cause severe damage in dogs including:
- Liver damage, the higher the dose, the worse the damage and risk of liver failure.
- Red blood cell damage, which causes these cells to lose their capability to carry oxygen throughout the dog’s body.
According to the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists (ACVP), “It is important to note that acetaminophen may be present in multi-symptom cold and allergy products.” Any accidental ingestions of one of these types medications should be reported to your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention can significantly improve the chances of recovery, so if you suspect your dog has ingested Tylenol/acetaminophen, contact your veterinarian or a pet-poison hotline, like:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, a 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline, 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661
There may be a charge for these calls.
Signs and symptoms of toxicity, according to ACVP, include weakness, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, blue/purple discoloration of skin or mucous membranes, jaundice, vomiting, significant decrease in body temperature, and facial or paw swelling.
Alternatives to Tylenol
The FDA suggests that veterinarians advise clients about controlling dog pain with NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which include these approved-for-dogs drugs:
- Carprofen (brand and generic names)
- Deracoxib (Deramaxx)
- Firocoxib (Previcox)
- Grapiprant (Galliprant)
- Meloxicam (Metacam and generics)
- Robenacoxib (Onsior)
Consult our online guide to pain medications, “Dog Pain Medication: A Guide to Common Drugs,” by Dr. Jennifer Bailey, for more information.
While not as toxic as acetaminophen, these are prescription drugs, so follow your veterinarian’s guidance. Monitor your dog while he is taking any of the NSAID listed above and for a little while after he or she has taken it.
“Every year veterinarians prescribe millions of doses of NSAIDs for dogs with good reason — but many side effects occur. As a group, NSAIDs may affect the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. The FDA lists reported side effects in dogs and cats as “vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, and lethargy.”
Most of these side effects are mild, but serious side effects may occur, especially if the drug is not used according to the label. These side effect include gastrointestinal ulcers and perforations and kidney and liver problems that, in some cases, can result in death.
If your pet experiences more severe reactions (e.g., seizures, is unconscious or losing consciousness, or having difficulty breathing), take your dog to your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic, along with the bottle that the drug came from. And always keep both prescription and over-the-counter medications stored in a place your dog can’t access.
