No one likes to see their dog in pain. You want to do something to help your dog feel better and if the veterinary clinic\u2019s closed, you might consider giving them human medicine. But some human medicine \u2014 prescription and over-the-counter \u2014 can have harmful effects on your dog\u2019s kidneys (and other organs). Your good intentions may actually be hurting your dog. Dogs can also be very resourceful and can often find a way to get into something they shouldn\u2019t, leading to accidental ingestion of human medicine.<\/p>\n
In this article we\u2019ll discuss some of the human medicines that can make your dog ill, focusing on those that can cause acute kidney injury<\/a> in dogs. We\u2019ll also go over what to do if your dog ingests human medication, how to safely store medicines and why you should always follow prescription directions from your veterinarian.<\/p>\n You should never give your dog any<\/em> human prescription or over-the-counter medication without talking to your veterinarian first. You may think that because human medication is labeled safe for adults, children or babies, that it\u2019s also safe for your dog. But dogs don\u2019t metabolize drugs the same way as people. Medications that are generally safe for humans in the correct dose, like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, can be harmful or even deadly to your dog.<\/p>\n If your dog has ingested human medication<\/a> or you suspect that they have, immediately call your veterinarian, an after-hours emergency veterinary clinic or one of the two animal poison control centers in North America.<\/p>\n You should also seek immediate veterinary advice if your dog has ingested too much (overdosed on) medication that was prescribed for them (or another pet). Overdosing on veterinary medication can also be harmful for your dog.<\/p>\n The toxicity of drugs depends on the medication type, your dog\u2019s size and the strength of the medication. Here are some common human medications that can cause kidney failure in dogs.<\/p>\n NSAIDs<\/strong><\/p>\n Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include familiar names like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, carprofen and meloxicam, are used to treat pain and inflammation in people and pets. But according to Pet Poison Helpline, toxic amounts of NSAIDs<\/a> can cause acute kidney failure in dogs as well as gastrointestinal ulcers.<\/p>\n Vitamin D<\/strong><\/p>\n Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for dogs that regulates their calcium and phosphorus balance \u2014 but too much vitamin D can be toxic to dogs. Vitamin D3 (also called cholecalciferol) is used in some mouse and rat poisons, which are common sources of poisoning for dogs when consumed in toxic amounts. Other products containing vitamin D that dogs could be exposed to include vitamin supplements and psoriasis creams and ointments. VCA Animal Hospital veterinarians explain that high doses of vitamin D<\/a> cause elevated levels of calcium and phosphorus which can cause kidney failure and tissue mineralization (along with other symptoms), and that without treatment it can be fatal.<\/p>\n Antibiotics<\/strong><\/p>\n According to PetMD, some antibiotics can cause kidney failure in dogs<\/a> including kanamycin, neomycin, polymyxin B and amikacin.<\/p>\n Heart Medication<\/strong><\/p>\n Pet Poison Helpline explains that beta blockers<\/a> and calcium channel blockers<\/a>, used to manage heart disease and regulate blood pressure in humans as well as cats and dogs, have a narrow safety margin. An overdose of these heart medications can cause heart failure, a very slow heart rate and very low blood pressure, which can result in acute kidney failure.<\/p>\n Along with human medication, you shouldn\u2019t\u00a0give your dog medication that was prescribed for another pet without talking to your veterinarian first. You may give them the wrong dose, or your dog may have an underlying health condition or be on medications that aren\u2019t compatible with that medication. It\u2019s important to let your veterinarian know what other medications your dog is taking so they can check for possible drug interactions. When your dog is taking medication, you should\u00a0watch them for potential side effects.<\/p>\n Always make sure you have specific instructions from your veterinarian on how much medicine to give your dog and how often \u2014 and make sure you understand the directions. If you have any questions about the medication, be sure to ask your veterinarian for clarification. Too much medicine could cause harmful side effects, while not enough medicine may not relieve your dog\u2019s symptoms. Here are some tips for giving your dog medication<\/a>.<\/p>\nPause on People Pills<\/h2>\n
Act Quickly if Your Dog Ingests Human Medicine<\/h2>\n
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Human Medications Can Cause Canine Kidney Problems<\/h2>\n
Follow the Prescription<\/h2>\n
Keep All Medications Away from Your Pets<\/h2>\n