My Dog Ate a 500mg Tylenol - Acetaminophen Toxicity

Ae we state in the introduction, Tylenol is a pain medication which has the active ingredient acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol. These are both generic names for the chemical para-acetylaminophenol which acts to provide pain. It is an analgesic and antipyretic, meaning it is used to treat pain and fever, respectively. It is on the WHO's List of Essential Medicines.

Although Tylenol is a common drug for humans, there is no Tylenol for dogs. This is because the active ingredient is harmful to the dog's organism. A sufficient dose can be fatal, but even a small amount can cause acetaminophen toxicity in dogs.

There are drugs which are safe for both humans and dogs, but there are many which are not. One of the main reasons for this is because the two have very different metabolisms. We should never give human medication to a dog without express permission by a veterinarian. Often veterinary medications come in different preparations which make them suitable for use in dogs.

Many people may wonder whether they can give Tylenol to dogs since it is such a common and safe medication for humans. Unfortunately, this is not the case for dogs. If a dog is given Tylenol, it can result in various side effects and acetaminophen toxicity can be fatal if given a sufficient dose.

We do not give Tylenol to dogs since there are safer options specially formulated for this species. They will offer efficacy and safety and that the veterinarian can prescribe before Tylenol.

It is also very important to take the dog to a veterinarian for diagnosis. If our dog is showing evident signs of pain or they have a high fever, we should not medicate them ourselves. We need to go to the vet to achieve the correct diagnosis and provide the corresponding treatment. Medicating our dog at home can mean this diagnosis is delayed or may even worsen the underlying cause.

Learn more about acetaminophen toxicity with our article on giving paracetamol to dogs.

We have already explained that Tylenol in dogs will cause acetaminophen toxicity. However, not all dogs will respond in the same way. One very important factor is size. Generally speaking, a dog can experience acetaminophen toxicity if they take as little as 75 mg per kg of their body weight. This means a smaller dog under 6 kg could experience serious symptoms if they take a 500 mg Tylenol.

Larger dogs should have more protection if they ingest a 500 mg Tylenol. The rate of toxicity should be lower for them due to their size, but we will need to take into account other factors. For example, a dog may have taken other medications or have other health problems which make them more susceptible. Some dogs may even have a greater sensitivity to this drug and experience serious side effects, even if they are a larger dog.

The consumption of Tylenol can cause different adverse effects in our dog, especially when a dose is particularly high. This is because they will not be able to metabolize it and eliminate it from their body. Perhaps the most notable effect of acetaminophen toxicity in dogs is the damage that can occur in the liver and the destruction of red blood cells. In turn, this ends up compromising oxygen transport.

When the liver is affected, it causes what is known as hepatocellular cytolysis. This is the destruction of the cells of this organ. This effect, called hemolysis, also occurs in red blood cells.

Generally speaking, the symptoms of a Tylenol overdose in dogs include the following:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Pale gums
• Jaundice
• Edema (fluid buildup)
• Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
• Cyanosis (bluish mucous membranes
• Coma

In the most serious cases, toxic shock can occur. These clinical signs can occur as early as 4 hours after consumption of sufficient quantities of Tylenol and death can occur within 2-3 days.

It must be taken into account that it is relatively easy for poisoning to occur in dogs. The dose that a dog can tolerate is much lower than what works for humans. A small dog could suffer poisoning if we give them a 500 mg Tylenol pill. However, poisoning is not always due to an overdose given by the caregiver. Sometimes, the dog ingests the drug in its desire to explore. This is why it is so important we keep medications out of reach of dogs.

Learn more about what to expect with liver failure in dogs if the Tylenol overdose causes long-term liver damage.

If you are able, you should take the dog to a veterinarian. If you cannot do this right away, you should call an emergency vet for guidance. There may also be other services you can use such as a poison control hotline who are able to guide you through first-aid treatment for the dog. In the USA, this can be contacted using the number 800-213-6680.

You will need to give the hotline or the veterinarian as much information as you can. This will include their weight, age and health status, as well as anything else they deem necessary. You will need to explain any symptoms you may have witnessed, as well as the amount of Tylenol that has been consumed. They will then determine whether you need to take them to a clinic.

The treatment of Tylenol poisoning in dogs also depends on how recently it has been consumed. If it is within 1 or 2 hours, the vet may perform a stomach lavage or induce vomiting. If more time has elapsed, then it is likely this interventions will not help.

Generally speaking, the dog will need to be taken into observation and have their vital signs stabilized. This will include fluid therapy and medications to reduce blood pressure or combat other effects of the acetaminophen toxicity. They will also be able to monitor for complications such as internal bleeding or respiratory failure.

The prognosis will depend on the individual circumstances. Prompt intervention is important since the earlier the dog can be stabilized, the better the prognosis will be.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

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