Can Dogs Take Paracetamol?
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If your dog is in pain you might find yourself wondering if you can give them some paracetamol to ease their pain until you get them to the vet.
But no, you should not give your dog paracetamol. Whilst vets may do so in very specific circumstances, giving it to your dog at home without professional guidance is very dangerous.
Can dogs have paracetamol?
Dogs process medications very differently to humans. So although paracetamol is one of the most common painkillers for humans, that does not make it safe for dogs and paracetamol should only ever be given under the guidance of a vet.
According to Vets Now, paracetamol can be used in dogs in certain circumstances, but dogs need different doses to humans and it can be highly toxic if they are given too much. The gap between a safe dose and a harmful one is very small.
When vets do prescribe paracetamol they will look at your dog's weight, age, breed, overall health and any other medications or medical conditions. They will also check your dogs liver and kidney functions first because paracetamol can make any problems with these significantly worse. Dogs Trust also point out that paracetamol can interact with other medications, so your vet will also check any other medications that your dog is on to ensure there's no risk of contraindications with other medication.
A 2023 study published in Veterinary Medicine and Science surveyed 250 UK vets. The study found that 98% of those surveyed had used paracetamol during their career, but that it was “predominantly used as an alternative to NSAIDs or as part of a multimodal analgesia” rather than as a first choice. The study also noted that “there are no large studies evaluating its effect or safety” in dogs specifically. This reinforces why paracetamol should only ever be given be given under the guidance of a vet.
Why is paracetamol dangerous for dogs?
When a dog takes too much paracetamol their body cannot break it down. The MSD Veterinary Manual explains how when too much paracetamol is processed in the liver the liver becomes overwhelmed, its functions become inhibited and a toxic compound builds up that damages liver cells and red blood cells. According to Vets Now paracetamol toxicity can cause:
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Liver damage or failure
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Damage to red blood cells.
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A condition called methaemoglobinaemia, where the blood cannot transport oxygen properly
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Kidney damage
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In severe cases, coma or death
Smaller dogs and toy breeds are at a higher risk because it takes less of the drug to reach a toxic level.
What about Calpol or liquid paracetamol?
You may think that children’s paracetamol would be safe due to it being weaker than regular adults paracetamol. But this is still not safe for dogs. Products like Calpol contain a sweetener called xylitol which Vets Now describe as “extremely toxic to dogs.”. The Veterinary Prescriber also warns that human formulations can contain ingredients such as caffeine, ibuprofen or xylitol, all of which are harmful for dogs.
Can dogs take ibuprofen?
No, ibuprofen is highly toxic to dogs and Vets Now warns that “even a single tablet for a large dog, such as a Labrador, can cause serious illness.” If you suspect that your dog has accidentally eaten ibuprofen contact your vet immediately as this is an emergency.
Signs of paracetamol poisoning in dogs
If your dog has accidentally ingested paracetamol here are the warning signs to watch for. Symptoms can appear within one to two hours, but may take longer to develop in some cases.
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Vomiting or drooling
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Loss of appetite or refusing food
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Lethargy or unusual tiredness
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Rapid or laboured breathing
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Swelling around the face, paws or legs
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Gums or tongue turning pale, blue or brownish
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Dark or discoloured urine
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Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
If you notice any of these signs, get your dog to a vet as quickly as possible. Early treatment makes a significant difference to the outcome. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.
What to do if your dog eats paracetamol.
If you think your dog has accidentally eaten paracetamol:
1. Contact your vet straight away. If it is outside normal hours, call the nearest emergency vet.
2. Try to work out how much they have taken. Check how many tablets are missing from the packet and make a note of the brand and strength. Ideally take the packet with you.
3. Note the time. Tell your vet roughly when you think the paracetamol was eaten.
4. Do not try to make your dog sick at home.
According to Vets Now, treatment can include inducing vomiting if the ingestion was recent enough, IV fluids to support the kidneys, and liver-protectant medicines. Antidotes are also available for some medications and may be used if your vet considers it necessary. The key thing is to act fast.
Safer alternatives to paracetamol for dogs
The good news is that there are much safer pain relief options out there. Your vet can prescribe medications such as:
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Meloxicam (often sold as Metacam), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) designed for dogs
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Carprofen or firocoxib, other veterinary NSAIDs commonly used for joint pain and post-surgical recovery
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Gabapentin, used for nerve-related pain
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Tramadol, a mild opioid for more severe discomfort
It is important to always get painkillers from your vet. They can assess your dogs situation and prescribe the most suitable medication, as well as providing information on how much to give. Painkillers of any kind should only ever be given under the guidance of a vet.
When might a vet prescribe paracetamol for a dog?
According to the Veterinary Prescriber, vets may turn to paracetamol under the prescribing cascade when there is no suitable veterinary-specific medicine available. They follow stringent guidelines to ensure they get the dose right because, as we’ve learnt, too much can be very dangerous.
The bottom line
We know it is horrible seeing your dog in pain, and the temptation to do something straight away is completely understandable. But reaching for the medicine cabinet is not the answer.
Paracetamol can be toxic to dogs, particularly at the wrong dose, and ibuprofen should never be given. The safest thing you can do for your dog is to call your vet. They can find the cause of the pain and prescribe something that will actually help, without putting your dog at risk.
Your dog is relying on you to make the right call. And sometimes, the right call is simply picking up the phone.
Disclaimer: This advise reflected current veterinary guidance and published research. However this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If your dog is in pain or unwell, always contact your vet. Never give your dog any medication without consulting a veterinary professional first.
Sources
Dogs Trust – Can Dogs Take Paracetamol?
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/health-wellbeing/essentials/can-dogs-take-paracetamol
Vets Now – Can Dogs Have Paracetamol? 9 Common Pain Relief Questions Answered
https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/what-can-i-give-my-dog-for-pain/
Bello, A.M. et al. (2023), Veterinary Medicine and Science – Current Perceptions and Use of Paracetamol in Dogs Among Veterinary Surgeons Working in the United Kingdom
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10029871/
MSD Veterinary Manual – Toxicoses From Human Analgesics in Animals
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) – Standards and Advice Update: November 2020
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/features/standards-and-advice-update-november-2020/
Veterinary Prescriber – My Vet Told Me to Give My Dog Paracetamol
https://www.veterinaryprescriber.org/free-articles/my-vet-told-me-to-give-my-dog-paracetamol
Kinship (UK) – Can You Give a Dog Paracetamol? Dosage, Risks and More
https://www.kinship.com/uk/dog-health/can-you-give-a-dog-paracetamol