Giving paracetamol to your dog is a question that often strikes the minds of many pet owners, especially when their beloved canine companions show signs of discomfort or pain. As a household analgesic medication, paracetamol is widely used in humans, but it is very important to understand how much you can safely give to a dog, or if you should give it at all. From personal experience and years of veterinary guidance, I can say that this is a very tricky subject, and one where caution is paramount.
It can be tempting to try giving your pooch some human painkillers like paracetamol to save on vet fees or to quickly ease their pain. However, I strongly advise against this. The truth is, although some human medications are occasionally prescribed to dogs by a vet, every dog is an individual that requires a full veterinary clinical examination and assessment to determine the safest dosage and medication. Giving unprescribed medication can be potentially dangerous and could end up costing you more in the long run.
Your vet will be able to prescribe the correct amount of paracetamol, depending on many considerations like your dog’s size, age, health, and any other underlying conditions such as liver or kidney disease. It’s critical to understand that all drugs can have side effects and might react badly with any other medications your dog may be taking. These side effects can even hide an injury or make an existing condition worse. That’s why it’s always best to speak with your vet before giving any medications to your little pal.
The bottom line is that complications from giving your pooch unprescribed medication can put their health at serious risk. Their condition could get worse, and the resulting vet care might cost a lot more than simply seeking professional advice from the start. It’s far safer to get a prompt diagnosis and ensure your dog is treated quickly with the most appropriate drug for their specific needs.
In this blog, we explore why using human paracetamol for dogs without proper guidance is not just risky but could be toxic or even fatal. The key to keeping your dog safe is always to rely on veterinary expertise and avoid the temptation of self-medicating, even if it seems like an easy fix. Remember, sometimes what works for humans is not safe for our furry friends.
What is paracetamol?
Paracetamol is a common painkiller used by many people because it works to ease aches and pains and reduce temperature in humans. Its active ingredient, acetaminophen, makes it an effective medicine for many. However, I’ve learned through experience and veterinary advice that what is safe for us might not be safe for your pet. You should never be tempted to use or treat your dog with human medicines like paracetamol without first consulting a vet. It can cause serious or even fatal reactions and poison your pet if given incorrectly. Always keep such medicines out of the reach of your pets and remember that what helps people doesn’t always help animals.
Medication
From my own experience caring for pets, I’ve learned that before you give any over the counter medication or supplements to a dog, it’s always best to ask a vet about the suitability for your pet’s health. Some conditions may mean prescription medication is required, while in other cases, non-prescription medication or certain supplements can be useful. If you’re asking for advice, a vet’s advice will help you avoid any harm and choose alternatives that fit your budget. Note that many pet owners think they’re able to treat their pets at home, but you should always follow the vet’s advice when deciding what to use. This is especially important when it comes to human medicines like paracetamol, as the wrong dose can be dangerous, making professional guidance essential before making any choice.
How can I tell if my dog is in pain?
From years of caring for my own pets, I’ve learned that a dog who has suffered an injury or has an underlying condition will sometimes make it hard to tell if they’re in pain, because they often suffer in silence. There are tell-tale signs when your pet is uncomfortable and needs help—some signs are obvious, while others are subtle. Your pet may let you know in their own way that something isn’t quite right. Common signs include limping, loss of appetite, changes in behaviour, or avoiding touch, and noticing these early can be as important as knowing the safe amount of paracetamol to give.
Changes in habits
You might notice that your dog is sleeping more, or that they’ve changed how much they eat and drink. A loss of appetite – or difficulty eating hard food – can indicate pain (including dental pain), as can drinking more or less water than usual.
A Vet’s Opinion: How Much Paracetamol Can You Give a Dog?
Paracetamol is a household analgesic medication, but how much paracetamol can you give a dog? This question often strikes the minds of pet owners when they see their canine companions in discomfort. In this blog, we will explore how a safe paracetamol dosage is determined, and why human paracetamol sometimes gets prescribed to dogs.
How Much Paracetamol Can You Give a Dog?
If you’re wondering how much paracetamol you can give a dog, the answer is simple—only as prescribed by a vet. A vet will calculate the appropriate dose based on your dog’s body weight, sometimes using online calculators, but these are always refined by considering other elements like your dog’s age, overall health, and the severity of the pain or discomfort they’re experiencing. Special consideration is given if there are underlying conditions such as liver disease, since such conditions can amplify the risks associated with paracetamol, making it potentially harmful.
In the UK market, there is a product called Pardale V which contains paracetamol and codeine, and it is designed for canine consumption. However, a vet may consider it unsuitable for a particular animal depending on their circumstances. In some cases, a vet might decide to prescribe a human paracetamol formulation, but you should never give human paracetamol to a dog without a vet’s advice.
It is essential to follow the exact instructions about dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment given by the vet. If your pet ingests a high dose, the risk of paracetamol poisoning becomes serious. The danger is even greater if given the wrong dose, or if your pet has managed to eat paracetamol meant for human use. Always notice any symptoms of poisoning early so your vet can act quickly.
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Unwilling to play or exercise
- Drooling
- Breathing problems
- Seizures
- Black poo
- Difficult moving, or being uncoordinated
If your dog is showing any of these signs, it’s essential that you take them to the vet immediately. Paracetamol poisoning can be fatal if not treated quickly, so don’t delay and wait to see if your pet gets better on their own
The Risks of Paracetamol Overdose in Dogs
From my years of helping pet owners, I’ve seen how paracetamol toxicity in animals can happen quickly, often after the administration of human products or accidental ingestion at home. Such situations can lead to signs ranging from mild sedation to severe abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions, and even death. That’s why it’s imperative to follow a vet’s prescription meticulously, as even small mistakes can put your dog’s life at risk.
Unusually aggressive or antisocial behaviour
Your once-friendly dog might snap, or avoid being petted or fussed, or even hide away.
Always Consult Your Vet
Witnessing your beloved pets in pain can be upsetting, but deciding to administer medication on your own can potentially exacerbate the situation. Even if you believe your canine companion is suffering, seeking the advice of a veterinarian before giving any to your dog yourself is vital. A vet has the knowledge and resources to evaluate your pet’s condition, assess the degree of pain, find the cause, conduct any required examinations, and determine the suitable dosage and necessary pain relief medication safely.
The Veterinary Cascade
The Veterinary Cascade allows vets to prescribe certain human medications when no authorised veterinary alternative is available, under very specific circumstances. Paracetamol can fall under this category. But remember, the key word here is ‘prescribed’ – you should never administer human medication to your pets without your vet’s advice.
What If Your Dog Accidentally Ingests Paracetamol?
If you suspect your dog has accidentally ingested paracetamol, contact your vet immediately.
Barking or yelping
Your dog might bark more, or growl, howl or yelp. If your dog is more vocal than usual, they might be in pain.
Excessive grooming
Is your dog constantly licking their paws or cleaning themselves? It could be that they’re trying to sooth themselves or ease pain. While small cuts can be an obvious source of discomfort for your pet, some pain might be internal, so it’s always best to get it checked out.
Restlessness
If your dog is pacing, struggling to get comfortable, or sleeping less, they could be telling you that something isn’t quite right.
Breathing changes
If you’ve noticed your dog panting more heavily while resting, or their breathing seems shallow even after light exercise, it could be a sign that they are finding breathing painful. In my experience, this can indicate an underlying issue that needs urgent attention rather than masking symptoms with pain relief.
Shaking and trembling
This can be a sign of pain or something more insidious, such as poisoning or kidney disease.
Bodily changes
Swollen limbs or a hunched or rigid stature can indicate that your dog is in pain, so it’s important that any changes in your pet’s body or posture are addressed by your vet.
Difficulty moving
Limping or stiff limbs, as well as difficulty climbing stairs, running, jumping or getting up can be signs of pain. You might also notice that your dog is less interested in exercise.
Why shouldn’t I give paracetamol to my dog?
Seeing your pet suffering in pain can be distressing, and it’s important not to be tempted to give over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol in an attempt to take away minor aches or pains. While safe for humans, paracetamol is extremely toxic to a dog if the wrong dosage is given, and it can result in serious liver damage or problems with red blood cells. A dog’s body does not produce enough of the enzyme glucuronyl transferase to enable the active ingredient to be processed safely when ingested. Without this enzyme, consuming paracetamol allows the active ingredient to harm your pet, which is why it’s best to avoid giving any human painkillers, including paracetamol, to a dog.
From my own experience, it’s far safer to speak to a vet if you suspect your dog is in pain. A qualified professional will be able to find the cause and recommend suitable painkillers, such as a veterinary version of paracetamol, to make your pet more comfortable without risking their health.
What happens if I give my dog paracetamol?
If a dog is given paracetamol without being prescribed by a vet, or if they accidentally ingest it, the effects can vary depending on the size of the dog. For example, a dog that weighs 20kg could suffer toxic effects from eating about seven 500mg tablets, while smaller dogs would only need to ingest fewer in order to become unwell. Such cases can suffer serious problems with their livers and red blood cells. If you ever give your dog paracetamol, it should only be after a vet is prescribing it, and if your dog eats any tablets by accident, they might exhibit dangerous conditions that can quickly worsen.
- Stomach problems
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Drooling excessively
- Becoming depressed and withdrawn
If you notice any of these effects, make sure you take your dog to your vet immediately.
As discussed, human paracetamol isn’t suitable for dogs, but there may be times when your vet prescribes a veterinary version of paracetamol – usually if your dog is suffering from:
- Inflammation
- A fever
- An infection
- Chronic pain
When it comes to giving paracetamol to a dog, the decision must be made with great consideration and ideally under a vet’s supervision. In my own experience, the right drug and dosage for your pet can only be carefully considered after looking at key factors like breed, age, weight, size, and any existing liver conditions. A vet may prescribe paracetamol at around 10mg per kilogram, given once a day for one to two days, but it’s essential to follow the vet’s dosage instructions carefully when caring for your pet.
While doing so, always monitor and report any signs such as vomiting, excessive drooling, breathing problems, or listlessness immediately, as these could indicate a serious reaction that needs to be dealt with quickly. I always follow my vet’s advice and am never tempted to try and treat my pet yourself with human medication, as this can cause more harm than help.
What should I do instead?
If you suspect your dog is in pain from an injury or an underlying issue, the best thing you can do is take them to a vet to be examined, rather than trying to treat it yourself. From my own experience, trying to guess what’s wrong can make your pet worse or even cause additional problems. Instead of prescribing paracetamol on your own, let the vet recommend safe painkillers like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as carprofen, firocoxib, deracoxib, or meloxicam, which can treat orthopaedic issues, reduce swelling, and help with joint pain in dogs, especially after surgery or when suffering from arthritis.
They may also prescribe other drugs and treatments, including:
- Gabapentin – used to treat pain caused by damaged nerves. This drug can make your dog sleepy for the first few days.
- Tramadol – a mild opioid medication that can help if your dog is suffering with discomfort that can’t be relieved any other way.
- Supplements – glucosamine and chondroitin can help reduce swelling and aid in cartilage repair, which can ease pain in dogs with joint troubles or arthritis.
It’s always important to visit your vet if you suspect your pet is unwell or in pain. This gives your vet the opportunity to examine them, and find and treat the cause – or help ease symptoms – in a way that’s safe for your dog and gives them the best chance of recovery.
Over-the-counter medication and supplements
Before you give any over the counter medication or supplements to your dog, always ask your vet about their suitability. From my own experience, the best way to avoid harm is by asking for alternatives when prescription medication may not be required. Sometimes, non-prescription medication and supplements can be useful, especially if they fit your budget, but you should follow your vet’s advice closely. Note that for many conditions, prescription medication is still necessary, so it’s wise to use safe options only under proper guidance.
Bulk medication
When I need more than a few days’ supply of medication for my dog’s medical condition, I always ask my vet if they’re happy to prescribe a month’s worth at once. This can save extra vet visits and is often more cost-effective, but it’s given only at the discretion of the vet and their practice. The appropriate amount will depend on the individual circumstances, so I always advise you to follow the advice of your vet closely. In my experience, getting a larger supply not only saves money but also reduces stress for both me and my pet.
How Much Paracetamol Can You Give a Dog?
When dealing with a dog that needs medication, I always ask my trusted vet for written prescriptions. In my own practice of caring for pets, this step not only provides peace of mind but also allows me to purchase both medicines and preventatives elsewhere, such as through an online pharmacy, which can often be more cost-effective. It’s important to make sure the prescription is valid for at least one month, giving you enough time to get what’s appropriate for your pet’s medical condition without rushing. I’ve learned to keep in mind that the vet might charge a small fee for writing prescriptions, but the savings from getting the medication online usually outweigh it. This approach works best when you double-check the source, ensuring safe treatment for your pet’s needs.
Sending out medication by post
I often ask my vet if they are happy to send medication or preventative treatment like flea and worming products by post, as it can help save money on petrol and travel costs. This is usually possible if my dog is in a stable condition and doesn’t require regular follow-up appointments or ongoing treatments. However, please note that for certain medical conditions, it’s important for the vet to see the dog before dispensing any further medication.
Can I give my dog half a 500mg paracetamol?
No you can not give paracetamol. The only safe over the counter pain medication, for use in dogs, is aspirin.
Can I give human paracetamol to a dog?
While paracetamol is a very popular painkiller for humans, it can be toxic or even fatal to small animals. Dogs are less sensitive to paracetamol than cats, but that doesn’t make it safe to give without guidance. For example, a 20 kilogram dog would need to ingest over seven 500mg tablets in order to suffer toxic effects, but for cats, even a single 250mg paracetamol tablet can be fatal. This is why I never give my pets human medicine without professional advice.
What happens if my dog eats 1 paracetamol?
Even a single 500mg tablet of paracetamol can be highly toxic to dogs and may cause severe liver damage. From my own experience, I know that symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face or paws can appear within hours, making immediate veterinary attention crucial. This is why quick action is essential if you suspect your pet has ingested it, as every minute counts in preventing lasting harm.
What can I give my dog for pain relief?
| Active Ingredient | Brand and Generic Names | Species |
| Deracoxib | DERAMAXX, DOXIDYL*, DERACOXIB CHEWABLE TABLETS* | Dogs only |
| Firocoxib | PREVICOX, FIROX* | Dogs only |
| Grapiprant | GALLIPRANT | Dogs only |
| Meloxicam | Marketed under multiple brand and generic names | Dogs (injectable and oral) and cats (injectable only) |
Is paracetamol a good pain killer for dogs?
It’s therefore always best to avoid giving any human painkillers – including paracetamol – to your dog.