Warning - painkillers for humans can be lethal to dogs & cats

[Susan Stone]

We've just been very lucky...

On Sunday our 10 year old Bramble had to go to the vet's for treatment of lumbago whilst staying with my father. The next day Bramble was feeling better. To be 'on the safe side' and with only the best intents my father gave her a small amount of the human painkiller (Voltaren - Diclophenac) and mentioned this to me 12 hours later.

Knowing of the risks this gave me quite a shock and I went through the internet to find out about possible side effects... :

Diclophenac is potentially lethal and can cause gatrointestinal problems (bloody diarrhoea) liver damage and kidney failure.

Fortunately Bramble had only been given a very small dose with her meal and 24 hours later she is showing no signs of being ill.

 

So despite owning dogs for over 30 years these things can still happen! This is why I decided to publish this blog and hope I can make other people aware of the danger.

 

Exert from Wikipedia:

Diclofenac is also available over the counter (OTC) in some countries: 12.5 mg diclofenac as potassium salt in Switzerland, Germany ("Voltaren dolo"), United Kingdom (since October 2008 as "Voltarol Pain-eze"), and preparations containing 25 mg diclofenac as the potassium salt in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, ("Voltaren Rapid"), and Sweden ("Voltaren T" and "Diclofenac T"). Diclofenac as potassium salt can be found throughout the Middle East in 25 mg and 50 mg doses ("Cataflam").

 

[Margaret Sierakowski]

Do you know which human painkillers are safe for dogs?
I have occasionally given small amounts of aspirin to dogs who have had injuries, but wondered if I should be doing this?

[Susan Stone]

Margaret, I have found this site that mentions Aspirin as being ok in small doeses. See here
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/hazards.htm
In general I think it is best to ask your vet for a small amount of pain killersfor certain situations where you know from experience that it is ok to give them.

[Catherine Carter]

Susan,
Thanks for posting this....
I was also wondering a few weeks ago if ibuprofen is safe for dogs? Do you know....
In the past I have given paracetamol......

[Susan Stone]

Catherine, as Barbara quite rightly says, says Ibuprofen is one of the dangerous ones... and unfortunately this is one w humans quite often take for ourselves.

[Tina Clamp]

Hi all
as a pharmacy assistant I do know that Diclofenac, Ibuprofen and aspirin are all in the same family. All can cause ulcers, bleeding and many other stomach symptoms. Take that from someone who has now got stomach problems caused by Diclofenac, and now has to take omeprazole because of it. so what it does to a dogs i would not like to say.

[Barbara]

Hi Susan! I am really glad to hear that Bramble is well!
Margaret and Catherine - Aspirin and Ibuprofen is also not safe for dogs.
Maybe this Site is helpfull for you:
http://www.vetpharm.uzh.ch/reloader.htm?clinitox/toxdb/KLT_025.htm?...

[eva ciechonska]

Hi Susan,
Good to know Bramble was unaffected and is ok.
I have always given Dispirin (ordinary not Junior) diluted in water, to my dogs to take temperature down, very often one morning and evening for a few days and have never had a problem. Dispirin does contain Aspirin. I personally cannot take Aspirin but can take Dispirin. I do know Dispirin is apparently not safe for cats though.
Barbara, is there an English version of your site?

[Susan Stone]

I think it is best if we check with the vet first. I know we used to give one of our dogs 'Aspirin Cardio' as this was recommended as being less aggressiv for gastrointestinal problems.

I know quite alot of painkillers have risk of side-effects but some are more dangerous than others.

[eva ciechonska]

I agree Susan...........very good idea. I remember, "in the good old days" Dispirin was recommended by my vet as being safe but much water has gone under the bridge since then and many drugs have been investigated and found to have high risk side effects. Time for re-evaluation!!

[Barbara]

Hi Eva, Sorry I have seen to late that the most of this site is in german.
Maybe this site is interesting:
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/animal-poison-control-...

[eva ciechonska]

Thanks Barbara.........have just read through all of this. Have also put a call through to me vet so will report her advice.

[Tina Clamp]

disprin is a form of aspirin and can irritate the stomach.