As the days grow shorter and colder and we are stuck inside (with everyone else), viruses and colds run rampant. We all have a stash of cold and flu medications that we turn to for congestion or a runny nose, but did you know that some of these can really hurt your dog?
Whether you are tempted to “home medicate” your dog or he helps himself to the medications on the counter, medications that are tested safe for humans may not have been tested at all for other species. Some of these can really hurt him, especially if he eats them in large quantities.
Ibuprofen and other Non-steroidal pain medications
These are everyday drugs for us and such household names that we think of them as harmless. Guess what? Your headache “go to” causes gastric ulceration in dogs and in bigger quantities can irreparably damage the kidneys. Dogs sometimes find the enteric coating tasty enough to eat way too much and Ibuprofen is on the NEVER give to dogs list.
Benadryl® (diphenhydramine)
This is another one that is so common that it seems benign. Perhaps it is benign, but no drug should be inadvertently taken or eaten. Studies in humans have suggested that older antihistamines may contribute to dementia.¹ Make sure that you do not leave drugs accessible to dogs. There might be indications for which Benadryl® is safe, but make sure that your vet tells what they are and how much and never leave pills accessible to pets.
Visine® eye drops
Eye drop bottles are small and easily dropped and forgotten. Visine is Tetrahydrozoline HCl and it works by constricting the blood vessels in the eye. This class of compounds can cause problems for dogs. If your dog chews a bottle of eye drops like Visine®, she could vomit, stagger around and even die. Seek veterinary help in these cases.
Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is present in most OTC decongestant medications. It causes stimulation of the nervous system and cardiovascular signs in dogs. When a dog eats a pseudoephedrine containing medication, he will appear agitated with tremors, panting and wide pupils. These signs are alarming and most people would seek help immediately, but pause to scan the environment for possible ingestion of medications and take any packaging along.
Dextrometorphan
Dextrometorphan is an ingredient in cough suppressants for people and even some veterinary medications contain it, but ASPCA Poison Control every year sees allergic reactions and overdoses to Dextrometorphan. Low to moderate doses can cause stomach upset and depression, but high doses can lead to tremors, agitation and seizures.
When the people in the home are laid out with colds and flu, it is easy to forget that your dog friend is nearby and maybe less entertained than when you are well. Keep medications and cough drops out of reach, especially when you are asleep. Nothing makes a cold worse than a visit to the animal ER and just a little extra attention paid can remove the risk completely.
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Psychosomatics. 1994 Jul-Aug;35(4):399-402. Diphenhydramine-induced delirium in elderly hospitalized patients with mild dementia. Tejera CA, Saravay SM, Goldman E, Gluck L.
