Seeing your pup in pain is never a great sign, as you see them struggle to walk or live their normal life, so you may have come here to ask: can you give a dog Paracetamol? Well, the short answer to this question is to always follow your vet’s advice, as you don’t want your pet to end up worse off than before.  

Some pet owners might be looking to save money, what with the cost-of-living crisis, and end up giving their pet Paracetamol, only for it to worsen underlying conditions or cause serious liver damage or kidney disease.  

Paracetamol can be  toxic to dogs in several ways:

1. Dogs metabolise paracetamol differently from humans. In dogs, paracetamol is metabolised into a toxic compound that damages red blood cells and causes liver damage.
2. Paracetamol toxicity primarily affects the liver in dogs. It can cause severe damage to liver cells, leading to liver failure and potentially death if not treated promptly.
3. Dogs have lower levels of glutathione, an antioxidant enzyme that helps neutralise the by-products of paracetamol metabolism. This makes dogs more susceptible to the harmful effects of paracetamol.

Human medications are specifically formulated for our species, and as such, do not contain certain ingredients that would make them safe to ingest for animals. With all this in mind, keep reading as we talk about safe painkillers for dogs, what to do if your dogs eat human Paracetamol, and how to safely give dogs Paracetamol. 

How Much Paracetamol Can You Give a Dog?

Giving human Paracetamol and other human pain relief to dogs is strongly advised against unless recommended by a vet, however, there are some cases where your vet might prescribe Paracetamol specifically made for dogs, such as Pardale V. 

A common dosage is 10 to 15 mg per kilogram of their weight, and this is usually given twice a day. But remember, this is just a rough guide. Just to reiterate, this should only be given in the veterinary version of the drug, as to not suffer toxic effects. Every dog is different, and what’s okay for one might not be okay for another. That’s why checking with your vet first is a must. 

Your vet may prescribe a different dosage than stated above based on your dog’s weight, medical history, and other medications they may be taking, so it is essential that you follow your vet’s prescribed Paracetamol dosage to avoid causing problems with your dog’s red blood cells and liver. 

A vet will take a blood test to check liver and kidney function and red blood cell count before discussing the use of paracetamol in your dog.

The wrong dosage of Paracetamol for dogs could result in an extremely toxic or a fatal reaction.

Guidelines for Safe Administration

• Consultation is Key: Always consult with a veterinarian before administering any medication, including Pardale V or Paracetamol. They will consider your dog’s unique health profile to prescribe the right dosage and frequency.
• Monitor Closely: Watch for any signs of adverse reactions, such as lethargy, vomiting, or changes in appetite, and report these to your vet immediately.
• Stick to Prescriptions: Use only veterinarian-prescribed medications and dosages. Avoid human medications unless explicitly advised by your vet.
• Avoid Combination: Never combine Paracetamol with other medications, especially NSAIDs or steroids, without veterinary approval.

7 Effective Medications and Treatments for Dog Pain Relief

If you’re looking to treat inflammation, arthritis, dental problems, or discomfort in dogs, the following medications can be effective: 

1. Pardale V

Pardale V is a veterinary-formulated medication that combines Paracetamol and codeine, specifically designed for dogs and generally a safer alternative to standard Paracetamol. The appropriate dosage of Pardale V varies and should be determined by a veterinarian, considering the individual needs of each dog.

2. Gabapentin

A top option to give dogs with arthritis for pain management is Gabapentin. This medication helps to reduce nerve activity and decrease pain sensations. Just remember that Gabapentin for dogs must be prescribed by a vet and given to dogs with food. 

3. NSAIDs 

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs) are a much safer alternative to human Paracetamol for dog pain relief. It’s a way to lessen and treat inflammation and block the messengers of pain (prostaglandin) from working. That said, it’s important not to mix these with other medications as they can cause gastric ulcers and bleeding into the bowel. 

4. Stem Cell Therapy

If you’re looking for a way to give your dog long-lasting pain relief, stem cell therapy is a great option. At Stem Cell Vet, this happens in a minimally invasive and simple 2-step process. You can expect to see an improvement in your dog within 12 weeks, and often before then. 

5. Librela

Another way to give your dog pain relief is to use Librela for dogs. This injection helps target and block the nerve growth factor protein, resulting in relief from pain and inflammation. 

6. Opioids

These drugs are generally limited to very specific cases, such as post-surgery pain relief. They help with pain by working on the central nervous systems. Side effects to look out for are sluggishness, change in mood, constipation, or excitement, so definitely keep an eye on your pet when they’re using opioids.   

7. Homoeopathic Remedies 

Some alternative medication for the pain relief of dogs that don’t cause long-term conditions are using homoeopathic remedies and supplements for dogs. These include essential fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and green-lipped mussels extract.

What Happens if My Dog has Eaten Human Medication? 

Unfortunately, we can’t always control what our pets do, so what happens if your dog has accidentally ingested human painkillers? Here are the following steps you need to take: 

1. Look Out for Signs of a Toxic Reaction

The following symptoms show that your dog may have eaten Paracetamol:

• Stomach pain
• Vomiting 
• Weakness
• Drooling
• Breathing issues
• Seizures
• Black faeces
• Unwilling to move, play, or exercise

If your dog has eaten ibuprofen, they will have the same reactions, as well as a lack of appetite and lethargy. 

2. Contact Your Vet Immediately 

If you can see the evidence of your dog eating human medicines, such as an open pill bottle lying on the floor and your pet showing toxic effects, then you need to seek advice from your vet immediately. They will know best and whether or not your dog needs medical attention. 

3. Get Your Pet Treated Quickly

This is where taking your vet’s advice is extremely important if you want to prevent further severe damage to your pup. Your vet might suggest that you make the animal vomit if the ingestion was recent. Otherwise, you will need to get your dog to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible.

How do I Know if My Dog is in Pain?  

If you’re wondering how to know when your dog is in pain, there are several symptoms and behaviours to look out for. These can include: 

• Limping or lameness
• Lack of appetite
• Unusual aggression
• Obsessive licking at an area
• Whining
• Unable to settle
• Disturbance in sleeping patterns

Final Thoughts

It’s important to never give dogs Paracetamol, unless you’ve been advised to by a vet. Moreover, you need to follow your vet’s advice exactly as giving the wrong dose of pain medication can cause highly toxic reactions in your pets. 

There are other drugs you can give your dog for pain that are suitable for them, including Gabapentin and NSAIDs. That said, this should only be done when prescribed by your vet. 

We understand how much your pets mean to you, contact our vets at Stem Cell Vet today to find out how our services could help your beloved dog.