TOXIC MEDICATION

As a pet owner you need to be very careful when purchasing Over the Counter products for your pet. The main thing to remember is that, before buying anything, you must first Read the Label!  Certain products are only meant to be used for specific purposes and for specific types of animals.  A prime example is certain over the counter flea products.  A common active ingredient in many dog flea preventatives is Permethrin.  And although it may be safe for dogs it can be FATAL to cats.   Even if the product is applied to a dog, it can potentially transfer to the cat by contact and/or grooming.  Signs and symptoms can be seen within 2 hours.  If you suspect your cat has been in contact with a permethrin, bathe him/her in a grease stripping shampoo and call your veterinarian immediately.

Diet Aids

Even though a diet aid may be labeled as  "All Natural" it does not mean that it is good for you or your pet.  Many diet aids contain natural sources of ephedra and caffeine.  Signs of toxicity in pets may consist of hyperactivity, hyperthermia, agitation, vomiting, cardiac or respiratory distress and death; and may occur as quickly as 15-30 minutes after ingestion.

Most birth control pills contain estrogen and iron.  Estrogen can cause bone marrow suppression.  The severity of the effects depends upon 3 factors:  The type of medication, the amount ingested, and the size of the animal.  Signs of Iron toxicity include intestinal distress, weakness, collapse, and then eventually liver damage.  Any time a pet ingests birth control (even one pill) it is a good idea to contact  your veterinarian.

• Keep all prescription and Over the Counter medications out of your pet's reach
• Never give your pet anything unless it is prescribed by a veterinarian
• Tylenol or Acetaminophen can be highly toxic.  Cats do not have the enzymes needed to detoxify the drug.
   - Tylenol destroys their Red Blood Cells and other tissues.  Dogs, especially small dogs, can have tissue damage, as well.
   - Signs include salivation, vomiting, weakness Abdominal pain.
• Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil),  Naproxen sodium (Aleve), etc. are also toxic to dogs and cats
• Causes stomach and intestinal ulcers, decreases blood flow to vital organs such as kidneys and can cause kidney damage. Side effect may also include gastric lesions, platelet dysfunction, gastric mucosal damage, and may inhibit cartilage metabolism
• Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) are not approved for use in cats and dogs.
   
  Contact your Veterinarian Immediately if your pet ingests any type of medication.