Human Medications That Can Kill Your Dog or Cat: A Vet's Warning

Human medications are the #1 cause of pet poisoning reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Veterinarians see these cases regularly — a dog that ate a dropped pill, a cat that chewed through a pill bottle, or an owner who gave their pet human medicine thinking it would help.

This guide covers the most dangerous human medications for dogs and cats, based on input from practicing emergency veterinarians.

Pain Medications — The #1 Danger

NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin)

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the most common medication toxicity in pets. Brand names include Advil, Motrin, Aleve, and aspirin.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen is extremely dangerous to cats. A single regular-strength tablet (325mg) can be fatal to a cat. In dogs, it causes liver damage at higher doses.

• Cats: Destroys red blood cells (methemoglobinemia), causes liver failure. Fatal at very low doses.
• Dogs: Liver damage at >75 mg/kg. Less immediately dangerous than for cats but still toxic.
• Symptoms: Brown/blue gums, swollen face, difficulty breathing, lethargy, vomiting

Antidepressants and ADHD Medications

These medications are increasingly common in homes and increasingly common in pet poisoning cases.

SSRIs and SNRIs

• Sertraline (Zoloft) — Can cause serotonin syndrome: agitation, tremors, seizures, hyperthermia
• Fluoxetine (Prozac) — Similar serotonin syndrome risk. Ironically, low doses are sometimes prescribed for pets by vets — but human doses are far too high
• Venlafaxine (Effexor) — Particularly dangerous for cats; they seem attracted to the capsules
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta) — Serotonin syndrome plus potential liver damage

ADHD Medications

• Amphetamines (Adderall) — Causes hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, cardiac problems, hyperthermia
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — Similar stimulant toxicity

Sleep Aids and Supplements

Melatonin

Melatonin itself is sometimes used in veterinary medicine for dogs. However, many melatonin supplements contain xylitol as a sweetener — and xylitol is one of the most deadly substances for dogs.

Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium)

Can cause severe sedation, incoordination, and respiratory depression in pets. Cats may paradoxically become agitated. While sometimes used in veterinary medicine at carefully calculated doses, human doses are dangerously high for pets.

Topical Medications and Creams

Veterinarians report that pets frequently lick topical medications off their owners' skin or get into tubes of cream.

• Steroid creams (hydrocortisone, betamethasone) — Can cause Cushing's-like symptoms if ingested repeatedly
• Muscle rubs (Bengay, Icy Hot) — Contain methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil), which is an NSAID. Toxic if licked.
• Hormone creams (estrogen, testosterone) — Can cause hormonal disruption in pets who contact treated skin
• 5-Fluorouracil cream (Efudex) — Chemotherapy cream that is rapidly fatal to dogs. Even a small lick can kill.

Inhalers

Dogs love to chew on inhalers. A punctured albuterol inhaler can release the entire contents at once — a massive overdose that causes life-threatening heart arrhythmias, low potassium, and tremors.

What to Do If Your Pet Eats Medication

1. Don't panic, but act fast — Note what medication, how much, and when
2. Collect the evidence — Bring the medication bottle/package to the vet
3. Call immediately:
   • Your veterinarian
   • ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
   • Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 ($65-70 consultation fee)
4. Do NOT induce vomiting unless told to by a veterinarian
5. Do NOT try home remedies — milk, hydrogen peroxide, and charcoal can make things worse without professional guidance

What CAN You Give Your Pet for Pain?

Only give medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Pet-safe options include:

• Dogs: Carprofen (Rimadyl), Meloxicam (Metacam), Gabapentin (for certain types of pain)
• Cats: Buprenorphine, Meloxicam (short-term only, under strict vet supervision), Gabapentin

Use ToxiPets to check any medication — scan the barcode or search by name to see if it's dangerous for your dog or cat.