UrgentPoisoning and swallowed objectsDog1 min read

Paracetamol (Alvedon) and dogs: is it dangerous?

Do not give Alvedon or other paracetamol medicines to a dog on your own initiative. The wrong dose can cause serious poisoning, even though paracetamol is sometimes used in veterinary medicine under controlled conditions.

Good to know

Paracetamol can damage mainly the liver and the red blood cells if the dose is too high or it is used inappropriately. Poisoning can happen both when a dog accidentally eats tablets and when a human medicine is given in the belief that it is a safe painkiller. The dog's weight, the dose and whether the exposure happened once or repeatedly affect the risk.

Signs can include vomiting, lethargy, swelling of the face, discoloured gums, fast breathing or signs of liver damage. At the same time, a dog can look normal early after taking it. So do not wait for symptoms before seeking advice if your dog has taken the medicine.

Do not give Alvedon at home unless a vet has explicitly prescribed a paracetamol-containing product and a specific dose. If your dog has taken it by accident, contact a vet right away and have the packaging, the tablet strength, your dog's weight and the estimated number of tablets to hand.

Urgent

Has your dog taken Alvedon or another paracetamol product? Contact AniMed right away for a risk assessment.

Sources

  1. Paracetamol toxicity in dogs. Nelson K. Vet Rec, 2019.
  2. Ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen toxicosis and treatment in dogs and cats. Villar D, et al. Vet Hum Toxicol, 1998.
  3. Common questions in veterinary toxicology. Bates N, et al. J Small Anim Pract, 2015.

This article is general information and does not replace an examination by a vet.

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