Acetaminophen
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Acetaminophen during a consultation by Dr Noor. Acetaminophen for pets information is provided below.”
Key Information
Important note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
- This medicine is used to help with pain and to lower fever.
- Do not give this medicine to cats or ferrets.
- It can be given with food or on an empty stomach. Giving it with food can reduce stomach upset.
- Do not give this medicine at the same time as other medicines meant for pain or fever unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to.
- Give acetaminophen only if your veterinarian has directed you to do so. It is not as safe for dogs as it is for people.
- Common unwanted effects include eating less, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Description
- This medicine is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
- It comes in several forms, including:
- tablets
- capsules
- caplets
- chewable tablets
- liquids taken by mouth
- suppositories used in the rectum
Other common names
Tylenol, APAP, paracetamol
Uses
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may choose to prescribe it in a way not listed on the label for:
- Pain relief and lowering fever in dogs and some other animals
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is currently getting
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any bad reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Products that contain acetaminophen must never be given to cats or ferrets. In these animals, acetaminophen can cause death.
Do not use:
- In animals that have an allergy to it
- Unless a veterinarian has told you to use it. Acetaminophen is not as safe for dogs as it is for humans.
Use with caution:
- In animals that have liver problems
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking any medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian directed.
- You may give it with food or without food. Food may help prevent stomach upset.
- If you are giving a liquid form, measure it with:
- an oral syringe
- a medicine cup
- a dosing spoon
- Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects of acetaminophen for pets
Common — call your veterinarian if these problems are severe, keep happening, or get worse:
- Eating less
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the following:
- Not eating at all
- Yellow color in the whites of the eyes, the skin, or the gums (jaundice)
- Vomit with blood, which may look bright red or may look like coffee grounds
- Stool that is black and tar-like, or stool that has blood in it
How will I know it's working?
Your animal should begin to feel better within a few hours.
If your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not improve, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the last dose, this medicine will no longer work within 24 hours.
It may stay in effect longer if your animal’s liver does not work as well.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs.
Overdose
Too much acetaminophen can be dangerous for dogs. Signs that may happen with an overdose include yellowing of the skin, eyes, or gums; vomiting; belly pain; gums that look blue or brown; weakness; trouble moving normally; or shaking.
Acetaminophen is extremely poisonous to cats, and even small amounts can cause death.
If you see an overdose happen, or you think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away (a consultation fee applies):
- If possible, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep at room temperature and protect from too much moisture.
- Store where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine in a toilet and do not pour it down a sink. Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Medication take-back locations:
- This is the best option when available.
- To find a location near you, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- Disposal at home:
- Mix the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, put it into a sealed plastic bag, and place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”