Note: Because acetaminophen is not commonly used to treat animals information is limited about its safety. For this reason you should talk to your vet to discuss the best possible treatment options before giving Tylenol to your pet. Before use you should check the medicine’s packaging to see if acetaminophen is the only active ingredient. Some products containing additional ingredients such as codeine can also be used to treat dogs but the dosing may be different. When using medicines containing acetaminophen as the only active ingredient (e.g. the plain Tylenol formula) a dose of 6.8 mg/lb (15 mg/kg) can be given every 8 hours. Refer to the chart and calculator below to find the right dosage for your dog.
If you are using Tylenol No. 4 the dosage should be based on the codeine content. The recommended dosage is 0.5 – 0.9 mg/lb codeine every 6 to 8 hours. This means a dog weighing 60 lbs could be given half of one tablet (30 mg codeine and 150 mg acetaminophen) per dose. Degenerative Myelopathy: A dose of 2.2 mg/lb may be given to German Shepherds once daily to treat degenerative myelopathy. Do not exceed 9 mg/lb on any day.
Because the medicine is not often used to treat dogs information about its safety is limited. Based on potential side effects and current information dogs may not be suitable for treatment if they:
Pregnant and nursing animals may also be unsuitable for treatment, please seek the advice of a vet if your dog is pregnant or nursing.
Products containing the added ingredient codeine may help with coughing, diarrhea and provide mild pain relief effects.
Plain Tylenol formulations may produce unwanted liver, kidney, gastrointestinal or blood-related effects though there is limited data at this time. Products containing codeine may cause:
Respiratory effects are also possible when codeine is given at high doses, or when dogs are prone to respiratory problems. Overdose: Overdoses of this medicine can be dangerous. If your dog has ingested an overdose please immediately call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline on (888) 426-4435. Sources Dr. Hardie Dr. McLaughlin Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook (sixth edition)
Never give your dog the most common
human pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin)
Can Tylenol hurt a dog? Is Tylenol deadly for dogs?
Tylenol can cause toxicity in some dogs. Problems may include destruction of red blood cells, liver failure, swelling, inappropriate behaviors, trouble walking, jaundice (yellow color of the skin and mucous membranes), keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and death.
Dogs can take Tylenol, although it is not commonly recommended and should only be administered if prescribed by a veterinarian.
Table of Contents:
Pet owners commonly ask if their dogs can take Tylenol. Acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol®, is an over-the-counter medication that can alleviate pain. While it can be used in dogs, there are newer and safer alternatives.
Because of the risk for toxicity, some veterinarians never recommend acetaminophen, while others will use it cautiously.
Here are some facts about acetaminophen:
How much Tylenol can I give my dog?
A commonly-used dose of Tylenol for dogs is 5 to 7 mg per pound of body weight two times daily. This should only be given under the direction and recommendation of a veterinarian. There are other safer and more effective pain medications available depending on the dogâs underlying problem.
FAQ
How much children’s Tylenol Can a dog have?
What can you give a dog for pain relief at home?
- Hot and Cold Therapy.
- Ginger.
- Turmeric.
- Boswellia.
- Devil’s Claw.
- CBD Oil.
- Acupuncture.
- Fish Oil.
What kind of Tylenol is safe for dogs?
For your pet’s safety, never give them anything OTC without talking to your veterinarian. This includes medications like acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other OTC medication.
Can dogs take infants Tylenol?