Can Flexeril Kill A Dog

When Your Pet Eats Human Medicine

My son takes several medications every day. We have a new dog in our house. He’s a border collie mix, so he’s quite agile and smart. And, a counter surfer. I crate him when I am preparing Kevin’s medications or feedings.

Most parents know to keep medications out of children’s reach, but they don’t necessarily think about those same things in relation to their pets . Pets can also get into medications that are not intended for them and can cause harm.

We need to know which medications are particularly dangerous for your pets. Especially when I saw some very common items on the list. The best thing you can do is keep it where they cannot get to it. I know many clever dogs and some that will counter surf and open cabinets.

Yes, some of these listed below are over the counter and not prescription. But, sometimes we may receive a special prescription dosage after a surgery or other event.

I came across this list the other day and thought I’d share. It was a brochure at my vet’s office. Since many families living with disabilities also live with a full medicine cabinet, it’s good information to have.

Pain Relievers-such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and Tylenol

Antidepressants-Zoloft, Cymbalta, Effexor

ADD/ADHD meds-Ritalin, Vyvanse

Sleep aids-Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta

Muscle relaxants-Lioresal, Flexeril

Heart meds-Cartia, Cardizem

I have found that many dogs are really dumb and will eat anything. And some medications are “candy coated” make it more palatable for swallowing, which may make it more appealing for your pet.

The easiest way to not have an emergency is to prevent it. And, medication emergencies are preventable.

The other day I had a granola bar in my backpack which was on the living room floor. Yep, the dogs found it and ate it, and some of the wrapper too. While you might think that your medications in your purse are safe and have no discernable smells, dogs may think otherwise.

Child-proof bottles mean nothing to a dog. Most dogs can quickly chew a bottle open to get to the medications inside.

For the purposes of Rx, think of your pet as a toddler. Don’t leave medications on tables or nightstands.

Keep pets away from the scene if you are preparing medications or feeds. If you drop any medications on the floor, immediately pick them up. Pets are likely to mistake dropped medications as dropped food scraps and eat them before realizing they’re not tasty treats.

Keep human medications and pet medications separate. Medications for animals can have different, and often undesirable effects when used for a different species. Although pets may often be treated with the same medications as people, the doses are usually vastly different, and confusing the doses can be fatal. Also, keep medications intended for different species of pets separate to prevent mix-ups.

Don’t let pets come in contact with or eat medication patches (e.g., nicotine patches) prescribed for you.

Don’t let pets come into contact with or lick your skin where medical creams (e.g., sports creams, topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory creams, fluorouracil topical cream) have been applied.

Never give pets human medications (including over-the-counter [OTC] medications and weight loss products) without consulting your veterinarian. Medications that may seem innocuous, such as ibuprofen, can be fatal for pets.

Will Flexeril Hurt My Dog?

Flexeril(Cyclobenzaprine) is a muscle relaxant that works by blocking nerve impulses sent to the brain. It is used to treat muscle conditions like injury, spasms, or pain.

It is usually only recommended for acute muscle spasms. The drug is easily absorbed and can show its peak impact within three to eight hours of administering.

What Are Muscle Relaxers?

Muscle relaxers are medicines that can relax the muscles of your pet dog. It reduces muscle spasms, stiffness, or any discomfort experienced by your furry friend.

Some muscle relaxers directly affect the muscles of the dog’s body, whereas other medicines act on your dog’s nervous system.

Although muscle relaxers are beneficial, they do not heal injuries or any disorders. They can only help reduce the sensation of pain associated with the disorder.

FAQ

What is Flexeril used for in dogs?

Can a muscle relaxer kill a dog?

Is Flexeril harmful to dogs?

Can dogs overdose on muscle relaxers?