How much Tylenol can a 15 pound dog have? Tips and Tricks

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What Does Acetaminophen Do?

Acetaminophen is a nonprescription medication that relieves mild to moderate pain and reduces fever. It is an anti-inflammatory that also has analgesic properties to reduce pain and lower fevers. The drug has been a popular, effective pain reliever and fever reducer for human use since the 1950s.

Acetaminophen is not available in veterinary preparations and is not a recommended form of pain relief in dogs.

Side Effects of Acetaminophen Use in Dogs

Dogs receiving safe, low doses of acetaminophen may still experience adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal upset, liver and/or kidney issues, blood-related problems, or dry eye. The risk of potentially serious side effects makes it a poor choice for pain management in dogs, especially because there are many safe medications that can be used instead.

What should I do if my dog or cat eats acetaminophen?

If the exposure just occurred and your pet is not yet showing any signs of illness, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control, at 800-213-6680. Early assessment and treatment increase the chance for a safe and successful outcome.

If your dog or cat is showing any signs of distress, immediately transport your pet to your veterinarian or closest veterinary emergency clinic. Be sure to take the pill bottle and remaining pills with you. It is important to provide as much information as possible regarding the type of medication, amount ingested, timing of ingestion and symptoms. It may be helpful to take an old blanket or towel incase your pet becomes nauseated and vomits during the car ride. If vomiting occurs, check for any evidence of medication and note the amount present before discarding the vomit. If you are not able to do this, save the vomit so that the veterinary staff can examine it for you.

Try to stay calm and provide as much of the information requested by your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline as possible. Information should be provided for all pets with access to the mediation. This information is critical to judge the risk of poisoning and provide the best possible recommendations for your dog or cat.

Information that may be requested include:

  • Age, weight, and breed of the pet
  • Time of ingestion
  • The amount of medication ingested (If the number of pills that was originally present in the bottle is known, count the remaining pills to determine how many were ingested)
  • The strength of the medication (how many milligrams per pill or per ml)
  • Any other ingredients present in the pills (e.g., antihistamine, caffeine, etc.)
  • The pet’s medical history including what other medication they are taking
  • Any current symptoms

    • What Can I Give My Dog For Pain – Ask the Expert | Dr David Randall

    Acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Paracetamol, APAP, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol) is a medication used for pain relief and fever reduction in people. It is a popular over-the-counter oral medication and is also available by prescription. Acetaminophen may be the only ingredient in a medication or be part of a combination product containing other medications. These medications may include aspirin, opioids, antihistamines, decongestants, and caffeine. Typical uses include the treatment of headaches, pain, colds, flu, and menstrual discomfort.

    Acetaminophen is available in many forms including tablets, capsules, gel caps, melt away tablets, rectal suppositories, and liquids. Acetaminophen is often found in homes with pets. Poisoning may happen when pets get into the owner’s medications. In some cases, owners may administer acetaminophen to treat their pet’s pain at unsafe doses. Low doses of acetaminophen may be recommended in dogs for certain indications and should only be given under the direction of a veterinarian.