How Much Tylenol Pm Can I Give My Dog

by

While Tylenol PM can have a lethal effect on your canine, you should not use it to euthanize your dog at home. The reason is that it is a very slow killer, taking 24-48 hours to actually kill your animal. This makes it especially uncomfortable and inhumane to euthanize a dog in this manner. In reality, there are very few poisons that directly and humanely kill a dog, and they aren’t as accessible as you would imagine.

Brand Names and Other Names of Acetaminophen

  • This drug is registered for use in humans only.
  • Human formulations: Tylenol® is the most common brand. Other brands include Acephen, Altenol, Aminofen, Apra, Cetafen, Dolono, Febrol, FeverAll, Mapap, Ofirmev, Pyrecot, Pharbetol, Silapap, Tylophen, and Tactinal.
  • Acetaminophen is supplied by numerous drug companies with a variety of trade names and various generic formulations. In the UK, acetaminophen is known as paracetamol.
  • There are many formulations combined with other ingredients to treat cold and pain. These products should NEVER be used without the approval of your veterinarian.
  • Veterinary formulations: None
  • The primary use of Tylenol for dogs is for pain. However, there are safer and more effective alternatives for controlling fever and pain. Therefore, acetaminophen is not used often in canines. Learn more about pain in dogs.
  • Formulas with codeine, tramadol, or hydrocodone can be used in cases of severe, usually postoperative, pain.
  • While generally safe and effective when recommended by a veterinarian, care must be taken when this drug is given to dogs. Excessive amounts of acetaminophen can be toxic. Acetaminophen should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
  • Acetaminophen may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with acetaminophen. Such drugs include doxorubicin, barbiturates, fenbendazole, isoniazid, phenothiazines, foods or medications containing propylene glycol, warfarin, and certain anesthetics.
  • Since acetaminophen is not commonly used in animals, there is limited adverse effect information. Damage to kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract can occur.
  • Acetaminophen is available in a variety of tablet, capsule, and liquid concentrations, which is the most common form used in dogs. It is also available as a suppository, elixir, and extended-release tablets.
  • The most common sizes of acetaminophen are 325 mg tablet and 500 mg tablet (extra strength).

    • FAQs About Tylenol Use for Dogs

    Some commonly asked questions about treating pain and giving dogs Tylenol include:

    As a veterinarian, I never thought I’d be writing on a blog on how to euthanize a dog or cat with Tylenol at home…

    I previously wrote a blog on Tylenol poisoning in dogs, if you want more detail. Yes, Tylenol can kill a dog or cat – but it’s very slow in killing. The point is, very few poisons kill humane and acutely – it typically takes 24-48 hours before your pet dies, and it’s not a good way to go.

    When in doubt, please contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for advice, and talk to your veterinarian. If you have financial limitations, a veterinarian will work with you when it comes to humane euthanasia. Or the local animal shelter. But can you euthanize your pet at home? No, please do not try to euthanize your dog or cat at home. They are our four-legged family members, and don’t deserve an ending like this.

    That said, you should never use any medication at home – Tylenol is used in veterinary medicine in DOGS only – never cats. It’s sometimes used in small doses with codeine for pain support in hospice patients (not routinely, though). That’s because it can cause dry eye at even therapeutic doses in dogs. You can see the published data on that HERE. As for higher doses in dogs? It causes toxicity to the liver within 2 days including signs of:

    As a veterinarian, animal lover, and toxicologist, let me tell you that this post had me livid. First, the decision to euthanize a pet is so hard… and you don’t want it to fall you on, right? When in doubt, please talk to your veterinarian about this decision. I’ll say that it was even a hard decision for me – a veterinarian of over 20 years – with my OWN DOG. (You can read about my decision here).

    FAQ

    Can you give dog Tylenol PM?

    Never give your dog the most common over-the-counter human pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

    How many mg of Tylenol can a dog have?

    Dosing Information of Acetaminophen for Dogs

    There are better alternatives for controlling fever and pain, so acetaminophen should not routinely be used in dogs. For dogs, 5 to 7.5 mg per pound (10 to 15 mg/kg), two to three times a day is recommended. If given for more than 5 days, two times a day is recommended.

    How much Tylenol can a 50 pound dog have?

    Acetaminophen is generally considered toxic to dogs at doses above 30-50 mg per kilogram (13-22 mg per pound). 1 However, some dogs are more sensitive and will experience toxic effects at lower doses. In addition, frequent ingestion of acetaminophen may make dogs more susceptible to toxicity.