Last Updated on October 6, 2021 by Marco
Worried about the safety of children’s Tylenol for dogs? Read our article to learn if acetaminophen is okay for canines to ingest.
The hardest thing for any animal lover or pet owner is watching an animal under your care in pain and being unable to help them. What amplifies the distress is that your pet can’t communicate its pain to you. That’s enough to make anyone feel desperate.
Yet, it is vital to understand that animals are a different species. What may be relieving for humans may not necessarily be so for a pet. That’s why one must be fully equipped with the necessary knowledge before administering any drugs to an animal. If you want to learn more about whether children’s Tylenol is safe for your canine – you’ve come to the right place.
What Is Children’s Tylenol And Is It Safe For Dogs?
The generic name for Tylenol is acetaminophen. It’s a pain reliever that’s readily available because it qualifies as an over-the-counter drug. Tylenol is very commonly used to reduce fever or cure body aches and inflammatory reactions.
The accessibility of this drug can sometimes make it the go-to solution for pain relief when owners are looking after their ill pets. This invites the question of canine owners of whether children’s Tylenol is safe for canines and the correct Tylenol dosage for dogs. The medication comes in various formulations, i.e., capsule, tablet, oral suspension, and suppositories.
The drug can be given to dogs in certain circumstances (when they’re experiencing pain or have fever). However, it’s not something dog parents should treat lightly, and it’s always best to refer to your vet when your canine isn’t well.
The liquid form of Tylenol is easiest to feed a dog (through a dropper). But if your pet is accommodating, you can also resort to a tablet hidden in a favorite treat.
When it comes to feeding canines human medication – overdosing is a real threat. That’s also why it’s safer to go for children’s Tylenol for dogs that need help. This is because the only real difference between Tylenol for adults and children is in the drug concentration.
You can also use Baby Tylenol for dogs as the infant and child versions have been equalized to the same concentration. If you have Tylenol at home, make sure it’s always out of sight and out of reach of your pets.
Children’s Tylenol For Dogs
We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to consult a vet before experimenting with drugs for your dog. It is not as simple as asking “how much Tylenol can I give my dog?” and getting the right answer on the internet.
You need to consider several factors when ascertaining the proper dosage of any medication for dogs. These include the dog’s weight and the extent of the illness. Even awareness of your dog’s medical history can be of crucial importance at this time.
As canines are very sensitive to acetaminophen, the difference between a low dose and disastrous amounts can be blurry to the average person. An animal healthcare expert will have the requisite knowledge and experience to help your dog with the least risk of mishaps.
Furthermore, if your pet does not react well to the medicine, a veterinarian will have a backup solution. Also, note that children’s Tylenol for dogs is typically not a vet’s first choice of medication. That’s because there are other dog-friendly options on the market.
Learn more about: Dog Shivering After Vaccinations; Canine Vaccination Side Effects
In fact, the FDA has not approved the use of this medication for animals, but many vets legally use it as an off-label treatment. Of course, it is true that an appointment with the vet may not always be possible, or your dog may need instant attention at home.
So keeping in mind the fact that you do not have access to a professional, we can give you some guidelines on how to best tackle such an unexpected crisis.
If you accidentally overdose your dog, make sure to immediately ring the pet poison helpline or whatever local emergency services are available.
Figuring Out The Right Dosage Of Acetaminophen
So, what are some of the things to keep in mind if you want to give your dog children’s Tylenol? Doctors usually prescribe medication for a child or pet according to their weight.
That means you’ll first need to get an exact measurement or close estimate of your canine’s weight. The standard dosage of children’s Tylenol for dogs is 5 to 7.5 mg per pound of body weight, twice or thrice a day. This adds up to a total of 10 to 15 mg for each kilogram.
Therefore, if your dog weighs twelve pounds, the lowest dose you can give it is 60mg twice a day. You can check the concentration on the label of the bottle. If your product has an 80mg per ml concentration, you can give 0.75ml twice or thrice daily.
Experts recommend limiting the dosage to twice a day if you plan to continue it for more than five days. The duration depends on the intensity of the illness and whether your pet develops an allergic reaction to it. Keep an eye on your pet after giving it Tylenol. If you suspect your pet’s having a reaction to the medication – contact your vet asap. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include staggering, stumbling, swelling, diarrhea, vomiting, or labored breathing.
Dangers Of Children’s Tylenol For Dogs
At times, pain relief may only be a temporary solution for your furbaby. If your pet behaves unnaturally or appears in discomfort, taking it to a vet for a diagnosis is the best option.
Tylenol will only provide symptomatic relief and not cure the ailment. Please consult with a vet to ensure the drug does not clash with any other medication your dog is on at the time. Even a large dog can succumb to acetaminophen poisoning if the dosage is above the requirement or through lack of hygiene.
Unhygienic conditions can include the medicine dropping to the floor and then being swallowed. Acetaminophen poisoning can result in severe liver damage, liver failure, and hemolysis, which attacks the red blood cells.
In case of medicinal toxicity, you can induce vomiting to prevent the medicine from being absorbed by the canine’s system. However, this will only be effective if the dog has ingested the drug very recently. Another option that an expert can utilize includes the use of activated charcoal to avoid undue absorption.
Suffice it to say, children’s Tylenol can pose extreme danger to your pet’s health without the advice of a qualified veterinarian. It’s not something dog parents want to resort to without proper dosing advice from their pet’s doctor.
