Human Medicines That Are Dangerous to Pets

Never give a human medicine to your pet without your vet's advice. This list gives no doses on purpose. If your pet swallowed any of these, call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline 1-855-764-7661 now.

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

  Dangerous to dogs and cats

  Stomach ulcers and kidney failure, even at small doses.

• Naproxen (Aleve)

  Dangerous to dogs and cats

  Long-acting; causes ulcers and kidney damage.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

  Deadly to cats; dangerous to dogs

  Destroys red blood cells in cats; liver damage in dogs.

• Aspirin (ASA)

  Dangerous, especially to cats

  Stomach bleeding; cats can't clear it.

• Decongestants (pseudoephedrine, Sudafed, phenylephrine)

  Dangerous to dogs and cats

  Racing heart, tremors, seizures.

• ADHD stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)

  Dangerous to dogs and cats

  Agitation, high temperature, seizures.

• Antidepressants (SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft), Effexor)

  Dangerous to dogs and cats

  Sedation or agitation, tremors; cats are attracted to Effexor.

• Sleep aids (zolpidem (Ambien), benzodiazepines)

  Dangerous to dogs and cats

  Severe agitation or sedation.

• Heart & blood pressure pills (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers)

  Dangerous to dogs and cats

  Dangerously low heart rate and blood pressure.

• Topical creams (5-FU, calcipotriene (psoriasis), hormone creams)

  Dangerous to dogs and cats

  Licked off skin or tubes; can be fatal.

• Antihistamines with decongestant (anything labelled “-D”)

  Dangerous

  The decongestant part is the danger. Plain antihistamines only with vet dosing.

• Cannabis / THC edibles (gummies, brownies)

  Dangerous to dogs and cats

  Wobbliness, urine leaking, slow heart; edibles may also contain chocolate or xylitol.

Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control; Pet Poison Helpline.