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🚨 Emergency — Toxic
Acetaminophen is toxic to dogs. Acetaminophen is extremely toxic to cats.
Paracetamol, or acetaminophen, is an analgesic and antipyretic agent used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain. It is a widely available over-the-counter drug sold generically or under various brand names, including Tylenol and Panadol. Read more on Wikipedia →
Causes liver damage and can destroy red blood cells. Toxic dose is much lower than in humans. Causes methemoglobinemia, facial swelling, and liver failure. Emergency care needed.
Paracetamol is a member of the class of phenols that is 4-aminophenol in which one of the hydrogens attached to the amino group has been replaced by an acetyl group. It has a role as a ferroptosis inducer, a geroprotector, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, a non-narcotic analgesic, an antipyretic, a xenobiotic, a cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor, a cyclooxygenase 1 inhibitor, a hepatotoxic agent, a cyclooxygenase 3 inhibitor, an environmental contaminant and a human blood serum metabolite. It is a member of acetamides and a member of phenols. It is functionally related to a 4-aminophenol. PubChem reference
Symptoms can appear anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion depending on the substance and the amount. Even if your dog seems fine, call your vet — outcomes are dramatically better with early treatment.
Even a single tablet can be fatal. Cats lack the enzyme to metabolize it, causing methemoglobinemia and liver failure. This is one of the most dangerous substances for cats. Seek emergency vet care immediately.
Cats are even more sensitive than dogs to many household substances because they have a reduced ability to metabolise certain compounds (limited glucuronidation). Any suspected ingestion should be treated as an emergency — call your veterinarian immediately, even if your cat appears fine.
Even with safe foods, individual sensitivities are real. Stop feeding and call your vet if you see any of:
If your pet's symptoms are severe, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. In the United States the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is reachable 24/7 at +1 (888) 426-4435.
Any amount of acetaminophen should be treated as a potential emergency. Toxic dose varies with body weight, age, and individual sensitivity. Call your vet immediately with the dog's weight and the estimated amount ingested.
Common early signs are vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, restlessness, and weakness. Severe cases progress to tremors, seizures, irregular heart rate, and collapse, typically within a few hours.
Yes. Some toxins cause delayed symptoms (hours to a full day later), and once signs appear the case is already serious. Early treatment dramatically improves the outcome.
Cats are usually more sensitive to toxins than dogs. Any suspected ingestion should be treated as an emergency.
Anywhere from 24 hours to several days, depending on the substance and how quickly treatment was started. Hospitalised pets often receive IV fluids and supportive care for the full duration.
Store all known toxic substances in closed cupboards above counter height, brief everyone in the household, and save the ASPCA Poison Control number (+1 888 426 4435) in your phone.