Toxicity to pets

Acetaminophen is a popular over-the-counter analgesic and fever reducing medication. It is also present in some prescription pain medications. Pet owners should be on the lookout for acetaminophen in products labeled for “cold and flu symptoms”, “allergies”, and “fever.” While this drug is safe for human use, it has a narrower margin of safety in dogs and especially cats. Cats have a decreased ability to metabolize acetaminophen in their liver, making them much more susceptible to poisoning than most other species.

Common signs to watch for:

• Lethargy
• Swelling of the face
• Difficulty breathing
• Brown or blue gums
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Jaundice