The answer is yes, but if you do it incorrectly, then the dog will overdose on the medication. This article discusses how to safely administer Calpol and other medications to your pet.
“Research suggests that Emerald Pet Insurance offer excellent value for money and are very competitively priced for the high levels of cover provided. Even taking into account the optional extras. When these are removed, they are even more competitively priced.”
– Thatsinsurance.com
Table of Contents
What is Calpol?
Calpol is a drug designed to help with symptoms of cold, flu or fever in children, such as headaches and temperature. Calpol contains paracetamol.
Can you give your dog calpol?
People have been wondering if they can give dogs calpol for years. Some people say that it’s safe while others are more uncertain – it’s not as clear as, for example, NEVER giving your dog aspirin. So is there a simple answer about can you give your dog Calpol? Well given that Calpol contains paracetamol there are some general rules about what is safe to give your do – as vets would agree – so let’s start there.
The short answer..
The short answer is never give your dog human medication without checking with a vet, even if your dog is in pain. Your vet may have a view on each of the different types, but you need to be sure about calpol, paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen and the like.
In theory it is possible to give your dog Calpol. The reason that vets are sometimes reluctant to say that is because dosage is very important for dogs. As they are smaller than people (even little people!) unfortunately even a small dose of this medicine can be dangerous and toxic to your dog.
For animals that have eaten something they should not, contact the vet immediately. If you own a dog, consider getting pet insurance with Emerald at https://www.emeraldlife.co.uk/pet-insurance
Can I give my dog human painkillers?
Remember that human painkillers are not safe for dogs (or dogs and cats for that matter). Human medication is tested for humans, and so such effects on dogs such as damage to the liver or other symptoms like vomiting or pain so never give your dog these medicines. Human medications are best left to humans and giving your dog those can be a problem.
Can I give my dog Calpol?
You probably have Calpol at home. It is commonly used to treat mild pain and fever in children, as well as being safe for pregnant women.
The drug is designed for human consumption. It can cause seriously harmful side effects or be fatal when given to your pet in an overdose. The strength of the drug will depend on your weight so a small dog may be killed by less than would hurt a full-grown adult. There’s no way to know the dosage suitable for your dog and so you might want to speak to your vet and see what your vet says.
Can I give my dog pain relief?
Several pain killers have been designed specifically for dogs. These medications are more safe and effective when compared to human medication. The over-consumption of human medication can lead to accidental poisoning and kidney failure.
If a dog is in pain, they should undergo a full veterinary examination. This will enable the vet to make a proper diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment for what is causing the pain.
Owners should always consult a veterinary specialist before giving their pet any medication. There is no such thing as a ‘dog-safe human medicine’ without understanding the risks, and vets understand what substances are most appropriate for your animals.
About the Article
This article is not a substitute for a qualified vet consultation. You can contact your local veterinary practice or out-of-hours service if you are worried about your pet’s health, but always take them to see a professional before administering any treatment.
In an emergency, contact your vet to find out what should be done and if anything can be taken.
Can I give my dog aspirin?
Overdosage can cause stomach ulcers, inflammation of the stomach lining, and death. Because this product is contains salicylate there is a risk when given to dogs by accident that it will lead to an overdose, haemorrhage, seizure or coma and death
As aspirin is sometimes given by doctors to treat mild to moderate pain caused by osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal inflammation in humans, it should not be administered without professional advice to dogs.
If you think your pet has ingested a lethal dose of salicylate, contact your vet as quickly as possible and ensure they prescribe the appropriate treatment. The same goes for cat owners who may not know that certain drugs are toxic to their feline pets – if untreated, vomiting could follow ingestion.
Further Information
Dog Medication FAQs
What can you give a dog for pain relief?
If your pet has a pain or illness, it may require different types of medication. Dogs have their own medicine specifically made for them which is more effective and safe than human medications.
It is important to take your dog to a vet if they are in pain. You should not administer calpol or other over-the-counter medication because of the potential side effects and drug interaction differences.
How much calpol can you give a dog?
As discussed above, you always want to give your dogs pain relief when they need it. However, the wrong dose for your pets can be toxic and mean more visits to the vets, and more expense.
A lot of people think that Calpol is only for children, and they would be surprised to learn that it can also be used in dogs. But again, the dose is very important and the wrong dose can be dangerous.
Having a sick dog should be taken seriously. But before you medicate your pet with over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, it’s important to know their risks.There are potential side effects from giving your pet any human medication that might not work the same way.
Can I give my dog human calpol?
You might find calpol in your cabinet–it’s a pain reliever for children.
When you have a dog that’s sick, it should be imperative to get treatment for them as soon as possible. Before giving your pet over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, make sure they fit the following guidelines and know what risks may occur if you give your dog these medications.
There are potential risks when using a human medication that is not meant for your pet.
Can dogs have human painkillers?
Try to avoid giving your dog or cat drugs that are designed for humans. This is important since human medicines have not been tested for safety in animals and can be very detrimental to their health!
How much paracetamol can you give a dog?
When your dog is in pain, you want to give them an appropriate dose of medication. However, you need to be careful not to use too much and make the problem worse. You always want to get a vet’s help when your pet has problems, but often times it can also be tempting for people managing their pets on their own terms.
A lot of people think that paracetamol is only for humans, and they would be surprised to learn that it can also be used in dogs. But again, the dose is very important and the wrong dosage can actually make things worse.
Giving human over-the-counter drugs to your pet should be done carefully. There are risks that impact pets as well as humans and there might not be any need for these medicines, anyway.
Article references: Calpol doses/paracetamol tablets/Dog medications/Toxic Medications/Painkiller issues/Painkiller on an animal/Animal Health.
