What happens if you give a dog paracetamol? - briefly
If you give a dog paracetamol, it can be highly toxic and even fatal. Paracetamol is not metabolized by dogs in the same way as humans, leading to liver damage and potentially death.
What happens if you give a dog paracetamol? - in detail
Giving a dog paracetamol can have serious consequences due to the unique physiology and metabolism of dogs compared to humans. Paracetamol, commonly known as acetaminophen, is a widely used over-the-counter medication for pain relief and fever reduction in humans. However, it can be highly toxic to dogs.
Firstly, dogs lack the liver enzyme glucuronosyltransferase, which is crucial for metabolizing paracetamol safely. In humans, this enzyme helps convert paracetamol into a non-toxic substance that can be excreted by the kidneys. Without this enzyme, dogs are unable to effectively process and eliminate paracetamol from their system.
When a dog ingests paracetamol, it is primarily metabolized by another liver enzyme called cytochrome P450, which produces a highly reactive and toxic intermediate metabolite known as NAPQI (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine). Normally, in humans, this toxic metabolite is quickly neutralized by glutathione, an antioxidant present in the liver. However, since dogs do not have sufficient glucuronosyltransferase to handle paracetamol, they rely heavily on their glutathione stores to detoxify NAPQI.
The problem arises when the amount of paracetamol ingested exceeds the dog's capacity to produce enough glutathione to neutralize the toxic metabolite. This results in the accumulation of NAPQI, which can cause significant damage to liver cells and other tissues. The clinical signs of paracetamol toxicity typically appear within a few hours after ingestion and may include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), seizures, and even death.
The severity of the toxicity depends on several factors, including the dog's size, the amount of paracetamol ingested, and the time elapsed since ingestion. Smaller dogs and those with underlying liver disease are at a higher risk for developing severe symptoms. Prompt veterinary intervention is crucial in cases of suspected paracetamol poisoning to prevent or mitigate liver damage.
In conclusion, it is essential to keep all medications, including paracetamol, out of reach of pets. If you suspect your dog has ingested paracetamol, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and possible treatment.