Checker · Dog / Cat

Human medicines that are dangerous to pets

Has your dog or cat swallowed human medicine? Call a vet now.

Do not wait for signs. Some of these medicines look like nothing is wrong for hours and then damage the liver, kidneys or blood a day or two later. Any amount is a reason to call.

Do not make your pet vomit and do not give milk, salt, oil or any home remedy. Vomiting is induced only on a vet’s instruction, and never at home for a cat.

Take the strip, box or tube with you. Note the product name, how much is missing, the time and your pet’s weight. If your pet is having a fit, struggling to breathe, collapsing or bleeding, go to the nearest veterinary hospital at once. Full steps

No. Dolo 650, Crocin, Combiflam, Brufen, Voveran and almost every other human medicine are dangerous to dogs and cats, and for cats any paracetamol (Dolo, Crocin, Calpol) is an emergency. This page gives no doses, on purpose. If your pet has swallowed any, call a vet now.

Is this medicine dangerous to my pet?

Type a brand or medicine name, for example Dolo 650, Crocin, Combiflam, Brufen or paracetamol.

Quick answers

Human medicines are the category of pet poisoning the ASPCA hears about most: over-the-counter medicines and supplements were its number-one category in 2025, and prescription human medicines were number three (ASPCA: top 10 toxins of 2025). These are the searches we are asked most.

Can I give Dolo 650 to my dog?

No. Dolo 650 is paracetamol. In dogs it can damage the liver and the red blood cells, and in cats it is far more dangerous.

What to do instead: See a vet, who can find out why your dog has a fever or pain. Read why

Is Crocin safe for dog fever?

No. Crocin is paracetamol too (Crocin Pain Relief also contains caffeine). Fever in a dog is a reason to see a vet, not to give a tablet.

What to do instead: See a vet the same day. Say the temperature and anything the dog has swallowed. Read why

Combiflam for dogs?

No. Combiflam is ibuprofen plus paracetamol, so it carries both the stomach-and-kidney danger of an NSAID and the liver danger of paracetamol.

What to do instead: See a vet. If your dog has swallowed any, call a vet now. Read why

Paracetamol for cats?

Never. Cats are especially sensitive to paracetamol. It damages their red blood cells, and any amount is an emergency.

What to do instead: If a cat has swallowed any, go to a vet at once. Do not wait for signs. Read why

Brufen, Voveran or Disprin for a dog or cat?

No. They are NSAIDs or aspirin. They cause stomach ulcers and kidney damage, and cats are especially sensitive to them.

What to do instead: See a vet. Vets can prescribe medicines made for animals; human tablets are not the same. Read why

Can I rub Vicks, Iodex or Moov on my pet?

No. Camphor, menthol, eucalyptus and wintergreen are absorbed through the skin and are toxic if licked or swallowed.

What to do instead: Ask a vet what is wrong. If your pet has licked any, call a vet. Read why

What to do right now if your pet has swallowed any

Take the pack away from your pet and check that it is breathing and acting normally.
Phone your vet, or the nearest veterinary hospital, now. At night, ask for the nearest 24-hour animal hospital. Do not wait for signs: the ASPCA advises getting help even when signs are mild or absent (ASPCA: my pet ate something, when should I seek help?).
Have the details ready: the product name and the strength printed on the pack, how much is missing, and when. Also your pet’s breed, age, weight and health history, any signs, and any home treatment you have already tried (ASPCA: what to expect when you call). These details are for the vet to use, not for you to judge whether it matters.
Go straight to a veterinary hospital if your pet has a seizure, trouble breathing, is unresponsive or collapses, or is bleeding, and take the packaging with you (ASPCA: my pet ate something, when should I seek help?).
If it is on the coat or skin (a balm, a cream, an oil, a spot-on), say so on the phone. For permethrin and for essential oils, the sources describe washing the coat with mild detergent while you are getting veterinary advice, and say not to use insecticidal shampoos (see the Permethrin and Essential oils entries). Ask the vet before washing anything else.

What not to do

Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to. The ASPCA says trying to induce vomiting at home can be dangerous. For dogs, hydrogen peroxide is used only under a vet’s guidance; for cats, nothing can be given at home to safely make them vomit. Salt, olive oil, ipecac and putting fingers down the throat should not be used on any pet (ASPCA: is it ever safe to induce vomiting?). Whether vomiting helps depends on the drug and the time. Merck notes it is not appropriate for most animals that swallowed first-generation antihistamines and should not be induced after essential oils because of the risk of inhaling it (Merck Vet Manual: cold and allergy medicines, Merck Vet Manual: essential oils).
Do not give milk, water, oil, salt or a home remedy to “flush it out”. The ASPCA says mustard, toast, water and milk do not reliably make a pet vomit.
Do not give another medicine to “counter” the first one.
Do not wait until morning, and do not use an online dose chart. We have not found a safe one, and we do not publish one.

Who to phone in India

As far as we know, India has no 24-hour animal poison control line, and we will not print a number we cannot stand behind. Phone your own vet or your nearest veterinary hospital. The two services our sources mention, the ASPCA’s poison control centre and Pet Poison Helpline, charge a fee per case (ASPCA: what to expect when you call, Pet Poison Helpline: NSAIDs), and the ASPCA’s centre is in the USA (Heller 2007: metformin overdose in dogs and cats, Brown 2018: toxicologic causes of low blood sugar in dogs). They are not a substitute for a vet who can see your pet.

Fever is a reason to see a vet, not to give a tablet

Fever in a dog is a reason to see a vet, not to give a tablet. A fever is a sign of something else, and the something else needs finding.

Normal rectal temperature, adult animals
Animal	Normal range	Source
Adult cat	38.1 to 39.2 °C	Merck Veterinary Manual
Adult dog	37.5 to 39.2 °C	Merck Veterinary Manual
Adult dog	38.1 to 39.2 °C	VCA Animal Hospitals

The two sources differ slightly at the low end for dogs. A temperature above the top of the range, or a pet that is dull, off its food or breathing fast, is a reason to phone a vet. It is not a number to treat at home.

Many things cause fever. VCA lists viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections, immune-mediated inflammation, a reaction to a drug or vaccine, and cancer (VCA: fever in dogs). In India, tick-borne infection is one to think of: ehrlichiosis is spread by ticks, including the brown dog tick, and fever is the first sign listed for its early stage (Merck Vet Manual: ehrlichiosis in dogs).
A painkiller does not fix it and can get in the way. VCA says NSAIDs generally do not treat the fever itself and should be withheld until diagnostic tests are done. Combiflam’s own label warns that it can mask the symptoms of an infection and so delay proper treatment.
In hot weather, a high temperature may be heatstroke. That is an emergency with its own first-aid steps: see Dog heatstroke first aid.
What to do: phone your vet, say what the temperature is and when it began, and tell them if your pet has swallowed or been given anything.

Brand finder: what is in the tablet

Indian brand names hide the drug. This table lists the active ingredients of each brand as printed on the manufacturer’s leaflet or the pharmacy listing, checked on 16 October 2026. Formulations change and one brand name can cover several products, so always read the ingredient list on your own pack. If your brand is not here, look up its ingredient names in the entries below.

Brand to ingredient
Brand	Contains	Entry
Dolo 650Micro Labs	paracetamol	Paracetamol
Crocin 650Haleon	paracetamol	Paracetamol
Crocin AdvanceHaleon	paracetamol	Paracetamol
Crocin Pain ReliefHaleon	paracetamol and caffeine	Paracetamol
CalpolGSK	paracetamol (tablets, suspension and paediatric drops)	Paracetamol
SaridonBayer	paracetamol and caffeine; one listing also names propyphenazone, so read your pack	Paracetamol
BrufenAbbott	ibuprofen	Ibuprofen
CombiflamSanofi	ibuprofen and paracetamol (tablets)	Combiflam
Voveran tabletsNovartis	diclofenac	Diclofenac
Voveran EmulgelNovartis	diclofenac diethylamine (gel)	Diclofenac
Volini GelSun Pharma	diclofenac diethylamine, methyl salicylate, menthol, linseed oil	Diclofenac
DisprinReckitt	aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)	Aspirin
EcosprinUSV	aspirin	Aspirin
NiseDr Reddy's	nimesulide	Nimesulide, mefenamic acid, naproxen
NimulidPanacea Biotec	nimesulide	Nimesulide, mefenamic acid, naproxen
Meftal-SpasBlue Cross	mefenamic acid and dicyclomine	Nimesulide, mefenamic acid, naproxen
UltracetJanssen	tramadol and paracetamol	Tramadol
SinarestCentaur	paracetamol, phenylephrine and chlorpheniramine	Cold, flu, cough and allergy medicines
D'Cold TotalReckitt	paracetamol, caffeine and phenylephrine	Cold, flu, cough and allergy medicines
AllegraSanofi	fexofenadine (an antihistamine)	Cold, flu, cough and allergy medicines
AlpraxTorrent	alprazolam	Anxiety, sleeping and mood tablets
ClonotrilTorrent	clonazepam	Anxiety, sleeping and mood tablets
ZolfreshAbbott	zolpidem	Anxiety, sleeping and mood tablets
NexitoSun Pharma	escitalopram	Anxiety, sleeping and mood tablets
DaxidPfizer	sertraline	Anxiety, sleeping and mood tablets
AmlongMicro Labs	amlodipine (a calcium-channel blocker)	Blood-pressure and heart tablets
TelmaGlenmark	telmisartan (an angiotensin-receptor blocker)	Blood-pressure and heart tablets
AtenZydus	atenolol (a beta-blocker)	Blood-pressure and heart tablets
GlycometUSV	metformin	Diabetes tablets
AmarylSanofi	glimepiride (a sulfonylurea)	Diabetes tablets
CalcirolCadila	cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)	Iron, vitamin D and calcium
Orofer XTEmcure	ferrous ascorbate (iron) and folic acid	Iron, vitamin D and calcium
ShelcalTorrent	calcium and vitamin D3	Iron, vitamin D and calcium
Vicks VapoRubProcter & Gamble	menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil (the Indian label also lists turpentine oil, thymol and nutmeg oil)	Balms, rubs and creams
IodexGSK Consumer Healthcare, as listed	wintergreen oil (a source of methyl salicylate), menthol, eucalyptus oil, turpentine oil, clove oil	Balms, rubs and creams
Moov ointmentReckitt	wintergreen oil, mint extract, eucalyptus (Nilgiri) oil, turpentine oil	Balms, rubs and creams
Zandu BalmEmami	menthol, eucalyptus oil, gaultheria (wintergreen) oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, camphor	Balms, rubs and creams
Scabper creamShalaks, as listed	permethrin	Permethrin
Permite creamGalderma	permethrin	Permethrin

The medicines, one by one

Fever and pain tablets

Paracetamol (acetaminophen)

Do not give. Dangerous to dogs and cats. Call a vet now if swallowed.

The most common fever and pain tablet in Indian homes. It is also hidden inside many other products: Combiflam, Saridon, Ultracet, and cold-and-flu tablets such as Sinarest and D'Cold Total. Syrups and drops sold for children are the same drug.

Indian brands and what is in them

Dolo 650 (Micro Labs): paracetamol. Check the label
Crocin 650 (Haleon): paracetamol. Check the label
Crocin Advance (Haleon): paracetamol. Check the label
Crocin Pain Relief (Haleon): paracetamol and caffeine. Check the label
Calpol (GSK): paracetamol (tablets, suspension and paediatric drops). Check the label
Saridon (Bayer): paracetamol and caffeine; one listing also names propyphenazone, so read your pack. Check the label

Why it harms dogs. Dogs are less sensitive than cats, but Pet Poison Helpline says paracetamol has a narrower margin of safety in dogs and is especially dangerous for cats. In dogs the main damage is to the liver: jaundice and liver cell death are more common in dogs than in cats. Red blood cells can also be affected, and some dogs develop sudden dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Repeated doses can poison a dog at amounts that would not have mattered once.

Why it harms cats. Cats are especially susceptible. They have low glucuronyl transferase activity, so they clear paracetamol mostly by one pathway (sulfation), and when that is overloaded toxic by-products build up. Red blood cells are damaged (methaemoglobinaemia, then Heinz bodies), which can turn the gums brown or muddy, and liver and kidney injury can follow. Pet Poison Helpline says paracetamol is safe for people, but not for pets, especially cats. There is no amount of human paracetamol that we can call safe for a cat: treat any swallowing, or any tablet given in error, as an emergency.

Signs to watch for

A pet can look normal at first. Do not wait for signs before phoning a vet.

In dogs

Loss of appetite, vomiting, belly pain
Yellow gums or eyes (jaundice)
Tremors
Dry, sore eyes

In cats

Gums that look brown, muddy or bluish
Lethargy and weakness
Vomiting
Swelling of the face or paws

In cats, red blood cell damage can appear within a few hours. Slow-release products delay the peak, and liver injury follows later (Merck).

What to do now. Do not give it. If your pet has swallowed or licked any, phone a vet now: any amount is a reason to call. Do not make your pet vomit or give anything by mouth unless the vet tells you to, and take the pack with you. Check the strip or box for every ingredient. Cold, flu and period-pain tablets often contain paracetamol as well, so tell the vet the full list.

Sources for this entry: Merck Vet Manual: human painkillers · Pet Poison Helpline: acetaminophen · Pet Poison Helpline: top 10 human medicines · ASPCA: why species matters · Dolo 650 (Micro Labs), Apollo Pharmacy listing · Crocin 650 product information leaflet (Haleon) · Crocin Advance, crocin.com (Haleon) · Crocin Pain Relief, crocin.com (Haleon) · Calpol prescribing information (GSK India) · Saridon, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Bayer)

Fever and pain tablets

Ibuprofen

Do not give. Dangerous to dogs and cats. Call a vet now if swallowed.

A human anti-inflammatory painkiller (an NSAID). Pet Poison Helpline describes it as human-specific and says it should not be given to companion animals.

Indian brands and what is in them

Brufen (Abbott): ibuprofen. Check the label

Combiflam also contains ibuprofen: see its own entry below.

Why it harms dogs. Ibuprofen can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestine (with bleeding) and kidney damage. Nervous-system signs such as depression, wobbliness and seizures can follow. This is why Pet Poison Helpline puts NSAIDs in its list of the most dangerous human medicines for pets.

Why it harms cats. Cats are more susceptible to ibuprofen because they have limited glucuronide conjugation, a way the body clears drugs (Merck). For a cat, any swallowing is a reason to phone a vet at once.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting, sometimes with blood
Black, tarry stools or diarrhoea with blood
Loss of appetite, lethargy, belly pain
Drinking and passing urine much more, or passing none
Depression, seizures or coma (nervous-system signs)

Pet Poison Helpline does not give a time frame, but advises that the sooner a pet is treated, the less dangerous it is.

Sources for this entry: Merck Vet Manual: human painkillers · Pet Poison Helpline: ibuprofen · Pet Poison Helpline: NSAIDs · Pet Poison Helpline: top 10 human medicines · Brufen, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Abbott)

Fever and pain tablets

Ibuprofen plus paracetamol (Combiflam)

Do not give. Dangerous to dogs and cats. Call a vet now if swallowed.

Combiflam tablets contain two drugs in one: ibuprofen and paracetamol (Sanofi's prescribing information).

Indian brands and what is in them

Combiflam (Sanofi): ibuprofen and paracetamol (tablets). Check the label

Why it harms dogs. A dog that swallows it gets the dangers of both drugs: the stomach ulcers and kidney damage of ibuprofen, and the liver and red-cell damage of paracetamol. See the Ibuprofen and Paracetamol entries.

Why it harms cats. Cats are especially vulnerable to both of these drugs (see the Paracetamol and Ibuprofen entries). A cat that has swallowed, or been given, Combiflam is an emergency.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting, sometimes with blood
Black, tarry stools
Loss of appetite, lethargy, belly pain
Changes in drinking and urinating
Yellow gums or eyes

In cats

Brown, muddy or bluish gums

What to do now. Do not give it. If your pet has swallowed or licked any, phone a vet now: any amount is a reason to call. Do not make your pet vomit or give anything by mouth unless the vet tells you to, and take the pack with you. Even for people, Combiflam's own label lists stomach or intestinal ulcers and bleeding, kidney, heart and liver failure and severe dehydration as reasons not to take it, limits it to short-term use, and warns that it can mask the symptoms of an infection. A vet cannot tell whether your pet has any of those problems without examining it.

Sources for this entry: Combiflam abridged prescribing information (Sanofi India, Jan 2026) · Merck Vet Manual: human painkillers · Pet Poison Helpline: NSAIDs · Pet Poison Helpline: acetaminophen

Fever and pain tablets

Diclofenac (tablets and pain-relief gels)

Do not give. Dangerous to dogs and cats. Call a vet now if swallowed.

A strong human NSAID painkiller, sold as tablets and as gels you rub on joints and muscles.

Indian brands and what is in them

Voveran tablets (Novartis): diclofenac. Check the label
Voveran Emulgel (Novartis): diclofenac diethylamine (gel). Check the label
Volini Gel (Sun Pharma): diclofenac diethylamine, methyl salicylate, menthol, linseed oil. Check the label

Why it harms dogs. Pet Poison Helpline lists diclofenac among the human NSAIDs that can be extremely dangerous to pets, causing serious stomach ulcers and sudden kidney failure. The Merck Veterinary Manual has no separate section on diclofenac, so the NSAID class warning is the one that applies. With gels, pets are poisoned by chewing the tube, or by licking gel off human skin or off fur that touched it.

Why it harms cats. Merck says cats are more sensitive to topical NSAID exposure than dogs. Cats groom constantly, so gel on your hands, lap or clothes can end up swallowed. Gels that also contain methyl salicylate add the salicylate problem described under Balms, rubs and creams.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting, sometimes with blood; black, tarry stools
Loss of appetite, lethargy, belly pain
Drinking and urinating much more, or not at all
At very high exposures: depression, seizures or coma

Sources for this entry: Pet Poison Helpline: NSAIDs · Merck Vet Manual: human topical products · Merck Vet Manual: human painkillers · Voveran, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Novartis) · Voveran Emulgel, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Novartis) · Volini FAQs, volini.com (Sun Pharma)

Fever and pain tablets

Aspirin

Do not give. Dangerous to dogs and cats. Call a vet now if swallowed.

Aspirin is a human painkiller and fever tablet. Disprin is listed as an over-the-counter aspirin; Ecosprin is aspirin listed as a prescription medicine.

Indian brands and what is in them

Disprin (Reckitt): aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). Check the label
Ecosprin (USV): aspirin. Ecosprin is sold in other versions; read your pack. Check the label

Why it harms dogs. Aspirin is absorbed quickly from the stomach and upper intestine. For aspirin poisoning Merck lists listlessness, weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting, raised body temperature and fast breathing, and later stomach ulcers, liver damage, seizures, coma and prolonged bleeding. There is no antidote.

Why it harms cats. Merck says cats are very susceptible to aspirin because they lack glucuronyl transferase and excrete aspirin slowly. The ASPCA lists aspirin, with paracetamol, among the medicines that make cats vomit, drool, become lethargic, struggle to breathe or show discoloured gums.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting and loss of appetite
Weakness, listlessness
Fast breathing and a raised body temperature
Later: black stools, seizures, bleeding

In cats

Drooling and discoloured gums

Sources for this entry: Merck Vet Manual: human painkillers · ASPCA: why species matters · Disprin, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Reckitt) · Ecosprin, Apollo Pharmacy listing (USV)

Fever and pain tablets

Nimesulide, mefenamic acid and naproxen

Do not give. Dangerous to dogs and cats. Call a vet now if swallowed.

Three more human NSAIDs found in Indian medicine cabinets. Meftal-Spas also contains dicyclomine, an antispasmodic. We list no naproxen brand because we could not confirm the ingredients of a currently sold Indian brand.

Indian brands and what is in them

Nise (Dr Reddy's): nimesulide. Check the label
Nimulid (Panacea Biotec): nimesulide. Check the label
Meftal-Spas (Blue Cross): mefenamic acid and dicyclomine. Check the label

Why it harms dogs. Pet Poison Helpline's rule covers every NSAID: any type should never be given to a dog or cat without consulting a vet, because human NSAIDs can cause serious stomach ulcers and sudden kidney failure. We found no veterinary reference that covers nimesulide or mefenamic acid on their own, so the class warning is what we rely on. For naproxen, Merck lists vomiting, black tarry stools, pale gums, weakness, belly pain and vomiting blood; in dogs it is cleared mainly through bile and recirculates, which affects how vets treat it.

Why it harms cats. Merck says cats are more susceptible to naproxen (and ibuprofen) because of limited glucuronide conjugation.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting, sometimes with blood
Black, tarry stools or diarrhoea
Pale gums, weakness, lethargy
Belly pain, loss of appetite
Drinking and urinating much more, or not at all
Seizures

Sources for this entry: Pet Poison Helpline: NSAIDs · Merck Vet Manual: human painkillers · Nise, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Dr Reddy's) · Nimulid, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Panacea Biotec) · Meftal-Spas, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Blue Cross)

Fever and pain tablets

Tramadol (a prescription painkiller)

Do not give. Dangerous to dogs and cats. Call a vet now if swallowed.

Tramadol is a prescription opioid-type painkiller. Ultracet combines it with paracetamol, so it carries the paracetamol dangers too. Vets do prescribe tramadol for some animals, but that is a vet's decision for one examined animal, not a reason to share a human prescription.

Indian brands and what is in them

Ultracet (Janssen): tramadol and paracetamol. Check the label

Why it harms dogs. Merck lists tremors, agitation, vocalising, wobbliness, dilated pupils and, rarely, seizures. Dogs absorb tramadol quickly. There is no antidote; care is supportive, and vets monitor for serotonin syndrome.

Why it harms cats. Merck lists agitation, drooling, high blood pressure, serotonin syndrome, lethargy, dilated pupils, wobbliness and vomiting.

Signs to watch for

In dogs

Tremors, agitation, crying out
Wobbliness, dilated pupils
Rarely, seizures

In cats

Agitation, drooling
Dilated pupils, wobbliness, vomiting
Signs of serotonin syndrome

Dogs absorb tramadol quickly, so signs can start within hours (Merck).

Sources for this entry: Merck Vet Manual: human painkillers · Ultracet, Tata 1mg listing (Janssen) · Pet Poison Helpline: acetaminophen

Cold, cough and allergy

Cold, flu, cough and allergy medicines

Do not give. Dangerous to dogs and cats. Call a vet now if swallowed.

Cold, flu and allergy medicines are often several drugs in a single product: paracetamol, a decongestant (phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine), an antihistamine (chlorpheniramine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, diphenhydramine), a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan) and sometimes caffeine. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that acetaminophen and some NSAIDs are present in many cough and cold products.

Indian brands and what is in them

Sinarest (Centaur): paracetamol, phenylephrine and chlorpheniramine. Sinarest is sold in other variants with different ingredients; read your pack. Check the label
D'Cold Total (Reckitt): paracetamol, caffeine and phenylephrine. Check the label
Allegra (Sanofi): fexofenadine (an antihistamine). Check the label

Why it harms dogs. Merck: phenylephrine most often causes vomiting, and sometimes agitation and high blood pressure. Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine cause agitation, hyperactivity, dilated pupils, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, tremors, a raised body temperature and vomiting. First-generation antihistamines (chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine) can cause sedation or agitation, a fast heartbeat, vomiting, tremors and seizures. Dextromethorphan can cause lethargy, wobbliness and agitation. Pet Poison Helpline says dogs and cats appear more sensitive to caffeine than people. Some antihistamines are used by vets, at doses and for reasons a vet chooses. We are not saying any antihistamine or cold product is safe to give at home.

Why it harms cats. Cats are the species most at risk from the paracetamol in these products (see the Paracetamol entry), and the same decongestant, antihistamine and caffeine problems apply. Caffeine in tablets and supplements can cause serious toxicity in dogs or cats.

Signs to watch for

Agitation, restlessness, hyperactivity, or the opposite: heavy sedation
Fast heartbeat, dilated pupils, tremors
Vomiting
Raised body temperature
Seizures

In cats

Brown, muddy or bluish gums (the paracetamol)

Slow-release cold products can delay the first signs and make them last longer (Merck).

What to do now. Do not give it. If your pet has swallowed or licked any, phone a vet now: any amount is a reason to call. Do not make your pet vomit or give anything by mouth unless the vet tells you to, and take the pack with you. Merck notes that inducing vomiting is not appropriate for most animals that have swallowed first-generation antihistamines; whether it helps depends on the drug, which is a vet's call.

Sources for this entry: Merck Vet Manual: cold and allergy medicines · Merck Vet Manual: human painkillers · Pet Poison Helpline: caffeine · Sinarest, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Centaur) · D'Cold Total, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Reckitt) · Allegra abridged prescribing information (Sanofi India)

Prescription tablets

Anxiety, sleeping and mood tablets

Do not give. Dangerous to dogs and cats. Call a vet now if swallowed.

Prescription tablets for anxiety, sleep and low mood. They are commonly kept in handbags and bedside tables. Do not use a human prescription to calm a pet for travel, fireworks or visitors: only a vet decides that, for that animal.

Indian brands and what is in them

Alprax (Torrent): alprazolam. Check the label
Clonotril (Torrent): clonazepam. Check the label
Zolfresh (Abbott): zolpidem. Check the label
Nexito (Sun Pharma): escitalopram. Check the label
Daxid (Pfizer): sertraline. Check the label

Why it harms dogs. Merck lists central nervous system and breathing depression, wobbliness, weakness, vomiting, low body temperature and low blood pressure for benzodiazepines (alprazolam, clonazepam), but some animals show agitation instead of sedation. Pet Poison Helpline says about half of dogs that swallow sleep aids become agitated instead of sedate. Zolpidem can also cause marked sedation or paradoxical excitement, with tremors, vocalising and pacing. For antidepressants (escitalopram, sertraline), Merck says an overdose of almost any antidepressant can cause vomiting, lethargy, wobbliness, agitation, shaking and seizures, and serotonin syndrome.

Why it harms cats. Benzodiazepines are cleared mostly by glucuronidation, so Merck says cats can be more susceptible, and some cats have developed acute, potentially fatal liver failure after several days of oral diazepam. Pet Poison Helpline reports serious neurological poisoning from antidepressants in pets, with sedation, wobbliness, tremors and seizures.

Signs to watch for

Heavy sedation, wobbliness, weakness, slow breathing
Or the opposite: agitation, pacing, vocalising, tremors
Vomiting
Seizures
Fast heartbeat and raised body temperature (serotonin syndrome)

Zolpidem signs start very quickly, usually within about half an hour (Merck).

Sources for this entry: Merck Vet Manual: antidepressants, anxiety and sleep medicines · Pet Poison Helpline: top 10 human medicines · Alprax, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Torrent) · Clonotril, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Torrent) · Zolfresh, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Abbott) · Nexito, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Sun Pharma) · Daxid, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Pfizer)

Prescription tablets

Blood-pressure and heart tablets

Do not give. Dangerous to dogs and cats. Call a vet now if swallowed.

Tablets for high blood pressure and heart disease. Different classes act differently, but the common danger is blood pressure falling too low and the heart slowing down.

Indian brands and what is in them

Amlong (Micro Labs): amlodipine (a calcium-channel blocker). Related products exist (for example S Amlong); read your pack. Check the label
Telma (Glenmark): telmisartan (an angiotensin-receptor blocker). Check the label
Aten (Zydus): atenolol (a beta-blocker). Other Aten products combine atenolol with other drugs; read your pack. Check the label

Why it harms dogs. Merck: beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol) mainly cause a slow heartbeat and low blood pressure. Calcium-channel blockers (amlodipine) cause low blood pressure, slow or irregular heartbeat, vomiting, depression and sometimes fluid in the lungs. Angiotensin-receptor blockers (telmisartan) cause vomiting, low blood pressure, lethargy and wobbliness. Pet Poison Helpline says small ingestions of beta-blockers can cause serious poisoning, and that all heart medicines should be kept out of reach of pets.

Why it harms cats. The Merck page does not describe a different effect in cats; both species are at risk.

Signs to watch for

Weakness, collapse, lethargy
A very slow or irregular heartbeat
Vomiting
Wobbliness
Fast or difficult breathing

Signs usually start within about four hours (within an hour for telmisartan) and can last a day or two, longer for slow-release tablets, so a vet may keep the pet in hospital for monitoring (Merck).

Sources for this entry: Merck Vet Manual: heart and blood-pressure medicines · Pet Poison Helpline: top 10 human medicines · Amlong, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Micro Labs) · Telma, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Glenmark) · Aten, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Zydus)

Prescription tablets

Diabetes tablets

Do not give. Dangerous to dogs and cats. Call a vet now if swallowed.

Tablets for type 2 diabetes. Sulfonylureas (glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide) and metformin behave very differently when a pet swallows them, which is why a vet needs the exact product name.

Indian brands and what is in them

Glycomet (USV): metformin. Check the label
Amaryl (Sanofi): glimepiride (a sulfonylurea). Check the label

Why it harms dogs. Sulfonylureas make the pancreas release insulin, so blood sugar can fall dangerously low. An ASPCA toxicologist writes that hypoglycaemia from sulfonylurea exposure can be profound, that any exposure is a concern, and that the effects can last well over 24 hours. Signs of low blood sugar in dogs include vomiting, weakness, wobbliness, lethargy, seizures and coma (Merck). Metformin does not release insulin: in cases reported to the ASPCA, mostly dogs, vomiting was the usual sign, starting from minutes to hours after swallowing. It is still a reason to call a vet, because it is not known whether acid build-up (lactic acidosis), a risk in people, can happen in animals.

Why it harms cats. Most reported poisonings involve dogs, so less is known for cats. The ASPCA toxicologist's article notes a diabetic cat treated with metformin that developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting
Weakness, wobbliness, lethargy
Seizures
Coma (low blood sugar)

Low blood sugar can be delayed and can last well over a day after sulfonylureas; metformin vomiting began 15 minutes to 8 hours after swallowing in reported cases.

Sources for this entry: Brown 2018: toxicologic causes of low blood sugar in dogs · Heller 2007: metformin overdose in dogs and cats · Merck Vet Manual: signs of low blood sugar in dogs · Glycomet, Apollo Pharmacy listing (USV) · Amaryl abridged prescribing information (Sanofi India)

Vitamins and minerals

Iron, vitamin D and calcium supplements

Do not give. Dangerous to dogs and cats. Call a vet now if swallowed.

Iron tablets, vitamin D sachets and capsules, and calcium with vitamin D. Owners often assume vitamins cannot hurt. The Merck Veterinary Manual does not call multivitamins low-risk, and says all active and inactive ingredients should be considered.

Indian brands and what is in them

Calcirol (Cadila): cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Check the label
Orofer XT (Emcure): ferrous ascorbate (iron) and folic acid. Other Orofer products have different ingredients; read your pack. Check the label
Shelcal (Torrent): calcium and vitamin D3. Check the label

Why it harms dogs. Iron irritates the gut and, once the blood's carrying capacity is exceeded, free iron is deposited in the liver and damages it. Signs usually start within 6 hours, but liver failure can appear later, often after an apparent recovery. Vitamin D3 raises blood calcium: vomiting, depression and drinking and urinating much more can appear within 12 to 48 hours, with acute kidney injury later. Calcium alone mostly upsets the gut, but combined with vitamin D it is generally toxic and requires treatment.

Why it harms cats. The Merck page does not describe a different effect in cats; both species are at risk.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting and diarrhoea, sometimes with blood (iron)
Vomiting, depression, drinking and urinating much more (vitamin D)
Later: shock, fever, yellow gums or eyes, or kidney failure
Constipation and chalky white stools (calcium)

Iron signs usually start within 6 hours but the serious phase can come later; vitamin D signs take 12 to 48 hours and kidney injury follows (Merck). A pet that looks well today is not out of danger.

Sources for this entry: Merck Vet Manual: vitamins and supplements · Calcirol, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Cadila) · Orofer XT, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Emcure) · Shelcal, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Torrent)

Creams, balms and oils

Balms, rubs and creams: Vicks, Iodex, Moov, camphor and zinc oxide

Do not put on a pet or leave where it can be licked. Dangerous to dogs and cats. Call a vet now if licked or swallowed.

Rubs and balms for aches and colds, and zinc oxide skin creams. Ingredients differ by product and pack, so read the label.

Indian brands and what is in them

Vicks VapoRub (Procter & Gamble): menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil (the Indian label also lists turpentine oil, thymol and nutmeg oil). Check the label
Iodex (GSK Consumer Healthcare, as listed): wintergreen oil (a source of methyl salicylate), menthol, eucalyptus oil, turpentine oil, clove oil. Check the label
Moov ointment (Reckitt): wintergreen oil, mint extract, eucalyptus (Nilgiri) oil, turpentine oil. Moov is sold in several forms; read your pack. Check the label
Zandu Balm (Emami): menthol, eucalyptus oil, gaultheria (wintergreen) oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, camphor. Check the label

Zinc oxide creams (nappy-rash and skin-protection creams): no brand listed; the active ingredient is zinc oxide.

Why it harms dogs. Pet Poison Helpline: camphor is absorbed readily across the skin and should never be applied to dogs or cats; it can cause skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and depression, with seizures in large amounts. Vicks contains camphor, menthol and eucalyptus oil, which can be toxic to dogs if swallowed; a dog that chews the jar can also get an intestinal blockage. Wintergreen and birch oil are high in methyl salicylate and can cause aspirin-like poisoning, and eucalyptus oil can cause seizures (Merck). Zinc oxide creams irritate the stomach; if cream is applied to a pet and licked off over time, red blood cells can break down (Merck).

Why it harms cats. Merck says cats are especially at risk from essential oils because they are deficient in glucuronyl transferase and are very sensitive to phenolic compounds; grooming adds oral exposure. A balm on a cat's fur or on your hands or clothes can end up swallowed.

Signs to watch for

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea
Lethargy, depression, wobbliness
Skin redness or irritation
Fast breathing and a raised body temperature (salicylates)
Seizures

Essential-oil signs can appear within minutes to hours (Merck).

What to do now. Do not give it. If your pet has swallowed or licked any, phone a vet now: any amount is a reason to call. Do not make your pet vomit or give anything by mouth unless the vet tells you to, and take the pack with you. If a balm or cream is on the coat, ask the vet on the phone whether to wash it off with mild soap: for essential oils the Merck Veterinary Manual recommends decontamination by bathing, and says vomiting should not be induced because of the risk of aspiration.

Sources for this entry: Pet Poison Helpline: camphor · Pet Poison Helpline: Vicks VapoRub · Merck Vet Manual: essential oils · Merck Vet Manual: human topical products · Vicks VapoRub, Apollo Pharmacy listing (P&G) · Iodex, Apollo Pharmacy listing · Moov ointment, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Reckitt) · Zandu Balm, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Emami)

Creams, balms and oils

Permethrin: lice and scabies creams, and dog tick-and-flea products on cats

Never use on a cat. Dangerous to cats; call a vet now if a cat has been exposed. Do not use human creams on a dog unless a vet says so.

Permethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide used in scabies and head-lice creams for people and in many dog tick-and-flea products. Dog products are made for dogs only; the same ingredient is dangerous to cats.

Indian brands and what is in them

Scabper cream (Shalaks, as listed): permethrin. Check the label
Permite cream (Galderma): permethrin. Check the label

Dog tick-and-flea products: read the active ingredient on the label. Any ingredient ending in -thrin (permethrin, deltamethrin, cypermethrin and similar) belongs to this family. We list no dog-product brand because we could not verify any Indian brand's ingredients.

Why it harms dogs. Permethrin is the ingredient in many dog tick-and-flea products, and the ASPCA notes that permethrin products are used in dogs but can cause severe tremors and seizures in cats. That is about dog-labelled products; it is not a reason to try a human scabies or lice cream on a dog. In dogs, Merck lists salivation, vomiting, hyperexcitability, tremors, seizures and weakness for pyrethroid poisoning in general.

Why it harms cats. Pet Poison Helpline: cats are highly sensitive to permethrin products, and some dog products, mainly permethrins, are toxic to cats. VCA lists cats under 'do not use': permethrin is toxic to cats and any exposure may be fatal. In a published case series of 42 cats, nearly all had a dog spot-on applied to them, almost always directly by the owner. A cat can also be poisoned by licking a treated dog or by rubbing against it and then grooming; VCA says to keep cats away from treated dogs for at least 24 hours after application.

Signs to watch for

In dogs

Salivation, vomiting
Hyperexcitability, tremors, seizures
Weakness

In cats

Muscle tremors and twitching (the most common signs in the case series)
Drooling, vomiting
Seizures
Raised body temperature, wobbliness, dilated pupils
Signs usually begin within hours but can be delayed by a day or more

In the 42-cat case series the median time from application to the first sign was about 8 hours (range 1 to 42 hours). Literature reports delays of up to 72 hours (Boland and Angles 2010).

What to do now. Do not give it. If your pet has swallowed or licked any, phone a vet now: any amount is a reason to call. Do not make your pet vomit or give anything by mouth unless the vet tells you to, and take the pack with you. If a dog product or cream has just been put on a cat and there are no signs yet, Pet Poison Helpline says the whole cat can be bathed in liquid dish soap and then the vet called; Merck says dermal exposure to pyrethroids is treated by bathing with mild detergent and cool water, and that insecticidal shampoos must not be used. Phone the vet at the same time. If there are tremors or seizures, go to a vet hospital at once.

Sources for this entry: Merck Vet Manual: pyrethrins and pyrethroids · Pet Poison Helpline: flea and tick products and cats · VCA: permethrin and cats · Boland and Angles 2010: permethrin toxicity in 42 cats · ASPCA: why species matters · Scabper cream, Apollo Pharmacy listing · Permite cream, Apollo Pharmacy listing (Galderma)

Creams, balms and oils

Essential oils and "natural" remedies: tea tree, eucalyptus, camphor oil

Do not apply. "Natural" does not mean safe. Dangerous to dogs and cats if licked, absorbed or swallowed. Call a vet now.

Concentrated plant oils, sold for skin, hair, lice, aches or as room fragrance, and used in many home remedies.

No brand list: oils are sold under thousands of labels. Check for the oil names above.

Why it harms dogs. Merck: tea tree oil has been the most commonly reported essential-oil poison in pets, and oils are absorbed quickly through the skin. Concentrated essential oils should never be applied directly to pets. Some oils are potentially liver-toxic (tea tree, cinnamon, pennyroyal); eucalyptus, wintergreen and others can cause seizures.

Why it harms cats. Merck: cats are especially at risk because they are deficient in the enzyme glucuronyl transferase, which makes them very sensitive to phenol and phenolic compounds. Grooming adds skin and oral exposure, and diffusers that release droplets into the air can add to it.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting, drooling
Lethargy, wobbliness
Loss of appetite
Tremors, low body temperature, seizures
Skin irritation; later liver or kidney failure
Coughing, wheezing or fast breathing if inhaled

Signs can appear within minutes to hours (Merck).

What to do now. Do not give it. If your pet has swallowed or licked any, phone a vet now: any amount is a reason to call. Do not make your pet vomit or give anything by mouth unless the vet tells you to, and take the pack with you. For oils on the coat, Merck says decontamination by bathing, or fresh air for inhalation, is recommended when possible, and that vomiting should not be induced because of the risk of inhaling it. Ask the vet on the phone.

Sources for this entry: Merck Vet Manual: essential oils

Why we don't give doses

If you searched for “Dolo 650 dosage for dogs” or a “Combiflam dosage chart for dogs”, this is why you will not find one here. We do not give a dose, a safe amount, or a “how many tablets is too many” figure for any medicine on this page, and nobody can do that safely from a website.

A dose is a decision about one animal. It depends on the species, weight and age, how the liver and kidneys are working, other illness, other medicines, and why the animal is unwell. Pet Poison Helpline says what is toxic depends on factors such as the amount, the animal’s size and allergies (Pet Poison Helpline: acetaminophen). A vet decides after examining the animal.
Cats and dogs are different animals. Cats have low glucuronyl transferase activity, so they clear paracetamol, aspirin and many other drugs poorly (Merck Vet Manual: human painkillers). A medicine that one species tolerates can poison the other (ASPCA: why species matters).
Doses add up. Merck notes that paracetamol poisoning can occur at lower amounts with repeated exposure. A “small dose for fever” repeated through the day is repeated exposure.
Human tablets cannot be cut to a pet’s size. They come in fixed sizes. Some are coated or slow-release, which delays the peak and makes signs last longer (Merck Vet Manual: human painkillers, Merck Vet Manual: heart and blood-pressure medicines). And many contain two or three drugs: Combiflam is ibuprofen and paracetamol, and Sinarest is paracetamol, phenylephrine and chlorpheniramine. Splitting tablets is still a guess.
Even the human label lists who must not take it. Combiflam’s prescribing information lists stomach or intestinal ulcers and bleeding, kidney, heart and liver failure and severe dehydration as reasons not to take it. A vet cannot rule those out in your pet without an examination.
The veterinary sources themselves say no. Pet Poison Helpline says any type of NSAID should never be given to a dog or cat without consulting a vet, and that medication should never be given to a pet without first consulting a vet (Pet Poison Helpline: NSAIDs, Pet Poison Helpline: top 10 human medicines).

Vets do use anti-inflammatories and other drugs. Pet Poison Helpline notes that veterinary NSAIDs are generally less toxic to dogs than human NSAIDs. They are chosen, dosed and monitored for the animal in front of them, which is the part a website cannot do.

What your vet will do

What happens depends on the drug, how long ago it was swallowed and how your pet is. In general, from the Merck Veterinary Manual and the ASPCA:

Ask what, how much and when, and for your pet’s weight and health history. This is why the pack matters (ASPCA: what to expect when you call).
Decontaminate early, if it is appropriate. That can mean inducing vomiting in the clinic, where it is safe to do, and then activated charcoal. For some drugs it is not appropriate at all, which is why it is not a home job (Merck Vet Manual: human painkillers, Merck Vet Manual: cold and allergy medicines).
Check the blood and monitor. For paracetamol: methaemoglobin, Heinz-body anaemia and liver enzymes. For NSAIDs: the stomach and the kidneys. For diabetes tablets: blood sugar. For blood-pressure tablets: heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure, sometimes for many hours (Merck Vet Manual: human painkillers, Merck Vet Manual: heart and blood-pressure medicines, Merck Vet Manual: signs of low blood sugar in dogs).
Give fluids by drip, anti-sickness medicine and stomach protection, and for severe paracetamol poisoning blood transfusion as needed. N-acetylcysteine is described as a potential antidote for paracetamol. There is no antidote for aspirin or tramadol; care is supportive (Merck Vet Manual: human painkillers).
Treat the signs: for example, drugs to control seizures or agitation, and glucose by drip for low blood sugar (Merck Vet Manual: antidepressants, anxiety and sleep medicines, Merck Vet Manual: signs of low blood sugar in dogs).

Pet Poison Helpline’s advice for NSAIDs applies to all of these: the sooner a pet is treated, the less dangerous, and the less expensive, it is (Pet Poison Helpline: NSAIDs).

Using your pet's prescribed medicines safely

Give only what your vet prescribed for this animal. Do not share your own prescription, and do not pass leftovers to another pet. Pet Poison Helpline: never give a pet medication without first consulting your vet (Pet Poison Helpline: top 10 human medicines).
Never give a dog’s medicine or flea product to a cat. In a published series of 42 cats poisoned by permethrin, nearly all had a dog spot-on put on them, almost always by the owner (Boland and Angles 2010: permethrin toxicity in 42 cats). A cat can also be poisoned by licking a treated dog (Pet Poison Helpline: flea and tick products and cats).
Tell your vet everything you have given, including supplements and anything you tried at home. The ASPCA asks callers to mention home treatments (ASPCA: what to expect when you call).
Keep medicines out of reach, in a closed cabinet. Pet Poison Helpline’s tips: do not leave loose pills in a plastic bag, keep weekly pill organisers in a cabinet, hang handbags up where pets cannot reach them, and do not store your medicines near your pet’s, because owners sometimes give the wrong one (Pet Poison Helpline: top 10 human medicines).
Dispose of old medicine safely. The US FDA’s advice when there is no take-back option: take the medicine out of its container, mix it (do not crush it) with something unappealing such as dirt, cat litter or used coffee grounds, seal it in a bag, and put it in the household bin, because medicine can harm a child or pet that takes it by accident (US FDA: disposal of unused medicines). Ask your pharmacist whether they take unused medicines back.
Keep creams, balms and oils out of reach too, and do not leave tubes where a pet can chew them.

Common questions

Can I give my dog a Dolo 650 if the vet is closed and he has a fever?: No. Dolo 650 is paracetamol, which can damage a dog’s liver and red blood cells, and a fever needs its cause found, not hidden. Phone the nearest 24-hour veterinary hospital and tell them the temperature. If it is hot weather, read the heatstroke first-aid page too.
My dog (or cat) swallowed a Crocin or Combiflam tablet. What do I do?: Phone a vet now, even if your pet seems fine. Do not make your pet vomit and do not give anything by mouth unless the vet tells you to. Take the strip or box, and note the product name, how much is missing, when it happened and your pet’s weight. If it is a cat and the medicine is paracetamol, treat it as an emergency.
Why can't you tell me a safe dose? Other websites do.: Because the right dose depends on an examination, the species, other illness and other medicines, and human tablets cannot be cut to size accurately. A number online is a guess presented as an answer, and for cats it can be fatal. Read why we don’t give doses.
Why is paracetamol so much worse for cats than for dogs?: Cats have low glucuronyl transferase activity, so they clear paracetamol mostly by one pathway, which becomes overloaded and produces toxic by-products. The result is damaged red blood cells (the gums can turn brown or muddy) within a few hours, then liver injury. Dogs are less sensitive to this, but they get liver damage (Merck Vet Manual: human painkillers).
Is there an animal poison helpline in India?: As far as we know, India has no 24-hour animal poison control line, so we do not list one. Phone your own vet or your nearest veterinary hospital. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline charge a fee per case and are the services our sources mention; the ASPCA’s centre is in the USA.
My vet told me to give a human tablet. Is that wrong?: No. If your vet has examined your pet and told you what to give, how much and for how long, follow that. This page is about the tablets people choose for themselves from the medicine cabinet, with no examination and no dose from a vet.