‘Acting quickly gives your pet the best possible chance of recovery,’ the expert stressed
When your dog becomes unwell, panic can quickly take hold. However, pet owners are being cautioned against taking matters into their own hands – particularly regarding a widely-used painkiller.
Kara Gammell, Pet Insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, has explored this issue further, highlighting that paracetamol is the drug in question. Individual 500mg tablets, commonly found in pharmacies, typically exceed the recommended dosage for small, medium, and some larger breeds by considerable amounts.
“Paracetamol is one of the most searched-for human medications, but it’s far from the only risk,” Ms Gammell said. “Well-meaning owners may assume that if a medicine is safe for people, it must be safe for pets, but that simply isn’t true and even small misjudgements in dosing can lead to serious harm.
“Occasionally, vets may prescribe a carefully calculated veterinary-specific formulation of medicines similar to paracetamol, but this is done on a case-by-case basis. Pet owners should never attempt to use human painkillers at home. The risk of dosing incorrectly is very real.”
Animals process paracetamol differently to humans, which can result in toxicity or severe cellular harm. Data from Vets & Clinics indicates that one-third of animals perish within 24 to 72 hours following the ingestion of substantial doses.
Ms Gammell continued: “If your pet has been given paracetamol – even unknowingly – you should seek emergency veterinary care immediately, and share as much information as possible with the vet, as even small delays can increase the risks.
“Clinical signs may appear within four hours and can include vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, loss of appetite, difficulty standing, bluish gums or tongue, and a rapid heartbeat. Acting quickly gives your pet the best possible chance of recovery, so don’t wait for symptoms to worsen before getting help.”
She further explained: “Emergency vet visits are typically more expensive than a routine appointment and with costs now averaging £268.92 – around 6% higher than last year. When a pet is sick or injured, their care will always be the priority but these rising costs can add extra pressure for owners at an already stressful time.
“Pet insurance can provide valuable peace of mind, helping owners focus on their pet’s health rather than worrying about the financial impact of unexpected treatment.”
Symptoms of kennel cough
On a separate matter, pet owners should also be mindful of ‘kennel cough,’ which is essentially bronchitis in dogs. Much like chest infections in people, this condition can be triggered by various bacteria and viruses, and predominantly impacts the respiratory system.
Alongside an obvious cough, experts at Blue Cross highlight that these infections can trigger a runny nose, eye discharge or sneezing, although dogs should still retain their appetite. “The most obvious symptom of kennel cough is a forceful, hacking cough, which will often sound like your dog has something stuck in their throat,” online advice from Blue Cross explains.
“The cough can be dry and hoarse or productive, in which case it can be followed by a gag, swallowing motion or the production of mucus. It is distinct from a cough-like sound known as reverse sneezing, which is common in certain breeds and is triggered by irritation in the throat.”
In most cases, kennel cough clears up naturally within 10 to 14 days without treatment. However, puppies, elderly dogs or those with underlying health conditions may develop more serious symptoms.
In the most serious instances, this can progress to pneumonia, a condition characterised by inflammation of the lungs and airways that impairs breathing. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that symptoms and their severity can differ depending on the particular virus strain causing the cough.
Additional guidance from the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) adds: “There are many different conditions that can cause coughing so it’s a good idea to have your dog checked by your vet if they have a severe cough or have been coughing for more than a few days.
“When visiting your vet, make them aware that your dog has been coughing and wait outside until you are called to prevent spreading kennel cough to other dogs in the waiting room.”