Many human medications are poisonous to the non-human members of our family including dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits and birds. Veterinarians are trained to always consider the safety of medications in different species, i.e., what is safe to give to a dog may not be safe to give to a cat or may only be safely administered at a different dose. Some human medications which are considered to be very safe in humans can be highly dangerous to other species of animals. Human medications which commonly cause toxicity in our patients include paracetamol (Panadol), ibuprofen (Nurofen), other pain killers, anti-depressants, heart medications, medicated skin creams, sedatives, vitamins and sleeping tablets.

Please never give a human medication to your pet without speaking to a veterinarian first to ensure you do not inadvertently poison your loved pet. If your pet has eaten any human medications please immediately phone your veterinarian or WAVES emergency service on 9412 5700 to see if this may be poisonous to your pet.