Pet Toxin Reference
Acetaminophen
Severe
Act now: Remove access immediately. Save the package, label, or plant photo. Call your veterinarian or a poison service right away; do not wait for symptoms. Go to an emergency clinic immediately if any signs are present or if a large/known exposure occurred.
Quick Facts
Common Sources
Pain relievers, cold/flu products, combination medications
Highest Risk
Human acetaminophen tablets and combination products
Category
Medication
Early Signs
Vomiting, drooling, facial swelling, brown or dark gums
Emergency Signs
Breathing difficulty, severe weakness, liver failure, collapse
Call Your Vet
Call as soon as exposure is suspected, even if your pet seems normal.
Triage & Next Steps
Why this is dangerous
Acetaminophen can damage the liver, and in cats it also damages red blood cells so they cannot carry oxygen normally.
Go to ER immediately if
Go now for collapse, repeated vomiting, tremors, seizures, trouble breathing, marked weakness, severe drooling, pale gums, trouble urinating, or any rapidly worsening signs.
What not to do
Do not induce vomiting, give milk/oil/bread, or try home remedies unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to.
Prevention
Store all human medicines and supplements in closed cabinets, use pill organizers only in pet-inaccessible places, and never give a human medication unless your vet prescribed it.