According to the College of Veterinary Medicine, dogs should not have more than 10-15mg/kg of paracetamol per dose.
"Paracetamol is licensed in dogs as Pardale V for 5 days. The dose in Pardale V works out at 33mg of paracetamol for every kg of body weight, three times daily. The listed dose in most vet formularies is 10mg/kg twice to three times daily," Nick explains.
Paracetamol is a very popular painkiller in humans, however it can be toxic or fatal in small animals. Dogs are less sensitive to paracetamol than cats. A 20kg dog would need to ingest over seven 500mg tablets in order to suffer toxic effects.
In certain circumstances, it can be used in dogs. However, dogs require different doses than humans. Paracetamol can be highly toxic to dogs if they are given too high a dose. Some human paracetamol formulations also contain artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs.
Have the medication and dosage that the dog has ingested to hand and it is likely that you will need go the vets where they will in the first instance try to induce vomiting. So, in answer to the question “Can I Give My Dog Paracetamol?” the simple answer is no, unless it has been prescribed by your vet.
You should never give your dog any Calpol because even a small amount can make them sick. This is because paracetamol is poisonous to dogs, and even the low amounts in Calpol are too high for dogs to have.
Should your vet prescribe paracetamol for your dog, it's likely that it will be a dosage of 10mg per kilogram, and should only be given once a day for one or two days.
Dogs can safely consume 15mg of paracetamol per kilogram of their bodyweight, however any dose greater than this can make them sick. A single tablet of human paracetamol contains 500mg, so it certainly isn't safe for your dog to eat.
Signs of toxicity from acetaminophen may develop within 1–4 hours of ingestion. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage or decrease the red blood cell's ability to carry oxygen (methemoglobinemia). Dogs may become depressed or weak, with rapid breathing, a high heart rate, panting, abdominal pain, vomiting or drooling.
Paracetamol can kill dogs even in a small overdose.
Side effects or symptoms of overdose of paracetamol in dogs can include liver damage, ulceration of the digestive tract, pale gums, vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, or seizures.
Dosage and strength
They come in different strengths: tablet – 500mg or 1g. capsule – 500mg. syrup you swallow (oral solution) – 120mg, 250mg or 500mg in 5ml.
Dogs are also sensitive to the effects of paracetamol where it can cause extensive liver damage leading to failure of the liver; a life-threatening complication. Early signs can include vomiting and reluctance to eat, which progress to diarrhoea, abdominal pain, jaundice, bleeding and collapse.
Paracetamol is not registered for use for dogs in Australia, meaning that it can only be administered to the strictest of guidelines. You should never give your dog paracetamol unless under strict instructions by your veterinarian to do so.
Adults can usually take 1 or 2 tablets (500mg) every 4-6 hours, but shouldn't take more than 4g (8 x 500mg tablets) in the space of 24 hours. Children under 16 need to take a lower dose, depending on their age or weight – check the packet or leaflet, or ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
The recommended paracetamol dosing for adults and children 12 years and over is 500 to 1000mg every four to six hours as necessary, with a maximum of 4000mg in any 24 hour period.
Talk to a doctor at once if you take too much of this medicine even if you feel well. This is because too much paracetamol can cause delayed, serious liver damage.
Paracetamol begins to ease pain and lower a high temperature about 30 minutes after a dose is taken. Its effects usually last for about 4 to 6 hours.
Paracetamol (Panadol, Calpol, Alvedon) is an analgesic and antipyretic drug that is used to temporarily relieve mild-to-moderate pain and fever. It is commonly included as an ingredient in cold and flu medications and is also used on its own. Paracetamol is exactly the same drug as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
The usual dose for adults is either 500mg or 1g. If you weigh less than 50kg (8 stone), check the maximum dose you can take with your doctor or pharmacist. Adults can take 2 , 500mg tablets, 4 times in 24 hours. You must wait at least 4 hours between doses.
The most common side effects of paracetamol are: drowsiness and fatigue. rashes and itching.
PANADOL Tablets contain 500 mg of paracetamol as the active ingredient. PANADOL Mini Caps contain 500 mg paracetamol as the active ingredient. PANADOL Suppositories contain 500 mg paracetamol as the active ingredient.
Panadol – The GlaxoSmithKline brand name for 500g of Paracetamol . This 500g of Paracetamol is common among all of the panadol range and acts as an analgesic (pain relief) and anti-pyretic (decreases temperature).
Symptoms of paracetamol overdosage, in the first 24 hours are pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and abdominal pain. Liver damage may become apparent 12 to 48 hours after ingestion.
5. Can I take painkillers on an empty stomach? Ibuprofen, aspirin and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can irritate the stomach lining, so it is best to take them with food, or a glass of milk. Paracetamol doesn't irritate the stomach lining so it won't matter if you haven't eaten.