Dogs and cats have health concerns in common with humans ranging from serious disease and pain to smaller annoyances like allergies and dry skin. While it can be tempting to share some remedies and personal care products with pets, many of those meant for human use can harm cats and dogs.
Why consult your veterinarian
Before treating your pet with any medication, meant for humans or for pets, consult your veterinarian. Online sellers have been caught illegally selling medication containing controlled substances that could have damaging and deadly results for dogs. Monitoring dogs’ and cats’ bloodwork, organ function, and overall health status is critical before and during medication use. This includes supplements. Supplements can interact with other medication your pet may be taking. Additionally, medications and supplements not prescribed by your veterinarian can interfere with diagnoses.
Many human products have pet equivalents
Many products humans use including shampoos, toothpastes, sunscreens, and medications have equivalents made specifically for pet use. Pet-safe products contain different ingredients to human-grade products because dogs’ and cats’ bodies have major physiological differences to humans’ bodies.
Their livers, kidneys, metabolic system, and gastrointestinal tracts cannot process compounds in human-use products in the same ways that humans’ can. Even small amounts can be toxic to pets. And human products that contain pet-safe ingredients may contain other ingredients that are not safe for pets.
Common human-use and pet-use products
Toothpaste (and mouthwash) often contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs in very small amounts. Fluoride in large amounts—or in small amounts over time—is also toxic to dogs and cats. Instead of using human toothpaste, use one designed specifically for pets.
Sunscreen for human use contains zinc oxide, which harms red blood cells in dogs and can cause stomach upset. Some sunscreens also contain octisalate, which is harmful to cats. Dogs are susceptible to the effects of sun exposure, including cancer and sunburn, so protection is important. Use sunscreen designed for pets.
Shampoos and conditioners designed for pets are necessary to keeping dogs’ and cats’ skin healthy. Pets have fewer protective layers of skin than humans do and their skin has a more neutral pH. This requires gentler shampoo and conditioner products than even baby shampoos. Human shampoo doesn’t allow pets’ skin to renew its natural protective barrier, and conditioners contain too many oils. These cause damage and irritation. This in turn can cause pets to scratch at their skin, causing further damage and irritation.
Lotions and baby oils contain toxic chemicals and sickening ingredients pets ingest when licking their skin or fur. Avoid using lotions or oils on your pet.
Insect repellents such as mosquito sprays and lotions containing DEET are harmful to dogs and cats and can cause serious neurological damage. Avoid spraying products on or around pets. Don’t allow pets to come into contact with products or become exposed to products through skin, orally, or by inhalation. Pet-friendlier bug repellents that don’t contain DEET are available.
Human medication
Human medication, over the counter and prescription, has been on the ASPCA’s top 10 toxin list for several years.
Pain medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen are dangerous to cats and dogs, causing reactions including vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, and liver and kidney failure. Never give your pet human pain medication.
Some human allergy medications are safe for pets; however, dosage and ingredients matter. Many variations of allergy medications contain ingredients that are toxic to pets, so veterinary supervision is necessary.
Like lotions and sunscreens, medicated ointments such as anti-itch hydrocortisone creams, antibiotic ointments for scrapes, and other topicals can be ingested when pets lick their skin and fur. Depending on the ingredient, they can cause stomach upset with vomiting and diarrhea or something more serious, so it’s best to check with your veterinarian before use.
Cats and dogs have unique physiologies that require products made specifically for them. Keep your pets healthy and safe by using products meant for them and only giving medication and supplements under the supervision of a veterinarian.
If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, seek immediate help from a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline.
ASPCA Poison Control* (888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline* (855) 764-7661
*Fees may apply