Paracetamol (sold as Tylenol or Panadol) can cause fatal liver injury in dogs.
Dogs lack key enzymes to safely metabolise paracetamol. Cats are even more sensitive — never give either.
Dogs have limited glucuronidation capacity, so paracetamol is metabolised through alternative pathways into N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). NAPQI depletes glutathione and binds to hepatocyte proteins, causing acute hepatic necrosis. It also oxidizes hemoglobin to methemoglobin, reducing oxygen delivery.
Sources
Toxic dose in dogs starts at approximately 75 mg/kg. A single regular-strength 500 mg tablet can cause clinical signs in a 5 kg dog.
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison hotline immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet.
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