Topical Meds – Toxic to Pets. It’s a huge concern! Many of the over-the-counter topical pain products for us are toxic to our pets! Even washing our hands after application may not alleviate the risk. You can pretty much assume that anything that contains a NSAID could make your pet sick or cause death! In addition, you cannot assume your doctor is aware of this this; my pain specialist was surprised. Always ask your doctor to check his Physician’s Desk Reference. Incidentally, this includes prescribed medications, which are even more dangerous.
By the way, check other topical products you use. For example, make up and moisturizers. Read the labels on anything you use that is absorbed into the skin! Better safe than sorry!
Topical Creams Can Pose Danger to Pets!
The FDA issued a report about the danger that human topical creams can pose to animals. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) wants to make sure that all pet parents are armed with the latest information to keep your furry friends safe.
Compounded topical creams (or ointments) may contain common and potent ingredients known as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Examples include diclofenac and flurbiprofen. Although these ingredients are commonly found in creams used to relieve sore joints and muscles, they can be toxic to your pets. In the last couple of years, Voltaren was changed to an OTC; it can be deadly and very few people are are aware of that. I refused that when my doctor tried to prescribe it. Consequently, we have to “be on our toes!”
Pet ingestion of even the smallest amount of human topical cream can lead to serious issues, especially in cats. Note that a small exposure can even constitute a pet licking their owner’s skin after recent application of the product. Typical signs of exposure include:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Anemia
- Acute Kidney Failure
- Death can occur without immediate treatment after exposure
Furthermore, topical products are human medication. However, they are the number one cause of pet poisoning. Therefore, keep them away from your pets at all times. If your pet does come into contact with one of these products, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately!
Topical Meds – Toxic to Pets – Some Surprises – From Pet MD
Zinc oxide: A common ingredient in sunscreen, diaper rash formulas, and calamine lotions, zinc oxide can be particularly damaging to a dog’s intestines if ingested, says Dr. Rachel Barrack of New York City’s Animal Acupuncture. Keep an eye out for vomiting and diarrhea; these are signs your dog’s intestines have been injured. And once absorbed into the bloodstream, zinc damages red blood cells, leading to anemia, pale or yellow mucous membranes, weakness, rapid breathing, and abnormally dark urine.
Retinoids: Found in many anti-aging products, retinoids can cause tummy trouble for dogs if ingested, resulting in lethargy, vomiting, and decreased appetite, says Dr. Carol Osborne, veterinarian at Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Another potential side effect in dogs is the development of dry eye. In addition, keep any pregnant dogs far from your wrinkle reducers, as the retinoids could cause birth defects.
Topical Meds – Toxic to Pets – More!
NSAIDs: Many OTC and prescription creams contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. They are to treat pain and inflammation. However, they make you feel better, but they can cause everything from stomach ulcers to kidney failure in pets if administered incorrectly. Signs of toxicity include decreased appetite and vomiting, Barrack says.
Steroid creams: If ingested or absorbed through your dog’s skin, these can cause endocrine disorders, Osborne says. You may notice an increase in thirst and the need to urinate. The dog may also have nausea and diarrhea. Incidentally, exposure to estrogen creams can cause heat-like symptoms in spayed female dogs and mammary gland enlargement in males.
Minoxidil: Found in hair growth products, minoxidil can cause severe cardiovascular issues, including heart failure, if ingested, Barrack says.
FDA Warnings about Topical Meds – Toxic to Pets!
Flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat arthritis, joint pain, muscular discomfort and other aches. It was originally marketed as Ansaid® (Pfizer), then Froben® (Abbott), and is now widely available in generic form. It is similar to ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®), naproxen (Naprosyn®), and other NSAIDs. Flurbiprofen is commonly added to pain relieving creams and lotions. That may be how pets, especially cats, are accidentally poisoned.
Pets and medications
Cats seem particularly sensitive to NSAIDs such as flurbiprofen. For years veterinarians have warned cat owners to avoid Tylenol (acetaminophen) and never give your dog or cat aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs without consulting with your veterinarian first. Add flurbiprofen to that No-Try List.
Click here for the top 5 Cat Toxins.
Click here for the Top 10 Dog Toxins.
Why the Warning? Because Pets are Dying!
The FDA revealed that the guardian of two cats sickened by flurbiprofen had recently used a pain-relieving cream on the neck and feet. The owner didn’t remember seeing the two cats eating, licking or otherwise directly contacting the cream. However, just petting your cat after using those creams can cause death! The two cats developed kidney failure; but fortunately recovered.
Also, creams used to treat some cancers or any that contain hormones are toxic as well. Take care where you store these things. Never leave them out where a bored pet might investigate; they will!
Toothpaste and Mouth Wash
Although these aren’t topical medications, they do end up in the bathroom sink. Call me paranoid, if you like. However, I read a lot and some of these products contain xylitol, a well-known toxin. Therefore, just rinse out the sink after you use it for anything; so many cats like to drink from those faucets. So make sure it’s safe for them to do so. If they walk in the sink, they could get toxins on their paws and then lick those off. Just rinse the sink!
P.S.: If you are looking for topical pain relief that is safe to you around your pets, check out my page on the Worlds Best Cream! I’ve loved it for several decades!
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