medication
Paracetamol
IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION
Paracetamol is highly toxic to dogs. Even a small dose can damage the liver and red blood cells.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Contact your vet or an emergency poisons service immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
When to contact a vet: Emergency vet attention immediately. Bring the packaging if you can.
Symptoms to look for
- lethargy
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- brown or blue gums
- rapid breathing
- swollen face or paws
- jaundice
- collapse
Why
Dogs lack efficient pathways for paracetamol/acetaminophen. It damages the liver and converts haemoglobin to methaemoglobin, reducing oxygen delivery. Signs can appear within a few hours. Dogs may also show facial or paw swelling. This is one of the most common medication poisonings seen by vets and is potentially fatal without rapid treatment.
- Substances of concern
- paracetamol, acetaminophen, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol
- Safer parts
- {}
- Parts to avoid
- {"any tablet","any liquid formulation","cold and flu remedies containing paracetamol"}
- Preparation
- No home preparation is safe.
- How much matters
- Toxic at very small amounts. One 500 mg tablet can be dangerous for a small dog.
- Severity
- Severe
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPrimary authoritative — Medication
- Pet Poison HelplinePrimary authoritative — Medication
- Veterinary Poisons Information ServicePrimary authoritative — Medication
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.