Can You Give a Dog Tylenol? [11 Adverse Effects To Watch For]

The short answer is no. Tylenol is usually considered toxic to dogs and may give them a plethora of unwanted side effects, some of them deadly. Below, we'll go over the symptoms of a dog that's accidentally eaten Tylenol, as well as natural alternatives that are safe for your dog when they need some relief.

Can You Give a Dog Tylenol?

No, most veterinarians will not recommend Tylenol for your dog due to the many negative side effects that dogs commonly experience from the medication. The biggest concern is that Tylenol is toxic to dogs. Tylenol also causes a fatal collapse to your dog's cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous system, respiratory, or kidney systems. Here are some signs that your dog is experiencing Tylenol toxicity:

• Rapid breathing
• Abdominal pain
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy
• Swelling of face/paws
• Difficulty breathing
• Yellow gums
• Vomiting
• Anorexia/refusing to eat
• Black colored stool
• Jaundice

Here are some other side effects of your dog accidentally ingesting Tylenol:

• Vomiting and Diarrhea: Getting an upset stomach is very common for dogs that have ingested Tylenol. Sometimes diarrhea will even be bloody.
• Loss of Appetite: Due to having an upset stomach, your dog may not be hungry. This could be due to other physical discomfort caused by the Tylenol as well. Try natural ways to get your pup to eat more to help them regain their appetite.
• Liver Disease: Tylenol is quickly absorbed in your dog's stomach, causing liver damage. Because of how fast it's absorbed, their metabolism isn't unable to destroy the toxins and may add more to your dog's pain. This leads to liver toxicity or kidney disease if left untreated.
• Tissue Damage: Tylenol can lead to poor oxygen delivery. One of the concerning side effects is tissue damage due to the lack of oxygen.
• Gastrointestinal Ulcers: Tylenol may result in bleeding gastrointestinal ulcers. This is even possible at lower doses of Tylenol. It can also cause stomach ruptures.
• Drug Interactions: Dogs taking other commonly prescribed vet meds are more likely to be negatively impacted by Tylenol more than healthy dogs.

What Is Tylenol?

Tylenol, also called acetaminophen, is an over-the-counter medicine normally used for pain relief. Similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Tylenol dulls receptors in the brain, making those who consume it feel less discomfort. Tylenol's implementation aims to treat pain or control pain in various areas and scenarios, such as:

• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Arthritis
• Backaches
• Toothaches
• Sore throats
• Colds
• Flu
• Fevers

Everyone responds differently to Tylenol and other medications. But some common side effects include:

• Queasiness
• Stomach pain
• Itching
• Rash
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing skin or eyes

Can Dogs Have Ibuprofen Instead?

No, dogs should not be given other drugs or over-the-counter pain meds meant for human use. This includes Ibuprofen (Advil) and Aspirin for dogs. Most medications made for human consumption have too many possible health complications for dogs, so never give dogs and cats human medications unless your veterinarian has approved it to relieve pain.

What Can I Give My Dog for Pain?

Is your dog in pain after surgery? Maybe dealing with an ongoing health condition? Dealing with aches and swelling? Aside from veterinary medicine, there area lot of natural alternatives to Tylenol that are safe and effective. Here are some pain reliever alternatives you can give your dog at home when they are undergoing either mild pain or severe pain:

• Cold and Hot Compresses: A cold compress can help relieve inflammation and provide pain relief for dogs if they are injured. Use a cold compress for the first two or three days. After that, heat can help ease ongoing pain.
• CBD Oil: CBD is a non-psychoactive natural compound found in the hemp plant. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your dog's body, an essential system responsible for providing balance (homeostasis) to various key functions like digestion, sleep, and cognition. Instead of pain meds for dogs, you can give them HolistaPet's CBD oil or CBD treats twice a day or every eight hours.
• Physical Therapy: Just like us, dogs can benefit from a variety of natural therapy like massage and acupuncture treatments. You will need to hire a specialist trained in massage therapy for dogs. They can often come to your home to administer the treatment, providing comforting relief for your pup.
• Alfalfa: This food has many nutritional benefits and provides relief for arthritis pain your dog may be experiencing. Just make sure you only buy organic alfalfa, avoiding seeds and flowers. You can also grow alfalfa at home if you enjoy gardening.
• Ginger: This is a go-to herb for relieving nausea, gas, and other symptoms of an upset stomach. It's also beneficial if your dog has pain or swelling since it reduces inflammation.
• Weight Management: Overweight dogs are more susceptible to joint pain. Their legs and back are the most affected. Make sure your dog is healthy, and you'll notice they are more active and don't experience as much discomfort. 

Final Thoughts

When your dog is experiencing pain, it can seem like a no-brainer to rush to the bathroom, rip open the medicine cabinet, and give your dog some Tylenol and other OTC medications. But most vets will tell you to avoid giving your dog Tylenol for unease due to the dangerous side effects. Instead, provide natural alternatives and other pain meds while you await a vet visit. Check out these resources for all products for dogs if you want to learn more about dog care.