Overview
Never give your dog paracetamol without advice from your vet. What helps us feel better can be dangerous for our pets. Paracetamol, a common human painkiller, can cause serious harm to dogs, even in small amounts. If your dog seems unwell or in pain, speak to your vet. They’ll assess your dog’s age, weight, and health history before recommending any treatment. Giving the wrong medication, or the wrong dose, can make things worse, especially if your dog has liver or kidney disease. Some symptoms may also be hiding bigger issues that need proper care.
Brief summary
Has there been a rise in owners giving dogs paracetamol?
What is paracetamol, and how does it work?
What should you do if your dog swallows paracetamol?
What are the signs of paracetamol poisoning in dogs?
What’s the treatment for paracetamol toxicity in dogs?
My vet told me to give my dog paracetamol
Do vets ever prescribe human medicines?
Any studies on paracetamol in dogs?
Medically reviewed by
Published on 08/01/2024 • Reviewed on 30/05/2025