Never treat animals with medicines for humans

Medicines and home remedies for humans can be dangerous for animals

Most Germans are animal lovers. Unfortunately, many people are not aware that four-legged animals are sometimes much more sensitive to many human-specific remedies. Some medicines can even be fatal to animals. And some home remedies are sometimes not well tolerated by the carcass.

When pets get sick

According to experts, around 28 million pets live in German households, most of them are dogs and cats. Some of the four-legged friends can also transmit diseases through infections with viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites, which is why it is often advised against the cuddling of pets. Of course, the animals can also become ill themselves. Pet owners, who then reach into their own home pharmacy, make a big mistake. Because medicines for humans can be dangerous for animals. This is indicated by the organization Aktion Tier e.V..

Experts advise against treating sick animals with medicines for people. Because some preparations may be hazardous to health for the four-legged friends. (Image: Saklakova / fotolia.com)

Certain preparations can be dangerous for animals

"Many remedies for humans are harmful to animals or even deadly," explains Dr. med. Tina Hölscher, veterinarian of action animal e.V. in a message.

According to reports, tablets for pain and inflammation, sedatives or hormones are among the riskiest groups of drugs.

These agents cause internal bleeding, neurological deficits or vomiting and diarrhea in the animal.

The message states that depending on the dosage, the symptoms may be more or less dramatic within hours of being entered.

Even home remedies are often not well tolerated

Supposedly natural home remedies are also partly not well tolerated by the carcass.

For example, even a few drops of tea tree oil in a cat can lead to irreversible poisoning.

According to action animal e.V. there are in addition to the absolute incompatibility of some drugs even more peculiarities.

Thus, some preparations that are intended for humans, although also used in animals, in these, however, completely different doses.

"Therefore, I can only urgently advise pet owners to refrain from self-medication," said the veterinarian.

The Communication notes that this advice is by no means given to protect the fiefs of the veterinary profession, but serves only to protect pets from ill-medication and subsequent poisoning. (Ad)