How to euthanize a dog with Tylenol… and why you don’t….
As a veterinarian, I never thought I’d be writing on a blog on how to euthanize a dog or cat with Tylenol at home…
A few months ago, a fellow veterinarian contacted me about a blog that she saw on Petbloggish.com about how to euthanize a dog at home with Tylenol (which contains the active ingredient acetaminophen – which is more commonly called paracetamol in other countries). How to kill your own pet at home. For real. (Thankfully, they have since removed this blog!)
This is unacceptable.
As a veterinarian, animal lover, and toxicologist, let me tell you that this post had me livid. First, the decision to euthanize a pet is so hard… and you don’t want it to fall you on, right? When in doubt, please talk to your veterinarian about this decision. I’ll say that it was even a hard decision for me – a veterinarian of over 20 years – with my OWN DOG. (You can read about my decision here).
I mean, I get it – it’s such a hard decision. I’ve sadly seen my own sister’s cat have a botched euthanasia, and I’d hate for that to happen to someone else. And ideally, you shouldn’t let your pet die at home. I wrote about this HERE. I also talk about having to euthanize your pet even in the veterinary ER on my radio show with Pet Life Radio, ER VET here.
That said, you should never use any medication at home – Tylenol is used in veterinary medicine in DOGS only – never cats. It’s sometimes used in small doses with codeine for pain support in hospice patients (not routinely, though). That’s because it can cause dry eye at even therapeutic doses in dogs. You can see the published data on that HERE. As for higher doses in dogs? It causes toxicity to the liver within 2 days including signs of:
- lethargy
- not eating
- elevated liver enzymes
- jaundice (yellow skin)
- black tarry stool
- bloody diarrhea
- vomiting (including with blood)
- bruising
- chocolate-colored gums
- difficulty breathing
- seizures
- coma
- death
I previously wrote a blog on Tylenol poisoning in dogs, if you want more detail. Yes, Tylenol can kill a dog or cat – but it’s very slow in killing. The point is, very few poisons kill humane and acutely – it typically takes 24-48 hours before your pet dies, and it’s not a good way to go.
When in doubt, please contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for advice, and talk to your veterinarian. If you have financial limitations, a veterinarian will work with you when it comes to humane euthanasia. Or the local animal shelter. But can you euthanize your pet at home? No, please do not try to euthanize your dog or cat at home. They are our four-legged family members, and don’t deserve an ending like this.
Comment
I just stumbled across this after learning a writer for Audubon Magazine recommended “humanely” poisoning feral cats to protect birds. I was astounded that they still allow him to write for the magazine but looking further have seen other pet bloggers recommending the same thing to put their “beloved” cats down at home, without advising them to seek other alternatives. This particular website has no contact information but has pet products advertised on it, so some people might think this was legitimate. I advise people to boycott it. https://mycuteanimals.com/how-to-euthanize-a-cat-with-over-the-counter-drugs/
As you mention, many animal control or vet offices will work with someone when this step is necessary.
Comment well no one understands that vets don’t care they just care about the money and I don’t have any other places that helps around Alabama and I’m not GG going to watch my dog suffer for a long period of time.
Maybe vets shouldn’t charge so much to put a dog down, and people wouldn’t have to do it themselves. That’s really messed up.
I completely understand and sympathize with families that can’t afford vet visits. I have been in tough situations myself. Unfortunately, life isn’t free. I just put my beloved furbaby down yesterday. It was my first experience and it was tough. It was painless and it was fast. I stumbled across this article this morning and I am shocked that people would do this. Please DO NOT euthanize your pet this way. I called my local Humane Society and they offer free services or sliding scale for families that need help. There are also charity groups everywhere that can assist you.
CommentPeople wouldn’t have to put down their pets themselves if vets didn’t charge so much. That is a terrible situation.
Sometimes local shelters will help you out for nominal fee or no charge. Not ideal but at least humane and you can bring favorite toys and blankets.
Sometimes local shelters will help you out for nominal fee or no charge. Not ideal but at least humane and you can bring favorite toys and blankets.
I come home from work today (a Friday) to a 13 year old dog that won’t or can’t get up won’t drink or eat and then start vomiting liquid feces, I live in the middle of nowhere the nearest vet won’t be open again till Monday, so I guess I should just let my dog die a slow and agonizing death from a bowel obstruction just I am not a licensed veterinarian.
Comment * Once a vet gave me a medicine to take home and give my cat saying to give at bedtime and she’d die by morning. She died in her sleep right next to me. That was the best. Ive since been told its illegal. Why cant a vet help a pet owner thats wants there baby to die peacefully next to their side?