Is Cold and flu medicine Toxic to Pets?
Yes — cold and flu medicine is toxic to cats. Yes — cold and flu medicine is toxic to dogs.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Toxic compound
- Acetaminophen, decongestants
- Toxic parts
- Tablets, liquids
- Also known as
- nyquil, dayquil, tylenol cold
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
- Fast heart rate
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Brown gums (cats)
Dogs (toxic)
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
- Fast heart rate
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Brown gums (cats)
What to do
If your cat ate cold and flu medicine
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate cold and flu medicine
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Multi-symptom cold products often combine acetaminophen with decongestants, both dangerous to pets. Cats are especially at risk from acetaminophen.
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Frequently asked questions
Is cold and flu medicine toxic to cats?
Yes — cold and flu medicine is toxic to cats. Common signs include restlessness and hyperactivity, fast heart rate, panting.
Is cold and flu medicine toxic to dogs?
Yes — cold and flu medicine is toxic to dogs. Common signs include restlessness and hyperactivity, fast heart rate, panting.
Which parts of cold and flu medicine are toxic?
Tablets, liquids.
What makes cold and flu medicine toxic?
Acetaminophen, decongestants.
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