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Animal lovers are putting their pets at risk by giving them human painkillers to avoid soaring vet bills, a study suggests.

It found owners are increasingly looking for ways to save money as one in five now struggle to afford to keep their pet, with rescue centres ‘full to bursting’.

However, experts warn cold and flu remedies, antihistamines and painkillers intended for humans can be toxic – or even fatal – to animals.

Furthermore, they say it is easy to accidentally give the likes of cats, dogs and rabbits an overdose.

Research by pharmaceutical packaging firm Origin found 35,000 Britons are searching online for over the counter medicine for their pets every month.

Owners are increasingly looking for ways to save money as one in five now struggle to afford to keep their pet, with rescue centres ¿full to bursting¿

Owners are increasingly looking for ways to save money as one in five now struggle to afford to keep their pet, with rescue centres ‘full to bursting’ 

Searches for almost all queries analysed have increased year-on-year, but antihistamines are the medication pet owners are most curious about giving their pet, with searches for ‘can my dog have Loratadine?’ up 300 percent over the past year.

Other search queries that are being searched more frequently include: ‘Can I give my cat Benadryl?’ (up 200 percent), ‘Can I give my cat Loratadine?’ (up 100 per cent) and ‘pet antihistamine’ (up 60 per cent).

The findings come a day after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it had found ‘multiple concerns’ with the veterinary sector and warned the UK’s 16million pet owners may be overpaying for medicine and treatments.

Pet allergies are widespread and can stem from various sources, including pollen, food, dust, and even scented candles.

While in some circumstances it may be safe to give a pet human antihistamines, the PDSA vet charity emphasises the importance of consulting a vet first.

This is crucial for pinpointing the specific allergens, prescribing appropriate treatment and dosage and steering clear of potentially harmful ingredients.

Search queries that are being searched more frequently include: 'Can I give my cat Benadryl?'

Search queries that are being searched more frequently include: ‘Can I give my cat Benadryl?’

Over-the-counter painkillers are the second most-searched human medicine for pets, with 14,750 people every month searching for whether they can be given paracetamol (12,440), ibuprofen (1,930) and aspirin (380).

Notably, searches related to giving animals paracetamol have increased by more than 25 percent over the last two years.

While veterinarians might recommend paracetamol for dogs, the dosage is tailored to each individual.

Administering too much paracetamol or giving it to a dog with underlying liver issues could prove fatal, experts warn.

Additionally, human paracetamol formulations often include artificial sweeteners, some of which are toxic to pooches.

Cats should never be given paracetamol-based products as their metabolism cannot process it, potentially leading to severe liver or kidney complications.

Online searches for ibuprofen-related questions are also high – 1,930 queries on average per month.

And dog owners are now 29 percent more likely to ask Google whether they can give their pets ibuprofen or Nurofen than they were last year.

However, Ibuprofen is highly toxic to pets and can cause bleeding stomach ulcers, kidney failure and in some cases, death.

Cold and flu remedies, including cough medicine, for pets also saw an increase in average monthly searches this year, with 1,740 related searches each month.

Searches for ‘dog cough syrup’ queries have risen by 200 percent in the past year alone.

Various factors can contribute to a pet’s coughing, and treatment depends on the underlying cause.

For instance, if an animal suffers from pneumonia, using a cough suppressant may hinder lung clearance, while in cases of heart disease, it could dangerously accelerate heart rate.

Although veterinarians may recommend over-the-counter cough medicines for kennel cough, their guidance may significantly differ from human labels.

Others had been asking if they can give their pets Loratadine

Others had been asking if they can give their pets Loratadine 

Vets may also prescribe other over the counter medications like aspirin for clotting, inflammation, fever, and pain management.

However, improper dosing or administration can prove toxic, especially in pets with certain medical conditions.

Similarly, Loperamide, found in brands like Imodium, may be prescribed by veterinarians for diarrhoea, with dosages tailored to each animal.

Self-medicating for diarrhoea risks misdiagnosing underlying conditions such as intestinal cancer, parasites, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Steve Brownett-Gale, from Origin, said: ‘There’s no doubt that today’s pet owners are under immense pressure to keep on top of escalating costs and still be able to give their beloved pets the care they need.

‘But the surge in online searches for human medications to treat their pets is concerning.

‘With such a high number concerned about affordability, the temptation to DIY pet care is high.

‘But caution is key – DIY remedies can do more harm than good, sometimes even leading to fatal mistakes.

‘Ideally, pet owners should consult a vet for safe and tailored treatment, but anyone concerned about the affordability of vet bills and medications should consult the RSPCA’s website for how to cut costs and get financial support if needed.’



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