1. 🧪 Why Side Effects Happen

Most pet medications are processed through the liver and kidneys. While beneficial, they can cause unwanted side effects—especially in sensitive pets.

⚠️ Common reactions include:

• 💦 Increased drinking & urination
• 🤢 Vomiting or diarrhea
• 😴 Lethargy or weakness
• 🟡 Yellowing of gums or eyes (jaundice)

2. ❌ Dangerous Drug Combinations

Never combine:

• 💊 NSAIDs + Steroids (e.g. carprofen + prednisone)

🚨 Doing so can lead to stomach ulcers or perforation. Always wait 5–7 days between switching these medications unless advised otherwise by your vet.

3. 🐜 Flea & Tick Preventatives: Beware

Topicals & oral preventatives can cause:

• 😵 Tremors or seizures (esp. with isoxazolines)
• 🐾 Skin reactions or drooling
• 🤮 Vomiting or diarrhea

❗ Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control if symptoms start suddenly after application.

4. 💢 NSAID Risks (e.g. Rimadyl, Meloxicam)

• 🩸 GI ulcers or bleeding (black stool, vomiting blood)
• 🚱 Kidney damage (less urination, dehydration)
• 🟡 Liver toxicity (jaundice, appetite loss)

Monitor behavior & appetite carefully—stop medication and call your vet at first signs of distress.

5. 💨 Steroids (Prednisone, Prednisolone)

• 💧 Thirst & urination increase
• 🍽️ Ravenous appetite
• ⚠️ Long term: muscle loss, diabetes, mood changes

🔄 Taper off slowly—sudden stops can cause withdrawal and adrenal crisis.

6. 🧠 Other Medications to Monitor

• 💤 Acepromazine: sedation, low BP
• 😵 Maropitant (Cerenia): drooling, diarrhea
• 🛑 Apoquel: rare infections or vomiting
• 😺 Buspirone: good for anxiety, minimal side effects

7. 💊 Antibiotics & Anticonvulsants

• 📉 Metronidazole: neuro signs at high doses
• 🧪 Potassium bromide: requires blood tests
• ❤️ Enalapril: low BP, kidney stress, vomiting

8. 🚫 Human Meds That Harm Pets

• ❌ Ibuprofen/Aspirin: kidney & GI damage
• ☠️ Acetaminophen (Tylenol): deadly for cats, toxic for dogs
• ⚡ ADHD meds: seizures, heart risks

💊 Only use meds prescribed specifically for pets by a vet.

9. 🚨 Signs to Watch For

Contact your vet if you see:

• 🔄 Sudden appetite changes
• 💧 Excessive thirst or urination
• 🩸 Vomiting, diarrhea, or blood in stool
• 😴 Collapse, weakness, or seizures
• 🟡 Pale or yellow gums

10. 🛡️ Safe Medication Practices

• ✔️ Follow dosing instructions carefully
• 🗓️ Set reminders for meds & check-ins
• 📲 Keep a medication chart or use the Ask A Vet app
• 🔐 Store meds away from pets & kids

11. 🆘 What to Do in an Emergency

• 📞 Call your vet or poison control line
• 🚑 Bring packaging & dosage info to the vet
• 🧪 Don’t induce vomiting unless told

Time is critical—act fast if symptoms are severe.

🐾 Final Thoughts from Ask A Vet

Medications can change lives—but require careful monitoring. Watch for red flags, stay organized, and reach out for help if anything feels off.

Need medication tracking help, interaction checks, or advice? The Ask A Vet app gives you 24/7 vet access, whenever you need peace of mind 📱🐶🐱.

Download the app at AskAVet.com—because health starts with informed care! 💬🩺