Puppy's pill ordeal after swallowing ibuprofen

13 March 2020

Blackpool Beagle saved by PDSA vets

PDSA has issued a warning to dog owners about storing cold and flu medication safely after a family pet needed emergency treatment after swallowing ibuprofen.

Four-month-old Bandit the Beagle was saved by vets at Blackpool PDSA Pet Hospital after swallowing the over-the-counter medicine.

Bandit's owner Jonathan Collinge (34) from Blackpool, said: "I had been in the garden and when I came back inside I saw Bandit chewing on the packet of ibuprofen. He had managed to jump on to the sofa and have a good rummage through my wife's handbag, which was hanging on a pet".

"I panicked because I know ibuprofen is poisonous to dogs. I knew that I had to get him to the vets immediately."

Bandit was given first aid, emergency treatment at an out-of-hours private vet practice, before being transferred to vet charity PDSA's Pet Hospital in Blackpool for further treatment.

PDSA Vet Ioanna Antonopoulou said: "Bandit needed intensive fluid therapy and round the clock care for several days. At first it was touch-and-go, as, even with the treatment, Bandit wasn't turning a corner. Thankfully, over two nights, his kidneys stabilised. He is a lucky dog, this could have ended so much worse.

"Household medicines such as ibuprofen can cause severe organ damage in pets. Bandit had been vomiting as a result of swallowing the ibuprofen and was put on a fluid drip to help dilute the toxins in his system and prevent him becoming dehydrated, and was given medications to help settle his tummy.

"Thankfully, we were able to stabilise Bandit before his kidneys gave out completely.

“It’s not unusual for us to see animals who have swallowed human medicines. Dogs, and especially young puppies like Bandit, are naturally curious and like to explore with their mouths, even rooting medications out of coat pockets or handbags. Tablets can look quite attractive to them so people should keep tablets in a cupboard somewhere out of reach. If Bandit hadn’t received such prompt, thorough treatment, he could have been left with kidney failure or even died”.

Relieved owner Jonathan added: “PDSA did a great job looking after Bandit and we will be forever grateful to them for everything they did. It was so upsetting to see him deteriorate but he is now back to his bouncy, crazy self.

“We are always careful to store medicines safely but now we don’t take any chances. We make sure they are locked away out of Bandit’s reach so he can’t get his paws on them."

If your pet may have ingested any household painkillers, seek veterinary advice immediately – waiting for symptoms could be fatal.

There are a number of signs to look out for if you suspect your pet has eaten something it shouldn’t. If you see any of these, contact your vet immediately:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Breathing faster or slower than usual
• Blue, brick red/brown or yellow tinged gums
• Weakness/wobbliness
• Swelling around the face or paws
• Seizures

For more information about how to keep your pet happy and healthy, please see our vet's advice on poisons and hazards.