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My dog took human medicine and is shaking. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Silky Terrier | Male | 13 years and 1 month old | 35 lbs

Hi so my dad told me to give my 13 year old dog his pain killers (for dogs and from a doctor) and I gave him "Reactine Cetirizina/Pseudiefedrina and some "Metacam" and he is so high that he is just constantly shaking his head around but me and he need to sleep. Do I just wait it out or is this "Reactine" drug not for dogs and is he in danger ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 14th, 2018

The Reactine is not an appropriate medication for dogs and is not a pain medication. It's likely the pseudiefedrina that's causing him to act like this. This is a stimulant that dogs are very sensitive to. The dose used in this product would definitely be toxic to a 15kg dog and it appears that you are already seeing signs of toxicity. Further signs of toxicity are vomiting and seizures. Considering this could be life-threatening, I recommend you take Topas to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet can give medication to reduce the toxicity and keep him from getting worse. For now, I do not recommend giving him any medication unless directed by your veterinarian. For more information, you can call the pet poison helpline. A link to their website is below. http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/ I hope that helps and Topas gets better soon.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Pseudifedrina (pseudoephedrine) is not recommended for use in dogs. As little as one tablet containing 30 mg of pseudoephedrine can induce clinical signs in a 20-pound dog, including nervousness, hyperactivity, and other behavioral changes; panting; fast heart rate; and high blood pressure. This can be very serious. http://www.dogster.com/the-scoop/tips-from-the-pet-poison-helpline-pseudoephedrine-and-phenylephrine Cetrizine is used in animals and in most cases will take a higher dose than humans so I am not worried about this component of the medication. Metacam (meloxicam) is also used in dogs but the dose is MUCH lower than in humans. I don't know how much (milligrams) you gave Topas but it was likely too much. Even for a large breed dog the pills have to be used in 1/4 or 1/2. Overdosages can cause kidney failure or severe gastric ulcers; these are not something you would notice right away. If you don't seek treatment before the signs start then the damage will be permanent and even life threatening. http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/meloxicam/ I suggest you get him to a vet ASAP for treatment. In the future, never give human medications to your dog without checking with your vet first. Please get him to your vet for an exam ASAP. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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