A leading veterinary charity has issued an urgent warning to pet owners about the dangers of giving human painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol to animals. The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) has highlighted that viral social media trends, particularly on TikTok, are encouraging pet owners to use these medications, which can be toxic or even life-threatening for pets.
Expert Warning Against Social Media ‘Hacks’
Cat Henstridge, a veterinary surgeon with over 400,000 followers on social media, emphasised that ibuprofen is completely off-limits for all pets, and paracetamol is highly toxic to cats. She stressed that while some general pet care advice on social media can be helpful, any advice involving medication should always be verified by a veterinary professional. “When it comes to medicines, it has to be the veterinary profession that is the first port of call,” she said.
Risks of Home Remedies
The 45-year-old vet from Sheffield added that many home and herbal holistic remedies are either ineffective or potentially dangerous. Catherine Burke, a PDSA vet, explained that animals process medications very differently from humans, so what is safe for people can be toxic or fatal for pets. She acknowledged that social media offers quick help but warned that viral clips often make medical guidance appear simpler and safer than it truly is.
The PDSA is concerned about the rapid spread of misinformation online. The charity urges pet lovers not to try home treatments seen online without first consulting their vet. “What works for one animal in a short video may not be safe for another, and similar symptoms can have very different underlying causes,” a spokesperson said.
Call to Seek Professional Veterinary Care
The charity is urging owners to contact their vet directly if they are concerned about their pet’s health, rather than relying on social media trends or unverified online tips. Ms Burke added: “Following these viral tips can delay pet owners from seeking proper veterinary care, where early treatment can make a significant difference to health and wellbeing.” The PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity with 49 pet hospitals across the country, offers expert advice through its dedicated Pet Health Hub.
