Toxic effects may result from accidental ingestion, adverse reaction, or, more commonly administration of a toxic dose by a well-intentioned owner. The cat is, however, more frequently poisoned due to its inability to metabolise and excrete these products efficiently. The biological life of aspirin in the cat is approximately six times longer than that of the dog. Depression, vomiting, increased respiratory rate and increased temperature may occur. With progression weakness, inco-ordination, coma and death may result.
Treatment is mainly supportive and no specific antidotes exist.
Toxicity from acetaminophen, another popular OTC analgesic, is on the increase in pets. Especially prone to the effects of acetaminophen are cats who have an inability to metabolise and excrete it effectively. Cats are poisoned by much smaller does of acetaminophen than the dog. In the dog acetaminophen toxicity may cause depression, loss of appetite and vomiting within hours of ingestion. Damage to red blood cells and the liver may occur.