Unsafe Drugs: Are Pet Drugs Safe?

Veterinarians and pet owners are beginning to express concerns over the safety and effectiveness of animal medications. Over 700 drugs have been approved for use on animals, but many other drugs are used legally without official approval. Many animal drugs were first developed for people. However, there is an increasing awareness that what works in people may not work in animals and even what works in one breed of animal may not work with another animal of the same species but of a different breed.

Pet Drugs Are Subject of Safety Fears

Additionally, animals are not able to say if a drug makes them feel sicker. " I can't tell until you see something physical," said Laurryn Simpson, who founded dogadversereactions.com. Since the year 2000, reports of side effects in animals taking drugs have gone up by about 90%; the Food and Drug Administration credits this to the growth of new kinds of drugs and to a greater understanding of side effects of animal drugs. Lawsuits have been filed against drug companies; in 2004, Pfizer gave $1,000 apiece to 300 pet owners to settle a lawsuit over use of its drug Rimadyl.