Source: Healio
A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology warns that topical minoxidil, a common hair loss treatment, can cause serious and sometimes fatal toxicosis in cats and dogs. Researchers reviewed six studies involving 68 cats and 26 dogs exposed to minoxidil. Most cases (70.2%) resulted from ingestion, while others involved dermal or combined exposure. Nearly all affected pets required hospitalization.
Although no dogs died, 14.7% of cats died within days. Cats are especially vulnerable because they lack a key glucuronidation enzyme needed to metabolize minoxidil, meaning even minimal exposure—such as licking a contaminated pillowcase—can be life-threatening. Dogs were typically exposed through rummaging in trash, whereas cats were often exposed through contact with treated human skin.
Symptoms can begin within 30 minutes and include lethargy, hypotension and tachycardia. Experts urge dermatologists to counsel pet-owning patients about safe storage, disposal and limiting pet contact, or to consider oral minoxidil as a safer alternative.