Many human medicines can be safe for pets when prescribed by a vet – but others can be highly toxic. Professor Nial Wheate explores why animals process drugs differently and why you should never give your pet medication meant for humans, no matter how similar it looks.

Pets bring comfort, connection, and emotional strength to people of all ages. Yet not everyone has equal access to the simple joy of living with a pet. We’re sharing this article from The Conversation because it highlights how social and economic barriers can impact pet companionship and why understanding them is crucial for healthier, more inclusive communities.