My Dog Swallowed My Medicine – What Do I Do?

My Dog Swallowed My Medicine – What Do I Do?

By: PetPlace Veterinarians

If you have prescription medications in your house, you should be aware that your petsStain and Odor Remover
Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover is Guaranteed to remove pet accident stains and odors that other products fail to remove including old uri...
can be exposed to and even ingest some of these medications. Depending on the type of medication ingested, prompt treatment is crucial to prevent serious illness.

If you witness the ingestion of a medication, the first thing to do is to call a veterinarian, local emergency facility or animal poison control hot line. Give the name of the medication, how many tablets were ingested and at what time the ingestion occurred. Follow their instructions on what to do. Don't try to treat your pet at home. Without proper care, some medications can result in devastating illness or death.

Your veterinarian will initially recommend inducing vomiting to remove any residual medication.

After your pet has vomited, you may be instructed to seek medical care as some medication may have been absorbed into the body and can have serious or even life-threatening effects on dogs or cats.

Some of the more common medications that can have serious effects in pets include:

  • Behavior modifiers such as Ritalin

  • Antihistamines such as Claritin

  • PainBiocaine 4oz
    Tomlyn Biocaine (4 oz) is a First Aid Lotion for dogs and cats relieves pain and stops wound chewing, licking and scratching. Painless and soothing to...
    medications such as Percoset

  • Antidepressants such as Zoloft

  • Heart medications such as Vasotec

  • Blood pressure medicine such as Norvasc

    If you did not witness ingestion but have evidence that your pet may have ingested medication (missing tablets, chewed prescription bottle), contact a veterinarian immediately. Based on the medication ingested and signs of illness, you may be instructed to seek medical care. If your pet is not yet showing any signs of illness, you may be given a list of signs to look for and instructed to observe your pet for a period of time.

    Any time your pet ingests medication, the best recommendation is to contact your veterinarian with the name of the medicine and how many tablets were ingested. Don't assume that just because the medication isn't that dangerous for you, that it is not dangerous for your pet.

     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 How to Induce Vomiting (Emesis) in Dogs

      If your dog ingests toxic material, you may be able to avoid potential danger by making your dog vomit. However, this should only be done if instructed by your veterinarian, since it can harm your pet....

      Read MoreRead More
  • Related Articles
    • 1How to Induce Vomiting (Emesis) in Dogs

      If your dog ingests toxic material, you may be able to avoid potential danger by making your dog vomit. However, this should only be done if instructed by your veterinarian, since it can harm your pet....

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Related Articles
    • 1How to Induce Vomiting (Emesis) in Dogs

      If your dog ingests toxic material, you may be able to avoid potential danger by making your dog vomit. However, this should only be done if instructed by your veterinarian, since it can harm your pet....

      Read MoreRead More