What to Do if Your Dog Eats Zocor (Simvastatin) Medication?

Dogs commonly eat things they shouldn’t, especially the stray tablet or capsule from the medicine cabinet such as Zocor® (Simvastatin). According to the Pet Poison Helpline, almost half of their calls are about pets ingesting human medications. Many of these drugs can be toxic due to of a dog’s smaller size and differences in human and canine metabolism and toxicities.

What is Zocor (Simvastatin)?

Zocor®, also known by the generic name “Simvastatin”, is a drug commonly used in humans to lower cholesterol levels and referred to in a group of cholesterol lowering medications called “statins”. It is currently one of the most prescribed drugs in the United States.

Zocor® lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels that may reduce the risk of blood vessel problems, heart attack and stroke.

Is Zocor® Routinely Prescribed to Dogs?

Zocor is not prescribed in veterinary medicine.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Zocor

In general, Zocor is not considered highly toxic to dogs. The exception is if a small dog ingests many pills. The most common side effects noted in dogs after ingestion of Zocor is vomiting, diarrhea and severe “gas”. Most side effects occur from long-term and recurrent use and not from a one-time dose.

Monitor your dog carefully and ensure they are behaving normally. Monitor for normal urinations, bowel movements, vomiting, or lack of appetite.

When Should YOU Call Your Vet?

Call your vet if you see any abnormalities or concerns with your dog. If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pale gums, difficulty breathing, lack of appetite, trouble walking or any other signs, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Exposure

Dogs are so good at getting into things, and it’s easier to prevent a problem than it is to resolve it.

Other Emergency Plans

If your dog ingests Zocor and you can’t get in touch with your vet, call your closest emergency clinic. Another option is to call a poison control hotline for pets. The two most common are:

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