Are Antidepressants Toxic to Pets?
Yes — antidepressants are toxic to cats. Yes — antidepressants are toxic to dogs.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Toxic compound
- SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics
- Toxic parts
- Tablets
- Also known as
- prozac, zoloft, lexapro, effexor
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Agitation or sedation
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Tremors
- High body temperature
- Seizures
Dogs (toxic)
- Agitation or sedation
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Tremors
- High body temperature
- Seizures
What to do
If your cat ate antidepressants
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate antidepressants
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
SSRIs and other antidepressants can cause serotonin syndrome. Cats seem attracted to some of these pills.
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Frequently asked questions
Are antidepressants toxic to cats?
Yes — antidepressants are toxic to cats. Common signs include agitation or sedation, vomiting, dilated pupils.
Are antidepressants toxic to dogs?
Yes — antidepressants are toxic to dogs. Common signs include agitation or sedation, vomiting, dilated pupils.
Which parts of antidepressants are toxic?
Tablets.
What makes antidepressants toxic?
SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics.
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