Are Decongestants Toxic to Pets?
Yes — decongestants are toxic to cats. Yes — decongestants 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
- Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine
- Toxic parts
- Tablets
- Also known as
- sudafed, claritin-d
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
- Fast heart rate
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
Dogs (toxic)
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
- Fast heart rate
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
What to do
If your cat ate decongestants
- 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 decongestants
- 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
Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine (in Sudafed and "D" allergy pills) are strong stimulants for pets.
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Frequently asked questions
Are decongestants toxic to cats?
Yes — decongestants are toxic to cats. Common signs include restlessness and hyperactivity, fast heart rate, panting.
Are decongestants toxic to dogs?
Yes — decongestants are toxic to dogs. Common signs include restlessness and hyperactivity, fast heart rate, panting.
Which parts of decongestants are toxic?
Tablets.
What makes decongestants toxic?
Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine.
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