Are Sleeping pills Toxic to Pets?
Yes — sleeping pills are toxic to cats. Yes — sleeping pills 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
- Zolpidem, benzodiazepines
- Toxic parts
- Tablets
- Also known as
- ambien, xanax, valium
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Wobbliness
- Lethargy or sedation
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Agitation
Dogs (toxic)
- Wobbliness
- Lethargy or sedation
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Agitation
What to do
If your cat ate sleeping pills
- 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 sleeping pills
- 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
Sleep aids like zolpidem and benzodiazepines can cause severe sedation or, oddly, extreme agitation in pets.
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Frequently asked questions
Are sleeping pills toxic to cats?
Yes — sleeping pills are toxic to cats. Common signs include wobbliness, lethargy or sedation, vomiting.
Are sleeping pills toxic to dogs?
Yes — sleeping pills are toxic to dogs. Common signs include wobbliness, lethargy or sedation, vomiting.
Which parts of sleeping pills are toxic?
Tablets.
What makes sleeping pills toxic?
Zolpidem, benzodiazepines.
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