What To do When a Pet Ingests Medications Meant For The Owner (Or A Family Member) Or Another Pet In The Household

Accidental ingestion of medications not meant for the pet is one of the most common reasons pets end up in veterinary emergency rooms. A recent case reported by the Pet Poison Helpline involved a pet accidentally ingesting Ambien, a medication prescribed to humans for insomnia. This type of incident highlights the importance of keeping human medications out of reach of our curious four-legged friends.

At Pasco Veterinary Medical Center, we see many emergency cases involving pets that have ingested medications by accident. Some situations can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

Pets are highly sensitive to many medications that humans can tolerate. Some common examples include:

• Pain relievers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen) – Can cause kidney failure, liver damage, stomach ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, weakness, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.
• Antidepressants – Can lead to seizures, tremors, hyperactivity, agitation, elevated heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe neurological issues such as disorientation or loss of coordination.
• Sleep aids (like Ambien) – Can cause confusion, lethargy, agitation, hyperactivity, drooling, vomiting, difficulty walking, and respiratory depression in severe cases.
• Blood pressure medications – May result in dangerously low blood pressure, weakness, collapse, lethargy, vomiting, disorientation, and in extreme cases, shock or coma.
• Cannabis products (smoked marijuana, raw cannabis plants, and edibles) – Can cause lethargy, disorientation, excessive drooling, vomiting, tremors, seizures, uncoordinated movements (ataxia), dilated pupils, slow heart rate, and even coma in severe cases. Edibles can be especially dangerous due to added toxic ingredients like chocolate or xylitol. Even a small dose of certain medications can cause significant harm.

Medications for Other Pets in the Household

Even if a medication is safe for one pet, it doesn’t mean it’s safe for another. Dogs and cats metabolize medications differently, and a drug prescribed for one species or even one pet in your home, could be toxic to another. 

Some pet owners accidentally medicate the wrong animal, while curious pets may ingest a pill meant for their housemate. Always store medications securely and administer them only as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Pets can also be sneaky, snatching human pills left on tables, licking up spilled medications, or grabbing a dropped pill before you even notice. To prevent accidental ingestion, follow these safety tips:

1. Store Medications Safely: Keep all human medications, supplements, and even over-the-counter products in sealed cabinets or drawers that your pet cannot access.
2. Be Aware of medications stored in purses and bags: Pets often find medications in handbags, backpacks, or even nightstands. Dogs especially love to chew on the bottles, ingesting not only the contents but sometimes the plastic bottle too.
3. Never medicate yourself, a child, or a pet in the same room where other animals are so as to avoid accidental ingestion.  We all have dropped a pill or spilled a medication. In a flash the curious dog or cat can snatch the medication before anyone can react. Simply put other pets in another room and close the door until the treatment is complete.
4. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
5. If someone else (like a pet sitter, friend or neighbor) is going to be medicating for you, leave clear instructions. If you have several fur babies, put each pet’s picture on their medication sheets and separate the medications into bins with instruction sheets. This may seem

Luna, a 3-year-old Labrador, presented to our ER with signs of lethargy, disorientation, tremors, drooling and incoordination. The owners were not aware of any possibility of cannabis exposure. The signs were very suspicious so we tested and it came back positive for cannabis.  Upon returning home, they discovered a field employee had a “baggie” in his truck and the baggie accidentally fell out of the truck. Remnants of the bag were found on the grass near the truck. The contents had been consumed by Luna. Luna was fine in 24 hours with supportive care, but we don’t know about the fate of the field worker…

What To Do If Your Pet Ingests Something They Shouldn’t

If you suspect your pet has ingested a medication not prescribed for them, follow these steps immediately:

1. Contact Pet Poison Helpline: When calling poison control, they will evaluate the issue, assess the level of toxicity, and refer you to a veterinarian if necessary. They will also provide a case number for you to share with your vet, ensuring continuity of care.

Time is critical, so call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for expert advice. These hotlines are staffed 24/7 with veterinary toxicologists who will determine the best course of action based on the specific product ingested and your pet’s body weight, breed, and health history. 

Post these phone numbers on the refrigerator, save them as emergency contacts on your phone and leave them with family or pet sitters. Having this information easily accessible ensures you’re ready to act quickly in an emergency. 

When you call, be prepared to provide:

• A credit card. These are paid services. 
• The product or substance involved (with packaging if possible).
• Your pet’s approximate weight, age, and breed.
• The amount of the substance your pet may have been exposed to.
• The timing of the exposure.
• Any symptoms your pet is displaying?
• Any concurrent medication your pet is taking?

1. Do Not Induce Vomiting Without Guidance: Inducing vomiting without proper instructions can cause more harm in certain situations.
2. Act Quickly: Rapid treatment can mean the difference between life and death in some cases.

To Induce Vomiting Or Not…

Vomiting should only be induced when absolutely necessary and under veterinary supervision. Additional therapies may include: 

• Activated Charcoal – Helps bind toxins in the gut and prevent further absorption.
• Bentonite Clay or Zeolite – Can help absorb and eliminate toxins safely.
• Slippery Elm Bark or Marshmallow Root – Soothes and protects the digestive tract if irritation occurs.
• Intravenous fluid therapy.

Remember Time is critical, and professional guidance is always recommended. 

Preventing Future Accidents Is The Best Solution.

By taking these precautions, you can help keep your pets safe from accidental poisonings. And remember, if an emergency does happen, quick action can save your pet’s life.

Huge thanks to Dr. Marlene Siegel, DVM, for this fantastic and thorough article on how to keep our furry companions safe from accidental medication ingestion. Your insights are invaluable, especially during times when pet health is a top concern.

If you’re looking to support your pet’s wellness through nutrition, be sure to explore US Wellness Meats’ Pet Food Products—sourced with the same care and integrity as our food for humans. And for more health-forward tips and stories like this one, don’t forget to visit our Discover Blog!

References:

Pain Relievers (NSAIDs and Acetaminophen):

• Khan, S. A., McLean, M. K., & Slater, M. (2012). Toxicology of frequently encountered nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in dogs and cats. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 42(2), 289-306. DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2011.12.005

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Household hazards. Available at: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/household-hazards

Antidepressants (SSRIs):

• Peterson, M. E., & Talcott, P. A. (2006). Small Animal Toxicology. Elsevier Health Sciences.

• National Institutes of Health (NIH). PubMed reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25475169/

Sleep Aids (Zolpidem):

• Beasley, V. R., et al. (1990). Toxicity of human drugs to animals. Journal of Veterinary Toxicology, 5(2), 105-114.
• NIH PubMed reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25475169/
  
• Blood Pressure Medications (Calcium Channel Blockers):
• Plumb, D. C. (2018). Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. 9th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell.
• NIH PubMed reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25475169/
  Cannabis Products:
• Fitzgerald, K. T., & Bronstein, A. C. (2013). Marijuana poisoning in pets. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 28(1), 8-12. DOI: 10.1053/j.tcam.2013.03.004
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Household hazards. Available at: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/household-hazards