PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Dog ate decongestant nose sprays and eye drops? What to do
Chewed decongestant nose sprays and redness-relief eye drops can slow a dog's heart and upset its blood pressure within hours.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Keep the bottle and bring it with you.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Slow heart rate
- Weakness or collapse
- Panting
- Low energy
- Nervousness or shaking
When signs appear: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Why
These products contain imidazoline decongestants. Swallowed, they can affect a dog's stomach, heart, lungs and nervous system.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicoses in Animals From Human Cold and Allergy Medications
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Poisoning from Human Over-the-Counter Drugs
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.