PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Dog ate sleeping pills and sedatives? What to do
Sleeping pills and sedatives can make dogs very sleepy and wobbly or slow their breathing. Some dogs become agitated instead.
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 packaging and bring it with you.
- Keep your dog quiet and somewhere safe so it can't fall or get hurt.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Signs to watch for
- Sleepiness or weakness
- Stumbling or walking drunk
- Agitation, pacing or crying
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Slow breathing
When signs appear: Often within 30 minutes for some sleeping pills
Why
These drugs act on the brain. About half of dogs that eat sleep aids become agitated instead of sleepy, and large amounts can slow breathing.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Poisonings from Human Prescription Drugs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicoses From Human Antidepressants, Anxiolytics, and Sleep Aids
- Pet Poison Helpline: Top 10 Human Medications Poisonous to Pets
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.