Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: If your pet swallowed a medication that wasn’t prescribed for it, or got more than its prescribed dose, call your vet, an emergency clinic, or a pet poison hotline right away, even if your pet seems fine. Many overdoses cause no signs for hours, and early treatment is faster, cheaper, and far more effective. Have the medication package ready, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
What to do right now
- Remove access to any remaining pills and count what’s missing.
- Call for help: your vet or an emergency clinic, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (fees apply).
- Have ready: the drug name and strength, the most that could have been swallowed, when it happened, and your pet’s weight.
- Don’t induce vomiting at home unless instructed. Never give hydrogen peroxide to a cat.
- Bring the packaging to the clinic.
Most dangerous human medications for pets
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin): stomach ulcers and kidney failure.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): especially deadly for cats, damaging red blood cells and the liver. Also harmful to dogs.
- ADHD medications (amphetamines, methylphenidate): agitation, high heart rate, high temperature, seizures.
- Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, others): agitation, tremors, seizures. Some cats seem drawn to the taste of certain ones.
- Heart and blood pressure drugs (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers): dangerously low heart rate and blood pressure.
- Sleep aids and anti-anxiety drugs (such as zolpidem and benzodiazepines): wobbliness, sedation, or paradoxical agitation.
- Diabetes medications: low blood sugar and seizures.
- Cold and allergy medicines with decongestants such as pseudoephedrine.
- Anything containing xylitol (some gummies, liquids, and chewables): very toxic to dogs.
Pet medications that commonly cause overdoses
- Flavored chewables, such as NSAID pain relievers (carprofen, meloxicam), joint supplements, and some flea and heartworm products. Dogs may eat a whole bottle.
- Dosing errors with liquids, mixing up dog and cat strengths, or two people each giving a dose.
- Dog flea and tick products on cats, especially permethrin spot-ons, which cause tremors and seizures in cats.
- Thyroid, heart, and seizure medications given twice by mistake.
- Insulin given twice or at the wrong strength.
Warning signs
- Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, or black stool
- Restlessness, pacing, panting, or tremors
- Wobbliness, weakness, or unusual sleepiness
- Very fast or very slow heart rate, or collapse
- Seizures
- Brown or bluish gums, facial swelling, or labored breathing (acetaminophen in cats)
How vets treat overdoses
- Decontamination: inducing vomiting in the clinic when it’s safe, and activated charcoal.
- Antidotes where available, such as acetylcysteine for acetaminophen poisoning.
- IV fluids to support kidneys and blood pressure.
- Medications to control seizures, heart rate, or agitation, and to protect the stomach.
- Monitoring and repeat bloodwork, sometimes for several days.
Preventing overdoses
- Store all medications, including pet chewables, in closed cabinets, not on counters or nightstands.
- Keep purses, backpacks, and guests’ bags out of pets’ reach.
- Pick up dropped pills immediately.
- Keep human and pet medications on separate shelves.
- Use a written log or app when several people give pet medications.
- Only use the measuring device that came with the product.
- Never give a human medication unless your vet prescribes it.
For more, see our guides to meloxicam overdose in dogs and giving pet medication safely.
Frequently asked questions
My pet seems fine after eating pills. Do I still need to call?
Yes. Many drugs, including NSAIDs and acetaminophen, cause serious damage before signs show.
Can I make my dog throw up with hydrogen peroxide?
Only if a vet or poison hotline tells you to. It isn’t safe for every poison, and it should never be used in cats.
How much does a poison hotline cost?
Both major US pet poison hotlines charge a consultation fee. It usually includes follow-up advice to your vet.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Top toxins and human medications
- Pet Poison Helpline: Human medications and pets
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicities from human drugs
- US FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine: Keep medications away from pets
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.