Do you find that your dog is having trouble sleeping? Is their restlessness keeping them, and you, up all night? It can be hard seeing our furry friends not sleeping well, which is why some pet owners may wonder if giving them sleeping pills is safe. It is essential to understand the potential risks of this approach. Keep reading to learn more about the risks involved in giving your dog sleeping pills and explore safer alternatives.
The Safety Risks of Giving Your Dog Sleeping Pills
Sleep aids are medications that are specifically created to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in humans. Two commonly used human sleep aids are Lunesta and Ambien. Although sleep aids are intended to induce sleep in humans, they can have the opposite effects on dogs. If consumed, dogs can become hyperactive, aggressive, severely sedated, unbalanced and much more. Administering sleep aids to your dog without first consulting with a veterinarian should be strictly avoided. You must always consult your veterinarian first before giving your pet any medications to determine if it is safe.
Consequences of Ingesting Sleeping Pills
If your dog ingested sleeping pills, they could quickly experience adverse effects. Potential signs of toxicity include:
- Severe sedation
- Severe agitation
- Hyperactivity
- Aggression
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Tremors
- Hyperthermia
- Walking drunk
- Respiratory or cardiovascular depression
Treatment
If your dog accidentally ingested sleeping pills, you must seek medical help by contacting your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Transport your pup to the veterinary clinic so they can receive treatment. If possible, take the medication with you to the clinic so your veterinarian can determine the appropriate course of action. Your veterinarian may perform tests such as bloodwork or urine analysis to evaluate organ function and determine the severity of the ingestion. Treatment may include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to bind the toxins, and providing IV fluids to maintain hydration.
