Toxicity to pets

Baclofen is a human medication used as a skeletal muscle relaxant. It is commonly used for patients with MS, diseases of the spinal cord, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s chorea. When ingested in dogs and cats, it can be deadly, as it has a narrow margin of safety – that means a small amount of the drug results in severe poisoning! Immediate veterinary attention is necessary and may include decontamination, IV fluids, intravenous lipid emulsion (an antidote for fat-soluble poisons), a mechanical ventilator (in severe cases), anti-seizure medications, and aggressive symptomatic and supportive care.

If you think your dog or cat accidentally ingested baclofen, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline® immediately for life-saving treatment advice!

Common Signs to Watch For: 

• abnormal vocalization
• walking drunk (ataxia)
• severe sedation, agitation
• slow heart rate
• low blood pressure
• tremors, seizures
• difficulty breathing (respiratory depression)