Toxicity to pets

Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a type of sleep aid that is commonly used in human medicine. Sleep aids are benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, and these drugs work similarly to Valium (benzodiazepine). While these drugs are designed to cause sleep and sedation in humans, they can have the opposite effects in dogs and cats. Sleep aids should never be given to pets without consultation with a veterinarian. Clinical signs of sleep aid poisoning in dogs and cats include severe sedation, severe agitation, hyperactivity, aggression, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tremors, hyperthermia, and respiratory or cardiovascular depression.

If you suspect your dog or cat ate a sleep aid, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline® immediately for life-saving treatment advice.