Is Ambien toxic to dogs?

High severity No safe amount — No amount is considered safe.

Yes, Ambien is highly toxic to dogs. Exposure can cause serious illness and needs prompt veterinary attention. No amount is considered safe.

Symptoms to watch for

Severe sedation
Severe agitation
Hyperactivity
Aggression
Panting
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Drooling
Walking drunk
Tremors
Hyperthermia
Respiratory depression
Cardiovascular depression
Liver failure

How vets treat it

Call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately for life-saving treatment advice. Do not administer to pets without veterinary consultation.

Why it's dangerous

These drugs act as benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics that, while sedative for humans, can cause paradoxical agitation or severe central nervous system and respiratory depression in pets.

Toxic compound: zolpidem

Good to know

In cats, some forms of benzodiazepines can cause liver failure when ingested. These drugs can have the opposite effect (agitation) in pets compared to humans.

Sources

Pet Poison Helpline

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

The StrawPaw Team · How we prepare our guides

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