Medicines
Is antidepressants toxic to cats and dogs?
Also sold as SSRIs, fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), venlafaxine (Effexor)
Cats
ToxicDogs
ToxicHuman antidepressants can cause serotonin syndrome in pets: agitation, tremors, a racing heart and high temperature. Cats seem to like the taste of venlafaxine capsules.
By Maya HartIf your pet got into it
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline now, even if your pet seems fine.
- Have the packet ready: the vet needs the name, strength and how much may be missing.
- Do not make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to.
Signs to watch for
- Agitation or unusual sleepiness
- Dilated pupils
- Tremors
- Racing heart
- High temperature
- Vomiting
How much is dangerous
Depends on the drug and the pet’s size; even one tablet can cause signs in a small pet.
Keeping it safe
- Keep medicine organisers closed and high
- Pick up dropped tablets straight away
The details
Some antidepressants are prescribed for pets too — fluoxetine is used for anxiety in dogs — but at doses and forms chosen for them. A pet that eats its owner’s supply receives a very different dose, and dropped tablets are easy for a dog to vacuum up.
Questions owners ask
Is antidepressants toxic to cats?
Yes — toxic.
Is antidepressants toxic to dogs?
Yes — toxic.
How much is dangerous?
Depends on the drug and the pet’s size; even one tablet can cause signs in a small pet.
What should I do if my pet got into it?
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline now, even if your pet seems fine. Have the packet ready: the vet needs the name, strength and how much may be missing. Do not make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts