Medicines
Is birth control pills toxic to cats and dogs?
Also sold as the pill, oral contraceptives, oestrogen, progestin
Cats
Mildly toxicDogs
Mildly toxicA dog that eats a pack of contraceptive pills usually has nothing worse than a mild stomach upset, because the hormone doses are low. Very large amounts of oestrogen can affect the bone marrow, especially in unspayed females.
By Maya HartIf your pet got into it
- Count how many pills are missing and check the type.
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline for advice — most pets need only monitoring, but they will check the dose for your pet’s weight.
Signs to watch for
- Mild vomiting or diarrhoea
- Swollen vulva or signs of a season in unspayed females
- Rarely, bleeding, pale gums or infections from bone marrow suppression (large amounts)
How much is dangerous
Most packs contain low doses. Large ingestions of oestrogen-containing pills, or repeated exposure, carry more risk.
Keeping it safe
- Keep pill packs in a drawer or bag that zips closed
- Remember hormone creams and gels too — see below
The details
This is one of the hazards where a quick phone call usually brings reassurance. Contraceptive pills are often swallowed whole in their blister packs, which can be more of a concern than the hormones themselves.
Hormone creams, gels and sprays used for menopause or testosterone treatment are a different story: pets that lick an owner’s skin regularly can absorb enough to develop hormonal changes over time. Cover treated skin and wash hands before stroking pets.
Questions owners ask
Is birth control pills toxic to cats?
Yes — mildly toxic.
Is birth control pills toxic to dogs?
Yes — mildly toxic.
How much is dangerous?
Most packs contain low doses. Large ingestions of oestrogen-containing pills, or repeated exposure, carry more risk.
What should I do if my pet got into it?
Count how many pills are missing and check the type. Call your vet or a pet poison helpline for advice — most pets need only monitoring, but they will check the dose for your pet’s weight.
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