More seniors are developing Alzheimer’s and no one’s sure what’s causing this increase. However, there are medications available to help treat some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. And if you have a curious dog around, it’s possible he may get into your Alzheimer’s medication and eat it! But what happens if a dog eats Alzheimer’s medication?
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Has your dog eaten Alzheimer’s medication? Are you worried that the Alzheimer’s medication will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about Alzheimer’s medication and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Alzheimer’s Medication?
Alzheimer’s medications are prescription drugs that are used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. There are several different medications used to treat this condition. However, the most common class of medications for Alzheimer’s include cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine.
Cholinesterase inhibitors work to increase levels of acetylcholine in the brain. This is a chemical messenger that’s responsible for alertness, memory, thought, and judgment. Some of the most common medications in this class include the following:
- Donepezil (Aricept)
- Galantamine (Razadyne)
- Rivastigmine (Exelon)
Memantine (also called Namenda) is a treatment for severe Alzheimer’s and it works by regulating the activity of glutamate, a messenger chemical that’s involved in a wide range of brain functions.
While these medications are considered safe for humans, what about dogs? What happens if a dog eats Alzheimer’s medication?
Alzheimer’s Medication & Dogs
Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s medications can be toxic to dogs.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Alzheimer’s Medication Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten Alzheimer’s medication:
- Extreme sleepiness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Excessive salivation
- Slowed heart rate
- Weakness
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Alzheimer’s Medication Ingestion in Dogs
The vet may include vomiting and use activated charcoal. These methods work to remove the medication from your dog’s system. In some cases, the vet may also give your dog an IV to rehydrate him and flush the medication out of his system.
The vet will also treat other symptoms as they arise. In severe cases, your fur baby may need to be hospitalized until he’s in stable condition.
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt medical treatment after eating Alzheimer’s medication. In the future, it’s best to keep Alzheimer’s medication and all drugs out of your dog’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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