Some pet parents take medications to treat heart problems, such as Amlodipine. Unfortunately, heart medications are one of the top causes of accidental poisoning in dogs. A dog can find a pill that’s dropped accidentally. His pet parent may not be able to find it, or maybe they don’t realize it was dropped. But a dog’s nose can find the pill! And some dogs will go farther and eat the pill, thinking it’s maybe a yummy snack! But what happens if a dog eats Amlodipine?
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Has your dog eaten Amlodipine? Are you worried that Amlodipine 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 Amlodipine and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Amlodipine?
Amlodipine is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It works to lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels in the heart, so the heart doesn’t have to work as hard. It also controls chest pain by increasing the supply of blood to the heart.
This medication can be used alone or together with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It’s also used to treat some types of angina (chest pain) and coronary artery disease.
While Amlodipine is considered safe for humans (when used as directed), what about dogs? Can Amlodipine make a dog sick?
Amlodipine & Dogs
Amlodipine is also used in veterinary medicine to treat heart disease and kidney issues. While it is used to treat animals, eating too much of this medication could cause an overdose that can be dangerous for pets, including dogs.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Amlodipine Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten Amlodipine:
- Vomiting
- Decreased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Altered mental status
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Fluid in the lungs
- Damage to kidneys
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Don’t wait to see if your dog’s symptoms improve, as an overdose of this medication can cause death. Fast treatment is needed.
Treatment of Amlodipine Ingestion in Dogs
The vet may induce vomiting and use activated charcoal, which works to decontaminate your dog’s system. In addition, the vet will monitor your dog’s heart and blood pressure and give your fur baby IV fluids. The vet will also monitor your dog’s blood work and offer supportive care.
In severe poisoning cases, the vet may also use calcium, glucagon, high-dose insulin therapy or IV lipid emulsion.
Your canine companion will need to be hospitalized so the vet can monitor his condition. When your dog is stable, he can come home and recover.
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt treatment after eating Amlodipine. In the future, it’s best to keep Amlodipine and all other medications out of your dog’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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