My Dog Ate Duloxetine What Should I Do?

Many pet parents take medications, such as duloxetine, for depression. Treating this condition is crucial and it’s best to seek help if you suffer from depression.

With so many people taking antidepressants, it means there’s a higher chance a dog could accidentally find a dropped pill or even access the pill bottle, eating the medication. But what happens if a dog eats duloxetine?

Has your dog eaten duloxetine? Are you worried the duloxetine 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 put together some information about duloxetine and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!

What is Duloxetine?

Duloxetine (also called Cymbalta) is an antidepressant prescription medication used to treat anxiety, depression, nerve pain (in people with diabetes, fibromyalgia), and other conditions.

This medicine works to improve mood, sleep, appetite, energy level and decrease nervousness and anxiety. Duloxetine also works to relieve pain caused by different medical conditions.

While this medication can be helpful when taken as directed, what happens if a dog eats duloxetine?

Duloxetine & Dogs

Dogs eating antidepressants meant for humans is a big problem. One of the top 10 poisonings in dogs is caused by these types of medications.

Unfortunately, duloxetine is toxic to dogs.

Symptoms of Duloxetine Toxicity in Dogs

You may notice these symptoms if your dog has ingested duloxetine:

• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Agitation
• Vocalization
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.

Remember to tell the vet what has happened and how much of the medication your dog has eaten. Let the vet know the dose of the duloxetine pills. If your dog has eaten any portion of the pill bottle, let the vet know about this, too. Finally, tell the vet at about what time your dog ate the medication.

Chances are, the vet will want to see your dog. If they determine the dog’s symptoms are caused by eating duloxetine, the vet will use decontamination methods. The vet may choose to induce vomiting, induce vomiting, or other ways to get the medication out of your dog’s system.

The vet may also treat other symptoms as they arise. It’s possible your fur baby may need an IV for fluids and to administer other medications. Your canine companion may need to stay in the hospital for 24 hours or longer, depending on his condition.

The good news is that dogs who receive prompt medical treatment have a higher chance of making a full recovery.

So, be sure to keep all medications out of your dog’s reach. If your dog is constantly interested in medications, it may be necessary to put them in an upper cabinet your fur baby can’t reach.