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Do you have Ex-lax at home? If so, you’re not alone. Ex-lax is a medication many of us have in the medicine cabinet. And if you have a dog, chances are he’s seen you “eat” this medication. Like most dogs, your fur baby may be curious and wonder if this is a yummy treat he’s missing! When you’re not looking, your dog may eat some Ex-lax. But what happens if a dog eats Ex-lax?
Has your dog eaten Ex-lax? Are you worried the Ex-lax 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 Ex-law and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Ex-Lax?
Ex-lax is a medication that’s used to treat constipation in humans. Veterinarians also prescribe Ex-lax for dogs, but in smaller dosages than what a human would take.
Ex-lax is a stimulant laxative that is supposed to work gently on the digestive tract and produce results within 6 to 12 hours.
This medication contains the following ingredients:
- Sennosides (15 mg in regular Ex-law)
- Cocoa powder
- Hydrogenated vegetable oils
- Salt
- Soy
- Lecithin
- Sugar
- Vanilla
- Whey powder (milk)
While Ex-lax can be safe for humans and dogs (in the right dosage), what happens if a dog eats Ex-Lax?
Ex-Lax & Dogs
Fortunately, the main ingredient in Ex-lax is not toxic to dogs. Vets sometimes prescribe sennosides laxatives (also called senna laxatives) to treat constipation in dogs. However, if a dog eats too much Ex-lax, he could become sick.
If a dog eats a higher dose of Ex-Lax than he should, he could become sick due to eating too much senna laxative.
While Ex-Lax does contain chocolate (cocoa powder), there’s not enough in the medication to poison a dog. That’s good news!
Though Ex-Lax can be safe to give your dog, never give him this medication without the advice and guidance of a vet. Otherwise, you could unwittingly make your fur baby very sick.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Ex-Lax Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog eats Ex-Lax:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain & cramping
- Wobbliness
- Weakness
- Dark urine
- Seizures
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Try to determine how much Ex-Lax your dog has eaten, as well as the amount of senna it contains per dose. This information can help the vet.
Note: Do not induce vomiting unless advised to do so by a vet.
Treatment of Ex-Law Ingestion in Dogs
The vet may induce vomiting if your dog has recently eaten Ex-Lax. They may also try activated charcoal to keep the medication from being absorbed by the dog’s system. The vet may also treat your dog with medication to stop diarrhea. Your fur baby may also need an IV for fluids and to administer other medications.
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive fast treatment after eating Ex-Law. And most dogs will make a full recovery.
In the future, it’s a good idea to keep Ex-lax and other human medications 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.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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