Sleep aids are a common treatment for many people these days. This means that our dogs have an easier time accessing these types of medications, which can be very dangerous for them.
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One commonly prescribed sleep aid is Zolpidem. Has your dog ingested Zolpidem? Are you worried Zolpidem could make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve put together some information about Zolpidem and whether or not this medication can make your dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Zolpidem?
Zolpidem, also called Ambien, is a sleep aid that is prescribed to treat insomnia, stress, and anxiety. This is a medication that has a sedative effect on us. This medication is available as prescription only and comes in generic or brand-name versions.
Zolpidem tablets are immediate-release, which means they dissolve very quickly and enter the bloodstream. The drug is categorized as a hypnotic and works to increase the amount of GABA in the body to bring on sleep.
While this medication is considered safe for humans, can Zolipdem make dogs sick?
Zolpidem & Dogs
The good news is that Zolpidem seems to be well-tolerated in dogs. However, it can still cause some health problems in dogs.
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has ingested Zolpidem:
- Sedation
- Lethargy
- Incoordination
- Slowed heart rate
- Slow respiratory rate
In some dogs, Zolpidem works in the opposite way, causing agitation. You may notice these symptoms instead of sedation in your dog:
- Vocalization (more than usual)
- Pacing
- Tremors
- Hyperactivity
- Agitation
- Panting
Other symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hyperthermia
- Excessive drooling
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, then it’s best to call the vet and get your dog seen as soon as possible.
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Ask a Vet Live NowTreatment for Zolpidem in Dogs
At the vet’s, they will perform a complete physical on your dog, which may include lab work. The amount of medication your dog has ingested, as well as the severity of his symptoms, will determine the vet’s treatment. If your dog recently ingested Zolpidem, then the vet may induce vomiting or use activated charcoal.
If your dog has developed symptoms already, treatment will depend on the dog’s symptoms. For instance, if your dog is sedated, the vet may recommend taking him home and keeping him quiet. However, if your dog has symptoms of agitation, then the vet may need to treat him with acepromazine, which works to calm the dog. It’s possible the vet may want to keep your dog overnight to monitor symptoms.
The good news is that in most cases, your dog should make a full recovery after eating Zolpidem.
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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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