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Sleep Aids (Diphenhydramine/Doxylamine)

Pet toxin reference — educational information only.
Pet toxins

What to know

Sleep Aids (Diphenhydramine/Doxylamine) — toxicity in dogs and cats

Call your vetApplies to: dogs and cats.

Overview

Over-the-counter sleep aids can cause sedation at lower doses but may cause agitation, elevated heart rate, and neurologic signs at higher doses. Many nighttime products are combination medications that include acetaminophen or decongestants, which can dramatically increase risk. Dogs commonly ingest these from purses, bedside tables, or dropped tablets. Product name alone is not enough - ingredient review is critical.

Symptoms

Sedation, agitation, dry mouth, elevated heart rate

Typical onset

30 minutes - 4 hours

What to do

Call your vet or poison control for dose-based advice.

This page is educational and does not replace veterinary advice. If your pet may have been exposed, call UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

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Over-the-counter sleep aids can cause sedation at lower doses but may cause agitation, elevated heart rate, and neurologic signs at higher doses. Many nighttime products are combination medications that include acetaminophen or decongestants, which can dramatically increase risk. Dogs commonly ingest these from purses, bedside tables, or dropped tablets. Product name alone is not enough - ingredient review is critical.

Symptoms
Sedation, agitation, dry mouth, elevated heart rate
Onset
30 minutes - 4 hours
Recommended next step
Call your vet or poison control for dose-based advice.
This tool is informational only and does not replace veterinary advice. If ingestion may have happened, contact UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.