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My dog ate Ambien. Will she be okay and what symptoms to expect?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | 1 year old | 6 lbs

I have a small 6 Ib Shih Tzu and think she ate an ambien. I got it from a friend because I hadn't sleeping. When I looked for it by my purse it was gone. Now she is nervous and can't relax. She did eat some food before it started her stomsch was full. I am so afraid for her.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 15th, 2017

If your dog did ingest just one pill she will probably be ok. There are not a lot of studies of ambien usage in dogs but it has been found that it can cause "paradoxical excitation" which means instead of calling your dog it may make her more energetic and excitable. This side effect should go away once the drug is out of her system. If she is still acting abnormal in about 12-24 hours then you should take her in to the vet to be evaluated.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello, fortunately it is not likely to be life threatening but some of the following symptoms could be expected: ataxia , hyperactivity , vomiting, and lethargy (, as well as panting, disorientation, nonspecific behavior disorder, and hyper-salivation. symptoms usually start within 1 hour of ingestion and last up to 12 hours.

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