Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog might have eaten my metformin. What symptoms should I watch for?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered

I can’t remember if I took a pill (metformin, 500mg) and although I checked everything to make sure it’s not on the floor or anywhere my dog might take it I’m still afraid he might eat it if I didn’t actually take it. What could be some signs that he took it?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 9th, 2019

Signs could include vomiting, lethargy, and/or hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can be an emergency, and may present as shakiness, lethargy, listlessness, lack of coordination, confusion , lack of consciousness, seizures, and can even be fatal. I recommend you contact your vet immediately to have Charlie seen, and contact the pet poison helpline at the link below and let them know what happened. Give them Charlie's weight as well so they can help calculate if there may be a possible toxicity based on the amount of medication he ingested. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    The most common sign is vomiting, which typically occurs from 15 minutes to eight hours after ingestion. You may also see diarrhea, lethargy, pale mucous membranes, and hindlimb tremors. If you see any of those signs, rush Charlie into a vet immediately.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 5th, 2019

    This should not cause an issue other than possibly vomiting as you noted. If she is vomiting a large amount, she could need supportive care (anti-nausea medication, fluids), so should that occur, take her to your vet. Otherwise just keep an eye on her for the next 8-12 hours or so. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 9th, 2019

    I was the one who answered your question, so I recommend this case! It can take up to 8 hours for signs to show, so I would continue to monitor Charlie over the next 4 hours. If he's fine after that, then there is no worries!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored