My dog ate adhd meds (adderall, vyvanse, ritalin, concerta) — what should I do?
🚨 RED — Go to an emergency vet NOW
Amphetamines/methylphenidate: tiny doses cause agitation, overheating and dangerous heart rhythms.
What to do now
- Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed.
- Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Why it's a problem
Amphetamines/methylphenidate: tiny doses cause agitation, overheating and dangerous heart rhythms.
Symptoms to watch for
Agitation, pacing, dilated pupils, high temperature, tremors, seizures.
When: 30 min - 2 h (extended-release may be delayed)
Frequently asked questions
Is adhd meds (adderall, vyvanse, ritalin, concerta) dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Amphetamines/methylphenidate: tiny doses cause agitation, overheating and dangerous heart rhythms. Treat it as an emergency and contact an emergency vet or animal poison control immediately.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate adhd meds (adderall, vyvanse, ritalin, concerta)?
Agitation, pacing, dilated pupils, high temperature, tremors, seizures.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats adhd meds (adderall, vyvanse, ritalin, concerta)?
30 min - 2 h (extended-release may be delayed)
What should I do if my dog ate adhd meds (adderall, vyvanse, ritalin, concerta)?
Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed. Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
Merck: amphetamine signs at 0.09 mg/kg, tremors 0.7 mg/kg, seizures 1.3 mg/kg; methylphenidate signs from 0.3 mg/kg; amphetamine LD50 10-23 mg/kg. Any amount = RED.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Amphetamines and ADHD drugs
- Pet Poison Helpline: amphetamines
- Pet Poison Helpline: methylphenidate
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: adderall, vyvanse, ritalin, concerta, focalin, dexedrine, amphetamine, methylphenidate, strattera · Category: Medication · Last reviewed 2026-10-14