My dog ate benzodiazepines (xanax, valium, klonopin, ativan) — what should I do?
🚨 RED — Go to an emergency vet NOW
Sedation or paradoxical agitation; dangerous with other sedatives.
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
Sedation or paradoxical agitation; dangerous with other sedatives.
Symptoms to watch for
Wobbliness, sedation, agitation, slow breathing.
When: 30 min - 2 h
Frequently asked questions
Is benzodiazepines (xanax, valium, klonopin, ativan) dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Sedation or paradoxical agitation; dangerous with other sedatives. Treat it as an emergency and contact an emergency vet or animal poison control immediately.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate benzodiazepines (xanax, valium, klonopin, ativan)?
Wobbliness, sedation, agitation, slow breathing.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats benzodiazepines (xanax, valium, klonopin, ativan)?
30 min - 2 h
What should I do if my dog ate benzodiazepines (xanax, valium, klonopin, ativan)?
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
No reliable dog-specific threshold is published for home use, so any amount should be discussed with your vet or a poison hotline.
⚖️ Evidence note: Many dogs only get sedated, but human tablet strengths vary; conservative RED.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline: benzodiazepines
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Antidepressants, anxiolytics and sleep aids
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: xanax, alprazolam, valium, diazepam, klonopin, clonazepam, ativan, lorazepam · Category: Medication · Last reviewed 2026-10-14