My dog ate ssri / snri antidepressants (prozac, zoloft, lexapro, effexor, cymbalta) — what should I do?
🚨 RED — Go to an emergency vet NOW
Serotonin syndrome: agitation, tremors, high temperature, seizures.
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
Serotonin syndrome: agitation, tremors, high temperature, seizures.
Symptoms to watch for
Sedation or agitation, vomiting, dilated pupils, tremors, high temperature.
When: 30 min - 2 h (ER forms up to 8 h)
⚠️ Venlafaxine capsules are attractive to dogs and frequently cause signs.
Frequently asked questions
Is ssri / snri antidepressants (prozac, zoloft, lexapro, effexor, cymbalta) dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Serotonin syndrome: agitation, tremors, high temperature, seizures. Treat it as an emergency and contact an emergency vet or animal poison control immediately.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate ssri / snri antidepressants (prozac, zoloft, lexapro, effexor, cymbalta)?
Sedation or agitation, vomiting, dilated pupils, tremors, high temperature.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats ssri / snri antidepressants (prozac, zoloft, lexapro, effexor, cymbalta)?
30 min - 2 h (ER forms up to 8 h)
Is there anything else to know about ssri / snri antidepressants (prozac, zoloft, lexapro, effexor, cymbalta)?
Venlafaxine capsules are attractive to dogs and frequently cause signs.
What should I do if my dog ate ssri / snri antidepressants (prozac, zoloft, lexapro, effexor, cymbalta)?
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.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Antidepressants, anxiolytics and sleep aids
- Pet Poison Helpline: antidepressants
- Pet Poison Helpline: effexor
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: prozac, fluoxetine, zoloft, sertraline, lexapro, escitalopram, celexa, paxil, effexor, venlafaxine, cymbalta, duloxetine, trazodone · Category: Medication · Last reviewed 2026-10-14