medication
Antidepressants
IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION
Antidepressant medicines are dangerous to dogs. Even a few tablets can cause tremors, seizures and heart problems.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Contact your vet or emergency poisons service immediately.
When to contact a vet: Emergency vet attention immediately. Bring the medication box.
Symptoms to look for
- agitation
- restlessness
- tremors
- seizures
- high body temperature
- rapid heart rate
- dilated pupils
- vomiting
- collapse
Why
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants affect the central nervous system and heart. Dogs are much smaller than humans and can show signs after only a few tablets. Serotonin syndrome can develop, causing agitation, high body temperature, tremors and seizures. Some antidepressants also have local anaesthetic effects on the heart.
- Substances of concern
- sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram, amitriptyline, venlafaxine, duloxetine
- Safer parts
- {}
- Parts to avoid
- {"any human antidepressant tablet",capsule,"liquid formulation"}
- Preparation
- No home preparation is safe.
- How much matters
- A few tablets can be life-threatening depending on the drug and the size of the dog.
- Severity
- Severe
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPrimary authoritative — Medication
- Pet Poison HelplinePrimary authoritative — Medication
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.