My dog Bella grabbed a trazodone pill from the counter! How much is safe for her? Should I be freaking out? Do I need to call a vet right away, or is this dangerous? Feeling so overwhelmed and guilty!

Hi there! I completely understand how worried you must be, but try not to panic. Trazodone is sometimes used in veterinary medicine to help with anxiety, so your pup accidentally getting into one may not be as dire as it seems.

First things first, check Bella's weight if possible and try to determine how much she ingested. Trazodone dosages for dogs can vary, but generally, a dose of up to 10-15 mg per kilogram of body weight is considered safe, depending on the specific situation. However, each dog is unique, and even lower doses can sometimes cause effects.

• Keep an eye out for symptoms like vomiting, drooling, lethargy, disorientation, fast heart rate, or fainting.
• If Bella has swallowed just one pill and is close to the weight range where it's deemed safe, you can usually just monitor her for any strange behavior or symptoms.
• If she seems sleepy but otherwise normal, it may just be the sedative effect of the medication.
• However, if she exhibits significant symptoms like panting, tremors, or an increased heart rate, it’s best to contact a vet immediately.

At home, make sure there's access to fresh water as staying hydrated can help. And prevent further access to any medications.

Always err on the side of caution. If you're unsure or your pet's symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.