My dog Max just snagged some trazodone pills off the counter—should I be freaking out? How long does trazodone last in dogs? Is this dangerous? Do I need to call a vet right now? I'm really worried.

Hi! First, take a deep breath—let’s work through this together. Trazodone is often used in veterinary medicine for anxiety and sedation, so while it's not ideal that Max got into the pills, it’s usually not severely harmful in smaller quantities. Here’s what you should watch out for:

• Mild signs like sedation, lethargy, and GI upset (vomiting or diarrhea) are common if they’ve ingested a small amount.
• Watch for more serious symptoms: excessive sleepiness, lack of coordination, depression, or a significant heart rate change. These are more concerning.

Whether it’s an emergency depends on the dose Max might have ingested. For instance, if he’s swallowed more than 10 mg/kg, it’s wise to seek veterinary help right away. In larger doses, trazodone can be toxic and might cause a more serious reaction.

Right now, you can:

• Make sure Max is somewhere he can’t hurt himself if he becomes woozy or uncoordinated.
• Keep an eye on him for the next 6–12 hours; symptoms can last about this long.
• Try to determine how many pills might be missing, if possible, to gauge the potential dose.

Call a vet ASAP if he shows severe symptoms like tremors, seizures, or a marked decrease in responsiveness. Always better to be cautious!

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.