It was a pro at popping things into its mouth like an animal Pacman Reincarnated It wasn’t content with the smell of your Airpods or eating the Gabapentin capsules. Then, it made its way into your medication cabinet once more, causing you to scream with sadness, “My dog ate a 1mg Klonopin!”
“What’s going to happen if a dog eats a 1mg Klonopin?” You’re probably thinking.
Fortunately, that’s not the case if your dog is small or a small breed (and I’m talking about 5lbs and less) It’s likely to not suffer from any kind of negative consequences. Your dog might be a bit wobbly or snoring, but this is normal for some puppies and their specific sensitiveness to benzodiazepines. The most common dosage recommended for Klonopin- also known as Clonazepam for dogs ranges from 0.05 or 0.25 per pound of body weight. If a teacup-loving dog such as one of the Pomeranian or Chihuahua or even a tiny always-famous puppy takes a grip on one mg Klonopin tablet, it could be in for more trouble.
The adverse effects of consuming clonazepam on dogs could be vomiting, disorientation hyperdrooling, ataxia, and fatigue.
Table of Contents
What Is Klonopin, Anyway?
Klonopin is among the many brands of medication Clonazepam. Being part of a class known as benzodiazepines, it helps calm nerves and the brain by increasing the power to activate GABA receptors. GABA receptors. Klonopin is typically taken orally as part of tablets. The effects begin in just 60 minutes and last between six and twelve hours. While it’s only approved informally for use in humans, Klonopin is quite often recommended by vets “off-label” for dogs to treat similar issues of seizures and anxiety.
What Happens if A Dog Eats A Klonopin?
Image Credit:pillsync
If Klonopin is used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. veterinarians typically suggest a dose in the range of 0.05-0.25 mg/lb. As an example for your dog, if it weighs about 10-pounds, you will be given dosage in the range of 2.5 mg. It is evident that even for a small dog, a dose of 2.5mg of Clonazepam can be considered safe.
Therefore the dose of Klonopin, which is 1 mg is likely to cause very few consequences (if there are any) for a puppy, that is not a small or tiny breed.
It does this by inhibiting certain brain receptors and in the process, it reduces anxiety and stress. Because of its habit-forming properties, it is only available through the prescription of a specialist.
Also, your dog should be fine if it ate a moderate amount of Clonazepam (which 1mg is probably! ).
With that said, it’s not uncommon for some dogs to experience something called “paradoxical excitation/stimulation”- which is really just a smart-sounding way of saying a ‘low dose reaction’ to the benzodiazepine medicine!
So, even if your dog eats only a tiny 0.5mg or 1mg tablet the dog could become tired or wobbly. The dog could also be able to sleep longer and may be more difficult to wake up than you would expect.
Inadequate administration or accidental consumption of Klonopin may also impact your dog’s behavior, causing periods of increased sedation or unusual behavior, such as constant looking up at the ceiling, or sniffing.
Other adverse effects that your dog could experience are:
- Disorientation
- Vomiting
- Drooling too much (particularly challenging for breeds who already salivate)
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Slow breathing
A benzodiazepine may cause physical dependence in dogs who often gets their hands on the substance.
Will Klonopin Hurt My Dog?
In high doses it’s not uncommon for this medication to suppress the heart rate and respiratory rate and lower blood pressure in dogs, making it more prone to collapse.
It may cause paradoxical reactions, which can result in more aggression and hyperactivity.
Clonazepam is also best not used in dogs suffering from the following ailments:
- Hypersensitivity or allergy to clonazepam and other benzodiazepines
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Glaucoma
- Myasthenia gravis (malfunction of signals transmissions between muscles and nerves)
- Animals suffering from illness or debilitation
- Pets with a history of aging or geriatric illness are highly vulnerable to central nervous system depression effects of benzodiazepines
- Pets who are lactating or pregnant can increase the chance of birth defects.
Aggressive dogs
Klonopin typically doesn’t contain the artificial sweetener, xylitol however, certain other brands of dissolving clonazepam tablets contain it. They should be abstained from as xylitol could be poisonous to dogs.
These could include anti-anxiety drugs like carbamazepine and phenobarbital or phenytoin. So if you suspect or know that your dog is taking these medications, be sure you speak with your veterinarian immediately for the next actions.
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate 1mg Klonopin?
Image Credit: exportersindia
I’m sure you are aware of the need to not offer your pet clonazepam unless you have an approved prescription from your vet.
However, occasionally, dogs tend to self-medicate, particularly in the case of medication lying on the floor or on top of a drawer that is low!
The first thing you’ll always do is call your veterinarian immediately when you suspect that your pet has consumed some unknown amount of this medication.
Based on this it is possible to determine if it’s suitable for your dog to consume 1 mg (see the final section for a table that is easy to check! ).
1mg Klonopin is not likely to cause serious damage to heavy, large dogs. These dogs could be slumbering for a short period of time, but they will be good once the effects wear off.
Because 1mg of Klonopin is not an extremely high dose with the exception of the smallest canines and is, therefore, less likely for a variety of negative side effects to show.
Dogs can react to the sensations of dizziness and disorientation by barking longer than usual (or in irregular intervals) or by refusing rest.
If you notice this type of behavior in your pet keep it in the smallest, most secure area (such as an animal cage) that isn’t likely to fall and harm itself. What you don’t like to experience is breaking your leg!
It could be a good idea to dim the lights and play calming music or the sound machine (like you would do if your pet was a victim of a smoke detector) to help your most loved family member relax.
Emesis/Induced Vomiting
Like other drug overdose scenarios, like Rimadyl or loratadine, a vet can cause vomiting in order to flush the Klonopin from the dog’s intestines. This is a good option when the dog’s body isn’t yet fully absorbed by the drug which is normally 30 minutes. The treatment for emesis usually consists of 33% hydrogen peroxide or apomorphine. If the remedy doesn’t work another dose could be administered. Inducing vomiting The majority of the negative consequences of consuming clonazepam, like sedation, lethargy, and ataxia could be prevented.
Gastric Lavage
A dog might need gastric lavage- also called stomach pumping in the event that it has consumed huge amounts of Klonopin. It’s also necessary for the event that the emesis method previously described does not produce results.
This procedure is a technical one that involves removing toxic substances from the dog’s stomach by flushing solutions containing saline. The vet places an orogastric tube inside the dog’s stomach. The vet then flushes stomach contents using water that is lukewarm. After that, the vet applies activated charcoal to eliminate all remaining Klonopin.
Fluid Therapy
Low blood pressure isn’t unusual in dogs who’ve consumed Klonopin. This is the reason why your vet may decide to administer fluid therapy to help stabilize blood pressure in your dog. Flumazenil is the antagonist commonly employed for the treatment of fluids in cases of benzodiazepine excess in both cats and dogs.
Medication
Intoxication with a benzodiazepine may cause the function of the central nervous system and respiratory system to be reduced Certain medicines can be prescribed by a vet to fight the destabilizations and to control an over-stimulated CNS. The dog will be continuously watched while the medication is administered so that they can ensure it heals in the same way.
Can a Dog Take Human Klonopin?
Image Credit: Pinterest
Yes, dogs can use human Klonopin.
Although there’s a reason that Food and Drug Administration hasn’t given approval to Klonopin for use in veterinary medicine, however, it’s not completely poisonous for dogs.
In certain situations, Klonopin may be beneficial for dogs however, the dog must to take the proper dose.
It is a great way to reduce the anxiety of dogs before terrifying events or to calm your pet. It’s not recommended to give your pet Klonopin without the advice of the vet.
When the medicine is prescription-based, the dosage should be administered every 8 hours. Take note that your veterinarian may alter the dosage based on your dog’s health.
Human Klonopin is a drug that can be administered to your pet through the mouth. You can administer this drug as a tablet, or a dissolving tablet. It’s acceptable for you to smash the tablet into your dog’s food.
Its effects medicine are swift, usually solving behavioral and anxiety issues within an hour after administration.
Be sure to closely watch your dog’s health after the initial dose. The risk of serious side effects is high when they do occur, you must contact the vet immediately. The overdose can be life-threatening.
The drug could cause problems for lactating, pregnant, or dog breeds that are aggressive.
Other vitamins, supplements, and natural remedies may affect Clonazepam. It’s the reason it’s so important to speak with your vet prior to giving this medication to your furry friend.
Klonopin is not a drug that should be used twice in any circumstance. The act could poison or kill your dog.
Do not give Klonopin tablets that contain traces of an ingredient called xylitol. Based on the American Kennel Club, xylitol is extremely toxic for dogs.
A small amount of this compound could cause hypoglycemia, liver damage, and seizures. Your pet could be dead within 30 minutes of ingestion of this poisonous substance.
If you decide to give your pet Klonopin at certain points, you should not stop using the Klonopin medication suddenly.
The long-term use of the drug can cause physical dependence as well as adverse withdrawal effects after discontinuation. This is why you have to stop taking medication for a few weeks prior to the time when treatment is over.
Can I Give My Dog Klonopin For Anxiety? Uses Of Klonopin For Dogs
It is true that Klonopin is a treatment for anxiety among dogs. Your veterinarian can prescribe Klonopin to treat behavioral problems like:
- The conditional fear of
- Fear of separation
- REM-sleep behavior disorder (RBD)
- Panic disorder of the type
- Thunderstorm phobia
Like many benzodiazepines, Klonopin can be used as an anti-muscle relaxant. This is why it’s the ideal medication to treat muscle spasms in dogs and also.
Although it’s a minor side effect instead of a major effect, clonazepam could serve as an appetite stimulant for dogs.
Related Article:
Why My Puppy Shaking After Eating? 5 Concerning Reasons!
In Summary
- If you ever discover that your dog has eaten one of your Klonopin 1 mg pills Take your breath and then recall this article.
- It’s going to be fine!
- Similar to if it had its jaws wrapped around a tablet, a dog will not get affected by this drug unless it is very small in size.
- A bit of confusion and insomnia could be on the horizon However, these symptoms typically disappear within between 12 and 24 hours.
- The most severe adverse effects an infant puppy may experience could include diarrhea, vomiting, slow breathing, disorientation or coordination, as well as an increase in salivation.
- If you observe any of those symptoms, or if your pet has any pre-existing health issues like kidney or liver disease, visit the closest vet ASAP to have a thorough exam treatment, and follow-up.
