We all hate to see our canine companions suffer. So, it’s only natural that we want to alleviate their pain or distress when we see it. If you notice your dog is struggling to sleep or settle at night, you may be tempted to reach for your own medicine cabinet. But is that a good idea? Let’s take a look at whether sleeping pills are safe for dogs. 

What are Z drugs? 

‘Z drugs’ is the name given to a group of medicines used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders in humans. They are a group of non-benzodiazepine drugs, but they work in a similar way to benzodiazepines (such as Temazepam). Common examples in the UK include Zolpidem (trade name Stilnoct) or Zopiclone (Zimovane). 

Z drugs work by binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, enhancing the natural effects of GABA. GABA is a ‘calming chemical’, so the effect is that you fall asleep faster and possibly for longer. A doctor may, therefore, prescribe Z drugs for short term sleep disorders in people. 

Can I give a sleeping pill to my dog? 

The short answer is NO! You must never give a sleeping pill to your dog. There are several reasons for this.  

Firstly, it is very rare for a dog to have a sleep disorder that requires a sleeping pill. While stress, mental load, blue light from screens, caffeine, alcohol, lack of exercise and racing thoughts can all contribute to insomnia in people… our canine friends are spared from these factors!  

If your dog is struggling to sleep, it is much more likely that they are suffering with an underlying health condition. Pain is one of the most common causes of poor sleep and restlessness in dogs. Giving your dog a sleeping pill would not alleviate their pain, it would only mask it. So it’s much better for your dog that you take them to the vet, so they can diagnose the underlying reason for your dog’s sleeping issues. That way, your dog can receive safe, appropriate, targeted treatment. 

If your dog is anxious, for example around firework season, giving them a sleeping pill or sedative is not the answer. Most cannot help them with their fear nor their anxiety, they simply mean that your poor dog is unable to tell you about it! There are various treatment options for noise phobias or other anxiety issues in dogs. Book an appointment with your vet, so they can advise you on the best options for your dog. 

Next, it is actually illegal in the UK for you to give any medication to your dog that has not been prescribed by a vet for that particular pet. The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 specifies that only a vet can diagnose, prescribe for and treat an animal, and the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 specifically state that only a vet can authorise the use of a human medication. In fact, it’s even illegal to recommend someone do so without prescription!  

In practical terms, this means you cannot give your dog any human medication, unless it has been prescribed by a vet. You also cannot give your dog any medication that has been prescribed by a vet for a different animal. If you do and something goes wrong, or your animal is harmed by the drug, you could face prosecution for animal cruelty. 

Lastly, and possibly most importantly, sleeping pills are not safe for dogs. While Z drugs cause sleepiness and sedation in humans, they actually have the opposite effect on dogs! They are much more likely to cause hyperactivity and excitement in your dog. While you may assume that drugs which are safe for humans must be OK for your dog, this is not the case. Many human drugs are actually toxic to pets.  

What happens if a dog takes a sleeping pill? 

If your dog accidentally ingests one of your sleeping pills (specifically one of the Z drugs), you should contact your vet immediately.  

Signs of sleeping pill toxicity in dogs include: 

  • Hyperactivity/excitement 
  • Agitation or pacing 
  • Aggression 
  • Panting  
  • Vocalising 
  • Drooling 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Severe sedation 
  • Wobbliness (ataxia) 
  • Tremors 
  • Raised temperature (hyperthermia) 
  • Fast heart rate (tachycardia) 
  • Reduced breathing and / or heart rate (respiratory and / or cardiac depression). 

To conclude, yes – sleeping pills are dangerous for dogs! The toxic dose will vary depending on your dog’s size, breed, overall health and individual variation. If your pet has eaten any amount of sleeping pills (or any other human medication), contact your vet or out-of-hours provider straight away.  

Treatment of sleeping pill toxicity in dogs 

If your dog does accidentally get hold of some sleeping pills, you should take them to a vet straight away. It helps if you call ahead to let them know you are coming, so the team can prepare for your pet’s arrival. It’s useful to let them know a rough idea of your pet’s weight, what the drug was, and how much you suspect they have taken. 

Treatment will depend on the drug taken, the quantity, how recently they took it, and any symptoms your pet has. If it hasn’t been too long, your vet will make your dog vomit. This is to remove any remaining drug in their stomach, before any more can be absorbed into the blood stream. They may also give activated charcoal, which acts to absorb any remaining toxins, preventing them from entering the blood stream. 

Even if your dog is not showing any symptoms, your dog is likely to need to stay in the hospital for monitoring and supportive treatment. While this may seem over the top if your dog appears to be fine, it is in their best interests. It allows your vet team to monitor your dog and quickly treat any symptoms that do develop, before they become severe. 

Luckily, the outlook is good. Most dogs make a full recovery with appropriate treatment.  

Prevention 

As with most things, prevention is better than cure. You’d be surprised by the things that appeal to dogs, and by the things your curious companion can reach. Dogs have been known to open cupboards, bags, suitcases… to name a few! Better to be safe than sorry, so make sure that all medications are kept well out of reach of any pets. It’s safest to store medication in cupboards up high, preferably in areas your pet cannot access. 

Key points 

  • Sleeping pills are not safe for dogs. 
  • Never give your dog human medication (unless it has been prescribed by the vet). This is illegal. 
  • You should only give your dog medication that has been prescribed by a vet, specifically for that pet. 
  • Keep all human medicines well out of reach of your pets.  
  • If you’re worried that your dog is having trouble sleeping, book an appointment with their vet. There may be an underlying medical cause, such as pain, that needs treating. 
  • If your dog does accidentally eat some sleeping pills, or any other medication not meant for them, immediately contact your vet as an emergency.