Fortunately, it is rarely life-threatening. Temazepam,В like hypnotic medications, can cause symptoms in your pet, even if a large amount is not ingested.Instead of falling asleep, they become agitated and overly active, begin panting and have an increase in their heart rate. While some pets may be a bit more tired than normal and unsteady on their feet, oftentimes they will do the opposite of what is expected. However, these are rarely life-threatening ingestions. When pets ingest this class of medication, it can be scary since it does not take much to cause a problem for your pet. Hypnotic medicationsВ are a type of medication that includes several common prescription medications including zolpidem, eszopiclone and zaleplon.Potential issues such as unsteadiness on the feet, low body temperature and sedation can be seen if a pet ingests too much of this substance. Valerian rootВ is an herbal supplement that comes from the plant Valeriana officinalis and generally has a wide margin of safety.Some products are formulated with xylitol, which can be very toxic, causing low blood sugar and liver injury in dogs. Be sure to always check the label of any supplements. Generally, it is very safe, with lethargy and stomach upset being a potential issue in cases of overdose.

Melatonin is commonly used as a sleep aid, and is sometimes used to treat certain hair disorders, cognitive dysfunction and separation anxiety in dogs, as well as sleep cycle disorders in dogs and cats.

MelatoninВ is a natural hormone that regulates wakefulness.

It is not regularly used in dogs and cats, and pet parents should be careful when using products containing this substance around their pets. DoxylamineВ is an antihistamine very similar to diphenhydramine with similar concerns.Always check the labels on substances such as these, as sometimes diphenhydramine may be combined with other medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen or naproxen) that can cause stomach ulcers and kidney injury. However, if a larger amount is ingested, health concerns can be more serious and can cause excitation, agitation, an increase in heart rate and body temperature, and tremors. If your pet gets into this substance, lower amounts may just increase tiredness.

It is also used (when appropriately advised by a veterinarian) in dogs and cats for similar reasons. DiphenydramineВ has many uses but is commonly used as an antihistamine and sleep aid for people.ThatвЂ™s why APCC has compiled the information below to give you everything you need to know about your pets and sleep aids. To help keep your pets happy and healthy, it is best to stay informed. There are several different medications and common sleep aids that may be used to help with sleep, and the problems you may see if your pet gets into them can vary as well. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control (APCC)В wants to make sure you donвЂ™t have to worry, especially if your pet ate something potentially toxic, like a medication or supplement used to help you sleep. But one thing that shouldnвЂ™t keep you up at night is worrying about your petвЂ™s safety. And different types of sleep aids are often seen an easy solution to this common problem. No matter what the cause, at some point in our lives many of us will experience trouble sleeping. Tossing and turning burning the candle at both ends worrying about that report due tomorrow.

Over the counter sleep aid