TL;DR: Birth control pills are generally not highly toxic to dogs in small quantities, though you should monitor for mild stomach upset and check the packaging for toxic additives like Xylitol.
What happens if my dog eats birth control pills?
Birth control pills are oral contraceptives designed for humans that typically contain small amounts of estrogen and progesterone. Because these pills are formulated in very low doses for human use, they are generally not highly toxic to dogs if a single pack is consumed.
Is it an emergency if my dog swallowed birth control?
- The urgency level for this situation is Low.
- While ingesting any medication not prescribed for your pet is a cause for concern, birth control hormones rarely cause acute poisoning in canines.
- You might notice mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, but life-threatening complications are extremely rare.
Why should I take a photo of the packaging for the vet?
- A photo allows the professional to identify the specific brand and hormone concentrations.
- Vets can check the ingredients for Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.
- Seeing the remaining pills helps the vet estimate exactly how many were ingested.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Following ingestion of birth control pills, early decontamination efforts via induction of emesis (using 3% hydrogen peroxide or apomorphine in dogs, or xylazine in cats within 2 hours of exposure) and administration of activated charcoal (1-2 g/kg, with a second half dose after 6-8 hours) are recommended. Baseline biochemistry profiles should be obtained as early as possible to allow for individualized monitoring.
Chapter: Toxicology, Emergency
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 3032)