Is Clonazepam (Klonopin) Safe for Dogs?
Why it’s a problem
Clonazepam is long-acting, so a dog that eats a tablet may stay sedated for many hours with slow breathing and low blood pressure. Some dogs show paradoxical excitation instead of sleepiness. Heavy ingestions can lead to collapse and coma, and the drug’s long duration means danger does not pass quickly.
How to keep your pet safe
Store clonazepam well out of reach — chewed bottles are the most common ingestion source. For noise or separation anxiety, ask your vet for a dog-specific plan rather than sharing your prescription.
Warning signs to watch for
Deep sedation, stumbling, weakness, drooling, slow breathing, low heart rate, low body temperature; paradoxical agitation in some dogs; severe cases: collapse, coma, seizures.
When to call the vet
Call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately and report the pill strength and estimated number eaten. Because the drug is long-acting, dogs may need hours of clinic monitoring.
Common questions
My dog chewed my Klonopin bottle — how bad is that?
Potentially serious — clonazepam is long-acting and multiple tablets can cause dangerous sedation and breathing depression. Call your vet or a poison hotline now; do not assume he will sleep it off.
My vet mentioned clonazepam for my dog’s seizures — is it safe?
Under veterinary supervision it can be used, but only with pet-specific dosing and monitoring. Never give your own tablets — self-dosing risks overdose and prolonged sedation.
More medications hazards for dogs
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate or touched something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. In the US: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (fees may apply).