ToxicEmergency
Dog ate baclofen and other muscle relaxants? Toxic: what to do now
Baclofen is very dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can quickly cause crying out, weakness, seizures and slowed or stopped breathing.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Baclofen and other muscle relaxants and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Toxic · Emergency: get help now
- What it can do
- Crying or vocalizing, drooling, vomiting, wobbly walking or weakness and disorientation. All 8
- How fast
- Within minutes; sometimes delayed a few hours
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual, Pet Poison Helpline. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What should I do if my dog ate baclofen and other muscle relaxants?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Keep the packaging and bring it with you.
- Go to an emergency vet. Early advice from a pet poison line helps.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Symptoms to watch for
- Crying or vocalizing
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Wobbly walking or weakness
- Disorientation
- Tremors
- Floppy, paralyzed legs
- Seizures or trouble breathing
When signs appear: Within minutes; sometimes delayed a few hours
Why
Baclofen has a very narrow margin of safety. It affects the brain and nerves, and poisoned dogs often need long hospital care.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicoses From Skeletal Muscle Relaxants in Animals
- Pet Poison Helpline: Baclofen
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Poisonings from Human Prescription Drugs
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.