PupkeeperCaution
Dog ate birth control pills? Caution: what to do now
Most birth control pills are low risk for dogs and may only cause mild stomach upset, but large amounts of estrogen can harm bone marrow.
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
Birth control pills and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Caution · Call your vet or a poison line
- What it can do
- Stomach upset, mild vomiting and diarrhea.
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Sources
- ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, Merck Veterinary Manual. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What should I do if my dog ate birth control pills?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Keep the packaging and bring it with you.
- Count the missing pills and tell the vet if your dog is an unspayed female.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Symptoms to watch for
- Stomach upset
- Mild vomiting
- Diarrhea
Why
The pills contain small amounts of hormones. Large estrogen ingestions can suppress bone marrow, and unspayed females face more risk. The plastic pack can also be a problem if swallowed.
Sources
- ASPCA: Don't Panic! Five Items Pet Parents Shouldn't Worry About
- Pet Poison Helpline: Top 10 Human Medications Poisonous to Pets
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicosis in Animals From Human Topical Agents
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.