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Is Blood Pressure Medications (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers) toxic to dogs or cats?
Category: Medication | Last reviewed: June 2026
Quick verdict
Dogs
TOXICCats
TOXICBlood Pressure Medications (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers) and dogs
Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, diltiazem) and beta blockers (metoprolol, atenolol) have a narrow margin of safety and are the most dangerous blood-pressure drugs in overdose, causing a dangerously slow heart rate, severe low blood pressure and, in serious cases, kidney failure. ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril) are generally lower risk, but large ingestions still warrant a call. Signs can be delayed many hours.
Onset
1-12 hours; can be delayed, especially with extended-release tablets
Symptoms
- - lethargy
- - weakness
- - collapse
- - very slow heart rate
- - low blood pressure
- - vomiting
- - kidney failure in severe cases
What to do now
Contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or your vet, even if your dog seems fine - signs can be delayed. Bring the packaging.
Toxicity is dose-dependent. Your dog's weight and the quantity consumed are both important - include these when you call poison control.
Blood Pressure Medications (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers) and cats
Amlodipine is actually prescribed to cats for high blood pressure at a specific vet-determined dose, but accidental ingestion of human-strength tablets or extra doses can cause dangerous hypotension and a slow heart rate.
Onset
1-12 hours; can be delayed
Symptoms
- - lethargy
- - weakness
- - collapse
- - very slow heart rate
- - low blood pressure
- - vomiting
What to do now
Contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or your vet. Bring the packaging.
Data sources
- - ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- - Pet Poison Helpline - Calcium Channel Blockers
- - Merck Veterinary Manual
Last reviewed: June 2026
Data error? Email data@treatortoxic.com with a source reference.