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Is Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) toxic to dogs or cats?
Category: Medication | Last reviewed: June 2026
Quick verdict
Dogs
TOXICCats
TOXICPseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and dogs
Pseudoephedrine is a stimulant (sympathomimetic) with a narrow margin of safety in pets. Clinical signs can appear at 5-6 mg/kg, and doses around 10-12 mg/kg can be fatal. It causes a surge of agitation, racing heart, high blood pressure and dangerous overheating. Many cold and flu products combine it with acetaminophen, adding separate liver toxicity.
Onset
30-60 minutes; delayed and prolonged with extended-release products
Symptoms
- - hyperactivity
- - agitation
- - rapid heart rate
- - high blood pressure
- - dilated pupils
- - tremors
- - vomiting
- - overheating
- - seizures
What to do now
Contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or your vet immediately. Bring the packaging and note whether it is an extended-release product.
Toxicity is dose-dependent. Your dog's weight and the quantity consumed are both important - include these when you call poison control.
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and cats
Cats are highly sensitive to stimulants. The same narrow toxic range applies, and combination cold-and-flu products containing acetaminophen are catastrophic for cats, which cannot metabolise acetaminophen.
Onset
30-60 minutes
Symptoms
- - agitation
- - rapid heart rate
- - high blood pressure
- - dilated pupils
- - tremors
- - vomiting
- - overheating
- - seizures
What to do now
Contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or your vet immediately. Bring the packaging.
Data sources
- - ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- - Pet Poison Helpline - Sudafed
- - Merck Veterinary Manual
Last reviewed: June 2026
Data error? Email data@treatortoxic.com with a source reference.