Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My dog ate one of my expired birth control pills — is it still dangerous even though it's past the date?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, expired birth control pills remain dangerous because the estrogen and progestogen hormones do not break down simply from being past the expiration date. A single tablet in a dog usually causes only mild vomiting or diarrhea, but larger amounts can suppress bone marrow and lead to bleeding or infection weeks later. Check the packaging for the estrogen microgram dose, bring it to your vet, and ask about a blood count in 2 to 3 weeks to monitor for delayed marrow effects.

Energy drinks — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Caffeine, taurine and sugar together — a cardiac emergency in small pets.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Energy drinks should not be given to cats at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

Caffeine overstimulates the heart and nervous system, and pets clear it so slowly that tremors and restlessness drag on far longer than they would in a person.

Added sugar brings empty calories, and over months that means weight gain and dental disease — both far harder to undo than to avoid.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Energy drinks food facts page.

Open the full food page: Energy drinks food facts →