Why is this dangerous?
Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone. A pet that swallows several tablets becomes acutely hyperthyroid: heart rate and body temperature climb, and the pet becomes agitated and trembles.
Because many pets take this drug daily, the bottle is often within reach — and a chewed bottle can mean dozens of tablets at once.
Why speed matters
Delaying care significantly worsens outcomes. Some signs appear hours or days later, so "looks fine right now" is not a reason to wait.
Signs to watch for
- Restlessness, agitation, pacing
- Fast heart rate, panting, high body temperature
- Vomiting, diarrhoea
- Tremors, muscle twitching
- Irregular heartbeat, seizures (severe overdose)
What to do right now
- Call your vet or a poison line and count how many tablets are missing.
- Bring the bottle — strength varies from 25 µg to 200 µg per tablet.
- Do not give the next scheduled dose until the vet says so.
- Keep medication in a closed cabinet, never on a counter or bedside table.
If your pet shows any of the signs above, go to the nearest emergency vet now and call ahead.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our Thyroid Medicines (Levothyroxine) emergency guide.