Can Dogs Take Trazodone For Anxiety?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Trazodone can be used as a treatment for anxiety and behavioral issues in dogs

. The drug can be prescribed by veterinarians, although it’s only officially approved by the FDA for use in humans.

Will trazodone help my dogs anxiety?


Trazodone is used in dogs for anxiety-related conditions, including firework and thunderstorm phobias, separation anxiety, and to minimize activity after surgeries

. The drug can be given with food or on an empty stomach and might take up to two weeks to achieve a calming effect, especially when used alone.

How quickly does trazodone take effect in dogs?

This medication will take effect quickly, in about

1 to 2 hours

, when used for short-term stress relief, but for long-term treatment, this medication can take a few weeks before full effects are observed.

Can I give my dog human trazodone?

Trazodone – which is technically called trazodone HCl – is available in both generic and name-brand versions, such as Oleptro and Desyrel. There aren’t any veterinary formulations of Trazodone currently on the market, so

pets must simply take those formulated for humans

.

Can I give my dog 100mg of trazodone?


100mg would be too high of a dose but would likely not cause significant problems

. A dog with too high of a dose of Trazodone may exhibit sedation, lethargy and incoordination when walking. I hope this helps answer your question.

Is 50mg of trazodone a lot?

Trazodone Dosage for Sleep


When prescribed for sleep, trazodone can be taken as a 50 mg to 100 mg dose at bedtime

. If needed, the dose can be increased to up to 200 mg at bedtime to help with sleep. Those with both depression and sleep problems may need a higher dose in some cases — up to 300 mg at bedtime.

Does trazodone make dogs sleepy?

In 104 dogs experiencing adverse effects,

sedation and lethargy were reported in 43% of the dogs

. Ataxia was reported in 16% and vomiting in 14%. Overall, lethargy, sedation, depression, somnolence, and subdued behavior are considered common signs of trazodone exposure.

What will trazodone do to my dog?

Trazodone

provides mild sedation and decreases anxiety

in dogs. This medication normalizes levels of serotonin within the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a chemical used by nerve cells to send signals to each other) that promotes a sense of well-being.

Does trazodone work for separation anxiety?

Trazodone is a medication used for behavior modification of dogs (and in some infrequent cases, cats).

It is mostly used for separation anxiety and other anxiety-related conditions

. If your pet has moderate to severe separation or other anxiety-based behavioral issues, trazodone could help.

How much Trazodone can you give a 50 pound dog?

Dosing Information for Trazodone in Dogs and Cats

They include

2.5 mg per pound per day to 15 mg per pound every 24 hours

. The average dose is approximately 3.5 mg per pound per day.

Is canine Trazodone the same as human Trazodone?

Trazodone for Dogs

Trazodone is a generic drug that is available by brand names such as Oleptro and Desyrel. Trazodone can be used as a treatment for anxiety and behavioral issues in dogs. The drug can be prescribed by veterinarians, although

it’s only officially approved by the FDA for use in humans

.

How often should I give my dog Trazodone?

Trazodone is given

every 8 hours

and as needed based on the dog’s weight and response.

How much trazodone can you give a 15 pound dog?

Trazodone for Dogs Guide: How it Works (Dosage and Side Effects) Trazodone is effective and considerately safe for treating anxiety and depression in dogs. Vets recommend a dosage of between

2.5mg to 15mg per pound of a dog’s body weight

.

Is trazodone and Xanax the same thing?


Xanax is similar to trazodone in that it may cause side effects such as feeling tired and drowsy

. When this occurs during the day, it can affect your day-to-day activities. However, unlike trazodone, Xanax and other benzodiazepine drugs can be addictive, even if you’ve been using them as directed.

Can trazodone worsen anxiety?

Side Effects of Trazodone.

If you use trazodone to alleviate insomnia and suddenly discontinue use, you might experience symptoms like anxiety, irritability, depression and mild flu-like symptoms

.

Is trazodone like gabapentin?

Neurontin (gabapentin) is an old seizure disorder medicine that is now used to treat nerve-related pain caused by different conditions. Improves mood and helps you sleep.

Oleptro (Trazodone) works well as a sleep aid, but has more side effects when used at higher doses for treating depression

.

Can you cut Trazodone in half for dogs?

While trazodone is not FDA approved for use in animals, veterinarians use it “off-label” as an anti-anxiety drug for canines routinely. Trazodone is typically supplied as a white tablet and scored down the center so

it can be easily split in half

.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.