In a recent study, Trazodone was found to be well-tolerated with minimal side effects in dogs.
Possible side effects include sedation, lethargy, gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and/or diarrhea)
, ataxia, priapism (prolonged erections), increased anxiety, and aggression.
How long does it take for trazodone to wear off in dogs?
A pharmacokinetic study of single-dose oral trazodone in dogs revealed an elimination half-life of
166 ± 47 minutes
.
What are the most common side effects of trazodone in dogs?
- Sedation/drowsiness.
- Lethargy.
- Vomiting.
- Colitis (inflammation of the colon)
- Ataxia (drunken gait)
- Heart arrhythmia.
- Increased appetite.
What happens if I give my dog too much trazodone?
What are the signs of an overdose on trazodone for dogs? Seizures, loss of consciousness, vomiting, and coma are all indications of a SARI drug overdose.
Trazodone overdoses can be fatal
. Have your dog evaluated by a vet if you believe they've ingested too much trazodone.
Should Trazodone be taken with food for dogs?
Trazodone is given orally (by mouth) in the form of a tablet.
It may be given with food or on an empty stomach
. If your pet vomits or acts sick after receiving the medication on an empty stomach, try giving the next dose with food or a small treat.
Does Trazodone cause loss of appetite in dogs?
Trazodone can cause side effects.
The most common side effects seen in dogs are vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite
.
How does Trazodone make dogs feel?
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.
When should you give your dog Trazodone before going to the vet?
When Trazodone is used on a daily basis, it is initially started at a lower dose for every 12 hours. When used before appointments, it is given
2 hours before you travel to the vet hospital
.
Is 300 mg of Trazodone too much for a dog?
Target dosing for dogs less than 22 pounds is a total dose of 50 mg every 8 to 24 hours, dogs 22 to 44 pounds the total dose of 100 mg every 8 to 24 hours, dogs 44 to 88 pounds may be prescribed 200 mg every 8 to 24 and
dogs over 88 pounds may be prescribed a total dose of 200 – 300 mg every 8 to 24 hours
.
Is trazodone safe for dogs everyday?
Trazodone can be given daily or on an as-needed basis to help your dog stay calm
. This makes this medication a great choice for your dog, who suffers from anxiety. Next time you are at your vet, make sure to ask them about prescribing Trazodone for your dog so they can be calm and stress-free.
How do I wean my dog off trazodone?
To wean him down,
decrease the dosage by half every 2 weeks
. So if you are giving him 1 pill twice a day, do 1/2 pill twice a day, then 1/2 pill once a day, then 1/2 pill every other day. Then stop completely.
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.
Can you euthanize a dog with trazodone?
Trazodone can be used to treat behavioral problems in dogs and cats.
Behavioral problems are often one of the reasons animals are euthanized, especially if the behavior is dangerous
. Trazodone may help to prevent this behavior.
Is 100mg of trazodone a lot for a dog?
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.
What is dog ataxia?
The word ataxia means
incoordination within the nervous system
. The abnormal movement can occur in the legs, the head, the torso, or all three.
Does trazodone cause diarrhea in dogs?
In very rare cases, this anxiety or lowering of inhibitions may lead to an increased likelihood of aggressive behaviors.
Gastrointestinal signs, such as vomiting and/or diarrhea, may also be observed
. Possible side effects of trazodone for dogs include: Drowsiness/lethargy.
Can trazodone cause pancreatitis in dogs?
Trazadone can be given once or twice daily to dogs. Side effects include increase/decrease in appetite, GI upset (vomiting, diarrhea), sedation, agitation, ataxia (wobbly gait).
His past history of pancreatitis is likely not an issue with this medication
.
How can I safely sedate my dog?
If your veterinarian says it's okay,
give your dog 2 mg of Benadryl per 1 kg (2.2 lb) of body weight
, or follow your veterinarian's dosing suggestion. Repeat the dose every 4-6 hours while you need to keep your dog sedated. Do not exceed a dose of 4 mg of Benadryl per 1 kg (2.2 lb) of body weight every 4-6 hours.
