In very rare cases, Xanax can have the total opposite effect on what it is intended to treat, and cause hyper-stimulation
. This is called the “paradoxical effect”. Instead of helping your dog to relax and feel calm, when given Xanax your dog can become hyper and even aggressive.
Can Xanax make dog more anxious?
The side effects of alprazolam include sedation, increased appetite, or uncoordinated walking. Learning may be affected and therefore this medication can impede training efforts. In cats, behavior changes may also occur.
Rarely, dogs may exhibit opposite effects such as aggression, anxiety, or agitation
.
Why does Xanax make my dog hyper?
There are also cases where your pet will have the opposite reaction than expected. This reaction is known as “
paradoxical reaction
.” Rather than calm, your pet may become aggressive or hyper after taking Xanax. Your pet will display paradoxical reactions through body language and behavior.
How much Xanax can you give a 50lb dog?
Note: Xanax is a prescription medicine and should not be administered without approval and a dosage recommendation from your vet. Though heavily dependent on the condition being treated, typical doses range from
0.005 – 0.045 mg/lb given orally every 6 to 12 hours, or 1 to 2 mg for a medium sized dog each day
.
Can a dog take Xanax every day?
To avoid dependency, dogs, like humans,
should not take alprazolam for extended periods of time
, and the medication should never be abruptly discontinued, but tapered off gradually. In rare cases, giving alprazolam for dogs who have anxiety and other problems can lead to liver problems.
How much Xanax can I give my dog for anxiety?
The optimal dose of alprazolam for most dogs that have any element of panic to their response is
0.02 to 0.04 mg/kg
. Because alprazolam comes in 0.25-, 0.5-, 1- and 2-mg tablets that are scored, it’s easy to find a dose that works for most animals. For a medium-sized dog, starting with an initial 0.25-mg dose is best.
How much Xanax can a 40 lb dog take?
The typical dose range for alprazolam in dogs is
0.01 to 0.05 mg per pound
(0.02 to 0.1 mg/kg) given orally every 12 hours.
Can a dog take Xanax and Benadryl?
Zylkene has no known drug interactions which means
it’s very likely safe to use alongside medicines such as Benadryl or Xanax if you need an extra boost
, but always check with the vet first.
What medicine will calm a dog down?
Antidepressants — such as amitriptyline or fluoxetine (Prozac)
— can be prescribed for dogs with severe anxiety. Sometimes vets will prescribe sedatives for dogs who experience situational anxiety. This would be anxiety related to thunderstorms, fireworks, or a trip to the vet’s office.
Will Xanax make my dog sleep?
Alprazolam – Alprazolam (Xanax®) is prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication and a sleep-aid.
Most pets that ingest alprazolam can become sleepy and wobbly
; however a few will become very agitated instead.
Can dogs take human Xanax to calm down?
Xanax (alprazolam) is a drug used both in human and veterinary medicine. But
you should never just give your Xanax, or other drugs, to your pets
.
How do I wean my dog off Xanax?
Weaning off Xanax
The general recommendations for benzodiazepine withdrawal are to
taper the dosage by approximately 5-10 percent every week – or even better, every two weeks
– according to the British Journal of Medical Practitioners.
How long does it take for Xanax to kick in?
For most patients, Xanax will start to work within
one to two hours
. These other treatments may take a few weeks to take effect, though. So Xanax and other benzodiazepines are sometimes used as a “bridge” until other treatments can have a chance to work.
What is a natural sedative for a dog?
Natural sedatives for dogs, like Rescue Remedy, are usually
made from herb and flower extracts such a chamomile and lavender
. Pheromones and calming products are also natural ways to soothe an anxious dog.
How much Benadryl should I give my dog to calm her down?
The best way to determine the correct Benadryl dosage for dogs is to consult your veterinarian. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends administering
2-4 milligrams of Benadryl per kilogram of body weight, two to three times a day
. However, this dosage can vary depending on your dog’s medical conditions.
