Diazepam for dogs

In this article:

• Uses
• Safety
• Dosage
• Alternatives
• Summary

In this article

• Uses
• Safety
• Dosage
• Alternatives
• Summary

Diazepam is a generic drug widely known by its brand-name version, Valium. Veterinarians use it in dogs to treat seizures, anxiety, and difficulty peeing due to tightening of the urethra. They may also use it as a sedative before veterinary procedures that require anesthesia. Diazepam is a fast-acting sedative that belongs to the benzodiazepine family. For conditions such as seizures and anxiety, veterinarians typically use it only as needed. 

RELATED: Save up to 80% on diazepam

What is diazepam used for in dogs?

Veterinarians use diazepam to treat active seizures, extreme situational anxiety, urethral constriction, and pre-anesthetic sedation. 

Seizures

Diazepam is commonly used to stop active seizures in dogs, particularly long-lasting seizures called status epilepticus. Diazepam works by slowing activity in the brain and nervous system. In a veterinary clinic or animal hospital, veterinarians usually give diazepam intravenously and may use other anticonvulsants like phenobarbital or levetiracetam to control or prevent further seizures. In dogs that regularly have seizures, owners may be given diazepam to administer rectally or intranasally during an active seizure. 

Anxiety

Diazepam is a fast-acting anxiolytic (anti-anxiety medication), but it’s generally used short-term or as needed rather than as a daily, long-term treatment for canine anxiety. Pet owners may give the dog diazepam when necessary to calm it before or during stressful situations such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or other anxiety-provoking events. Veterinarians may also prescribe diazepam for behavior problems related to anxiety, such as aggression or compulsive behaviors.

Preanesthetic sedation

To perform surgery or other veterinary procedures, a veterinary professional may give a dog a dose of diazepam or another sedative before administering anesthesia. Diazepam makes the dog sleepy and relaxes the dog’s muscles, but it doesn’t put the dog to sleep or numb pain. Instead, sedation makes it easier to induce anesthesia. Diazepam isn’t always the veterinarian’s first choice. The veterinarian has other sedation choices, including opioids, which also reduce pain. However, one benefit of diazepam is that it generally has minimal effects on the heart and breathing function. 

Functional urethral obstruction

Some dogs have trouble peeing because the muscles in the urethra are too tight and do not relax properly, rather than because something is physically blocking the urethra. The urethra is a long tube that passes urine from the bladder out of the body. It contains both smooth muscle, like the muscle in your intestines, and skeletal muscle, like the muscle in your arms. In dogs with functional urethral obstruction, diazepam is used as a muscle relaxant to relax the skeletal muscle in the urethra, making it easier for the dog to pass urine. Diazepam may be given up to three times per day, usually about 30 minutes before the dog urinates.

Other conditions

Veterinarians may also use diazepam for metronidazole poisoning. Metronidazole is an antibiotic, and diazepam may be used to treat metronidazole toxicity because it can significantly speed up the dog’s recovery.

Diazepam may also be used as an appetite stimulant, but it is not an ideal choice for increasing a dog’s appetite because of its adverse effects.

Is diazepam safe for dogs?

Diazepam can be safely used in dogs when prescribed by a veterinarian, but it has some important risks. It is a federally controlled substance because of its potential for dependence and misuse. 

Diazepam should not be given to dogs that have had an allergic reaction to diazepam or other benzodiazepines.

Diazepam is used with caution in dogs with liver or kidney disease or breathing problems, as well as in geriatric, debilitated, or in shock. It may also be avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding dogs unless the veterinarian determines that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Veterinarians are also cautious about using diazepam in aggressive dogs. There is a small possibility that a dog will react to diazepam by becoming more aggressive.

Side effects of diazepam in dogs

The most common side effects of diazepam in dogs are:

• Sleepiness
• Clumsiness (loss of coordination)
• Increased appetite
• Drooling
• Agitation
• Aggression

The most serious side effects may include:

• Extreme lethargy
• Low blood pressure
• Rarely, increased excitement, agitation, or aggression instead of sedation 

If you notice these problems, contact the prescribing veterinarian right away.

Interactions of diazepam with other pet meds

Diazepam can interact with many medications, so tell the veterinarian about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you give your dog. Make sure to mention: 

• Medications that make the dog sleepy (central nervous system depressants), such as opioids 
• Anxiety treatments, such as fluoxetine
• Epilepsy medications, such as phenobarbital or phenytoin
• Stomach acid medications, such as omeprazole or cimetidine
• The antibiotic erythromycin
• Drugs that treat fungal infections, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
• Heart medications digoxin, quinidine, or amiodarone
• Antacids

Diazepam dosage for dogs

For at-home dosing, the recommended dosages are listed below. A veterinary professional administers intravenous diazepam. 

• For cluster seizures: 0.5–1 mg/kg given rectally, but 2 mg/kg if the dog is on phenobarbital, administered at the start of a seizure and given up to three times in 24 hours
• For long-lasting seizures (status epilepticus): 0.5–1 mg/kg given rectally, but 2 mg/kg if the dog is on phenobarbital, given up to three times in 24 hours
• For situational anxiety: 0.5–2 mg/kg given by mouth as needed every four to six hours
• For functional urethral obstruction: 2–10 mg per dog given by mouth about 30 minutes before urinating, up to three times per day. 

Can dogs overdose on diazepam?

There is no established toxic dose of diazepam for dogs, so do not give your dog more than the veterinarian prescribes.

If too much diazepam is given to a dog or if there are any signs of an overdose, immediately call a veterinarian or animal hospital. Signs of diazepam toxicity in dogs include confusion, disorientation, aggression, unusual excitement, involuntary muscle movements, a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and low body temperature.

Can I give my dog diazepam every day?

For most conditions, diazepam is intended for short-term or as-needed treatment. For seizures or situational anxiety, dogs typically receive diazepam only when needed.

For functional urethral obstruction, diazepam may be prescribed daily, with doses given up to three times per day around the times the dog normally urinates. Dogs taking diazepam regularly should be monitored for side effects, and long-term treatment should not be stopped suddenly without talking to the veterinarian.

How to give your dog diazepam

There are no diazepam products made specifically for pets, so pet owners may receive a human formulation or one prepared by a compounding pharmacy. Diazepam comes in several forms for use in dogs, including tablets, oral liquid, rectal gel, and solutions for rectal or intranasal administration. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for the specific form prescribed to your dog: 

• Only give diazepam to a dog when prescribed by a veterinarian.
• Give the doses exactly as prescribed. Do not give more than instructed.
• For situational anxiety, give the dose at least 30 minutes before a triggering event for the best results.
• If your dog is taking diazepam long-term, do not stop it without talking to your veterinarian. The dose may need to be tapered gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
• If you’re giving diazepam as needed and miss a dose, give it if the dog is still fearful or having a seizure.
• If your dog takes diazepam every day, ask the veterinarian what to do if a dose is missed.

For tablets or liquid: Give diazepam with or without food. If the dog vomits after taking it, give future doses with food. Use the calibrated oral syringe provided with diazepam oral solution to measure each dose. Store oral diazepam at room temperature in a container protected from light. 

For rectal use: If you have been given a diazepam injection solution for rectal use, a veterinary professional will show you how to prepare and give the dose during a seizure.

• Draw the prescribed dose into the syringe using a needle or vial adapter.
• Remove the needle, if used, and attach the cannula or catheter to the syringe.
• Lubricate the cannula or catheter if needed.
• Lay the dog in a safe place and stabilize its hips.
• Insert the lubricated cannula or the narrow end of the catheter about halfway into the rectum.
• Push the plunger until all the medicine has been given.
• Store the injection solution at room temperature, protected from light.

For intranasal use: The process is similar when diazepam is prescribed for intranasal use during a seizure. 

• Draw the prescribed dose into the syringe.
• Remove the needle, if used, and attach the nasal adapter.
• Lay the dog in a safe place and stabilize its head.
• Place the nasal adapter into the dog’s nostril.
• Push the plunger to give the medicine.
• Store the solution at room temperature, protected from light.

Diazepam alternatives for dogs

For seizures, diazepam is commonly used to stop active seizures, particularly status epilepticus. Because it has a short duration of action, a veterinarian may also use a longer-acting antiseizure medication to prevent further seizures. If diazepam doesn’t work, another benzodiazepine or other seizure medication may be used. In severe cases that do not respond to medication, anesthesia may be necessary.

The first-line treatments for situational anxiety in dogs often include avoiding stressful situations when possible, desensitizing the dog to fearful situations, and behavioral training. Medication may also be needed depending on the severity of the dog’s anxiety.

Diazepam may be used for severe situational anxiety. It’s sometimes referred to as a panicolytic, meaning it helps reduce or stop panic during an anxiety-provoking event. Other medications used for situational anxiety may include other benzodiazepines, Sileo (dexmedetomidine), or the sedatives trazodone or gabapentin. 

Dogs with severe or ongoing anxiety may need daily maintenance medication to help them better manage anxiety-provoking situations. These medications include tricyclic antidepressants, such as Clomicalm (clomipramine), or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Reconcile (fluoxetine).

Veterinarians also have a variety of medications to treat canine urethral obstruction, including smooth muscle relaxants (e.g., alpha blockers) and skeletal muscle relaxants.

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Summary

Diazepam is commonly used to treat active seizures in dogs. It may also be given as needed for severe situational anxiety or before veterinary procedures that require sedation. For some conditions, such as functional urethral obstruction, a veterinarian may prescribe diazepam daily. Because diazepam can cause side effects and dependence with regular use, give it only as directed by your veterinarian.