{"id":57661,"date":"2023-03-27T09:30:52","date_gmt":"2023-03-27T13:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=57661"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:48:20","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:48:20","slug":"trazodone-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/trazodone-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"How trazodone can help anxious dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just like their human best friends, dogs can feel <\/span>anxious<\/span><\/a> and even <\/span>depressed<\/span><\/a> sometimes. Also like humans, the medication <\/span>trazodone<\/span><\/a> is sometimes prescribed for dogs who aren’t their usual happy selves. In humans, this medication treats depression and <\/span>insomnia<\/span><\/a>—thanks to its sedative effects. Here is what you should know about using this Rx in veterinary medicine, including its use, dosage, and side effects. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is trazodone used for in dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Trazodone<\/span><\/a>, also known by its brand names Desyrel and Oleptro, is an antidepressant. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the central nervous system. For dogs, it’s primarily used as a treatment for <\/span>anxiety disorders<\/span><\/a>. “Some veterinarians will prescribe your dog a mild sedative or anti-anxiety medication if they have noise phobias, separation anxiety, or other short-term calming needs,” says <\/span>Chyrle Bonk<\/span><\/a>, DVM, a veterinarian at <\/span>Senior Tail Waggers<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist reuptake inhibitor (SARI), which means it helps your brain use the neurotransmitter serotonin correctly when you are depressed or anxious. It also has a sedative effect. <\/span><\/p>\n

“Sedatives are commonly prescribed for dogs before anesthesia, for anxiety or noise phobia such as thunderstorms and fireworks,” <\/span>Sara Ochoa, DVM<\/span><\/a>, a veterinarian at<\/span> Senior Tail Waggers<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

“Trazodone can [also] be used as a behavior-modifying medication. This can help make aggressive dogs more calm and easier to treat at the vet clinic or when getting groomed.” If a medication used off-label helps your dog feel better on a day they’d otherwise be miserable—like the Fourth of July, during a thunderstorm, for nail clippings, or before vet visits—many veterinarians and pet parents think that’s the right move.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, it’s important to note that while the drug you are prescribed is the same as the one your dog would be given, you should never give your dog trazodone without consulting your veterinarian first. You need to give your vet a complete health history so they can determine if trazodone is right for your pet and, if so, what dosage would be appropriate. <\/span><\/p>\n

Trazodone dosage for dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n

Trazodone comes in a short-acting or long-acting tablet and is taken with water. If needed, the medication can be compounded into a liquid for dogs and cats who have trouble taking pills. The doses range from 50 mg to 300 mg and can vary depending on body weight and the condition for which it is being prescribed. It can be used daily for more generalized anxiety or as needed in specific situations. <\/span><\/p>\n

“The dose of trazodone that is correct for your dog will depend on the dog’s weight and what conditions you’re trying to treat,” Dr. Bonk says. A dog who is very anxious might not seem particularly sedated on a “usual” dose of trazodone for their weight and may need a larger dose to make it through a medical procedure without being stressed or aggressive. <\/span><\/p>\n

Vets recommend the following when administering trazodone:<\/span><\/p>\n