{"id":58127,"date":"2023-04-26T09:30:52","date_gmt":"2023-04-26T13:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=58127"},"modified":"2025-10-22T17:07:18","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T21:07:18","slug":"clonidine-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/clonidine-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"What is clonidine used for in dogs?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many blood pressure medications are used off-label<\/a> to help with anxiety. While beta blockers are well-known for the sense of calm they create, clonidine<\/a> is another hypertension medication that may assist people when they\u2019re trying to fall asleep or before a big speech. Specifically, it is a centrally acting alpha-2 agonist that works on certain receptors in the central nervous system to reduce the flow of noradrenaline which relaxes blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and reduces heart rate or feelings of stress.<\/p>\n

That chill-out effect also works for our four-legged friends. Clonidine<\/a> can help dogs with behavioral disorders, like <\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a>. Just keep in mind that human medications behave a bit differently when given to dogs, so you should always make sure you\u2019re following dosage recommendations from your veterinarian\u2014not just giving your own meds to your pup.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

For dogs, clonidine has four main uses:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Anti-anxiety medication<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Behavioral modification<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Diarrhea treatment<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Pheochromocytoma diagnosis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Anxiety medication<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Clonidine is primarily used as an anti-anxiety medication in anxious dogs. For example, if your pup cowers during every thunderstorm or whenever fireworks go off, you might want to give them some medication relief.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cClonidine is often used in dogs to treat anxiety disorders and fear-related issues, such as noise phobias, separation anxiety, and for travel,\u201d says <\/span>Chyrle Bonk,<\/span><\/a> DVM, a veterinarian at <\/span>Senior Tail Waggers<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>
    \n<\/span>
    \n<\/span>RELATED DRUGS: <\/b>    Trazadone for dogs<\/b><\/a> | <\/b>Prozac for dogs<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    Behavioral modification<\/span><\/h3>\n

    In <\/span>veterinary<\/span> behavior medicine, \u201cclonidine is sometimes prescribed for behavioral issues,\u201d says <\/span>Sara Ochoa, DVM<\/span><\/a>, a <\/span>veterinarian at<\/span> Senior Tail Waggers<\/span><\/a> says. If Fido soils the rug or rips up the couch when feeling abandoned or scared, clonidine can help correct these behavior problems. Clonidine can help keep dogs relaxed and calm while you\u2019re out for several hours\u2014for your own peace of mind and theirs. It\u2019s particularly useful for fear-based behavior modification if training has failed when dogs exhibit aggressive behavior or become destructive when their owners are not at home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Diarrhea treatment<\/span><\/h3>\n

    \u201cIt can also be used to treat diarrhea in dogs and cats,\u201d Dr. Ochoa says. Clonidine is constipating, so it can help solidify loose stools. It can help whether <\/span>diarrhea<\/span><\/a> is due to stress and anxiety or is caused by a stomach bug or a side effect from another medication. Severe diarrhea in dogs can cause dehydration and can be very dangerous and potentially life-threatening. If your dog has diarrhea that does not get better on its own, ask your veterinarian for medical advice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Pheochromocytoma diagnosis<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Clonidine is used to diagnose growth hormone deficiency and pheochromocytoma in dogs, says Dr. Ochoa. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor in the adrenal glands that causes elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Clonidine typically suppresses norepinephrine and epinephrine release. When it does not affect these levels, it can be a sign that this type of tumor is present. This serious condition requires surgery to remove the tumor, so an effective diagnosis is important.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

    \u201cThe amount of clonidine that you can safely and effectively give your dog depends on your dog\u2019s size, the extent of their issues, and if they are on any other medications,\u201d Dr. Bonk says. \u201cAlways talk to your vet before giving any medications and only use clonidine under a veterinarian\u2019s supervision.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Clonidine is usually in tablet form, which you can give your dog on its own or hidden in some food or a treat. There is also a liquid form of clonidine, which might be easier for dogs that are unwilling to take pills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Some pets need clonidine every day while others only need it as needed when they are experiencing particularly acute stress. \u201cThis medication usually kicks in within an hour or two if you\u2019re looking to help with short-term relief, such as noise phobias,\u201d says Dr. Bonk. \u201cFor longer-term use, it can take a couple of weeks to reach effect.\u201d A dose will stay in your dog\u2019s system for 12 to 24 hours. If your dog has been taking clonidine every day, do not stop giving it abruptly. Instead, work with your veterinarian to taper off their dose and avoid withdrawal symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Clonidine may be prescribed on its own or with other medications to treat your pet\u2019s anxiety. Other anti-anxiety medications for dogs include:<\/span><\/p>\n