{"id":627203,"date":"2024-03-11T10:09:31","date_gmt":"2024-03-11T14:09:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627203"},"modified":"2026-06-05T13:00:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T17:00:09","slug":"trazodone-dosage-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/trazodone-dosage-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Trazodone dosage for dogs: Guidance and safety considerations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Trazodone<\/span><\/a> is an FDA-approved antidepressant that can be helpful in treating individuals with depression and severe anxiety. Developed as a human medication, this drug has gained popularity in veterinary medicine for its ability to help reduce canine anxiety, increase behavioral calmness after surgery. It\u2019s important to follow your veterinarian\u2019s dosage guidance exactly in order to avoid overdose and side effects.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The table below shows examples of common starting doses of Trazodone for dogs. The starting dose may then be increased based on your dog\u2019s response and the veterinarian\u2019s recommendations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Trazodone dosage for dogs by weight<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Weight<\/b><\/td>\nStarting dosage<\/b><\/td>\nMax dosage<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5lbs.<\/b><\/td>\n7 mg<\/span><\/td>\n16 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6-10 lbs.<\/b><\/td>\n12.5 mg<\/span><\/td>\n32 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
11-15 lbs<\/b><\/td>\n25 mg<\/span><\/td>\n50 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
16-20 lbs.<\/b><\/td>\n25 mg<\/span><\/td>\n62.5 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
21-25 lbs.<\/b><\/td>\n37.5 mg<\/span><\/td>\n75 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
26-39 lbs.<\/b><\/td>\n50 mg<\/span><\/td>\n100 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
40-44 lbs.<\/b><\/td>\n50 mg<\/span><\/td>\n125 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
45-49 lbs.<\/b><\/td>\n62.5 mg<\/span><\/td>\n150 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
50-54 lbs.\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n75 mg<\/span><\/td>\n150 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
55-59 lbs.<\/b><\/td>\n75 mg<\/span><\/td>\n175 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
60-64 lbs<\/b><\/td>\n75 mg<\/span><\/td>\n200 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
65-69 lbs.<\/b><\/td>\n100 mg<\/span><\/td>\n200 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
70-80 lbs.<\/b><\/td>\n100 mg<\/span><\/td>\n250 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
81-94 lbs.<\/b><\/td>\n125 mg<\/span><\/td>\n250 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
95-99 lbs.<\/b><\/td>\n125 mg<\/span><\/td>\n300 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
100-115 lbs.<\/b><\/td>\n150 mg<\/span><\/td>\n300 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
120+ lbs.<\/b><\/td>\n162.5 mg<\/span><\/td>\n300 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source: <\/span><\/i>Whole Dog Journal<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

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How much trazodone can I give my dog?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The standard dose of trazodone is approximately 1\u20133 milligrams per pound of the dog\u2019s body weight. For example, if a dog weighs 23 pounds, the trazodone dose is in the 23-70 mg range. The exact amount within that range may depend on the dog\u2019s medical history, other medications, and the condition it\u2019s being used to treat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dogs that are stressed by strangers, other animals, veterinary visits, and loud noises like fireworks, however, <\/span>may be experiencing situational anxiety<\/span><\/a>. This may only require a dose at least one hour before a stressful situation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Trazodone dosage for ongoing anxiety in dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

For ongoing, long-term anxiety, your veterinarian may suggest administering trazodone every six, eight, or even 24 hours. <\/span>Separation anxiety<\/span><\/a> is an example of ongoing anxiety that can occur when the pet is apart from their main care person or people. Trazodone is a treatment option for long-term treatment if the dog is home alone during the day. It may also be an option for <\/span>age-related anxiety<\/span><\/a>, which can develop as the pet loses memory and cognitive function. To avoid adverse effects such as liver damage, seek medical advice at a vet visit before giving trazodone or other medications to senior dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trazodone dosage for short-term anxiety in dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Reducing situational stress may require a dose one to two hours before the event or on an as-needed basis. Be sure to follow your vet\u2019s directions on dosing based on your individual dog\u2019s needs. It is typically better to start with a lower dose and only take higher doses as needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Ray Spragley DVM CVA CCRT, a veterinarian at <\/span>Zen Dog Veterinarian Care<\/span><\/a>, \u201cTrazodone for dogs is the same for people. They can take the human form at a dose given by their veterinarian.\u201d<\/span> It is important to check with your vet to determine if trazodone is the best treatment for your pet. Anxiety in dogs is often caused by separation, fear, or age. Knowing what type of anxiety your dog has can help you better help your pet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the maximum trazodone dose for dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to the ASPCA<\/span><\/a>, it is important to titrate, or increase the amount of medication by small amounts over days, weeks, or months. The maximum dose depends entirely on the dog\u2019s weight, but regardless, monitor the dog to see whether the medication is working. Gradually increase the dose as needed, but do not administer more than the maximum amount for the dog\u2019s size and weight. <\/span>Trazodone tablets<\/span><\/a> come in 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg, and are scored down the center to allow for various dosing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Can dogs overdose on trazodone?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Yes, dogs can experience a drug overdose. Too much trazodone can cause excessive levels of serotonin in the body, which is a condition called serotonin syndrome. Serotonin is a natural chemical that helps regulate mood, but too much can cause permanent damage to bodily functions or even death. Signs of serotonin syndrome include restlessness, agitation, decreased appetite, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, muscle spasms, hyperthermia, seizures, vomiting, lethargy, disorientation, drooling, blindness, or difficulty walking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms may<\/span> appear<\/span><\/a> anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours after medication is ingested. Contact the vet ASAP if you notice any of them in your dog. Veterinarians may give a dog experiencing a trazodone overdose IV fluids or activated charcoal to help absorb the drug. Depending on the age and general health of the dog, most cases of serotonin syndrome from trazodone overdose will clear within 24\u201372 hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to give your dog Trazodone<\/span><\/h2>\n

Trazodone<\/a> comes in tablet form, and pets should take it orally. For oral administration, you can tuck the pill into an appropriate treat or food such as bread or peanut butter. Special treats are also available with a pouch for pills to be inserted. If your pet has difficulty swallowing or taking pills, you can crush trazodone to place it in food or water. Although it is better not to give your pet this medication on an empty stomach, there are also <\/span>techniques<\/span><\/a> to assist your dog\u2019s medication intake without the use of food.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As many medications suggest, if you miss a dose of trazodone for your pet, you should give the animal the dose as soon as you remember and begin the intervals from the new time. If you miss a dose and are getting close to the next dose time, skip the missed dose and resume medicine at the next scheduled time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trazodone interactions with other pet medications<\/span><\/h2>\n

Some dogs should not take trazodone. Dogs with liver, kidney, or heart disease should avoid medications like trazodone or may need a lower dose. While trazodone is often a helpful prescription drug for dog anxiety, there are some potential drug interactions. Medications such as heart medicine, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gastrointestinal medication, diuretics, and some antibiotics may cause interactions to occur.<\/span><\/p>\n

To avoid overdose, drug interaction, or other potential side effects, tell your vet about any medical conditions, medications, or supplements the dog is taking. If your dog is pregnant or becomes pregnant, discontinue the use of trazodone and consult your veterinarian. Trazodone use on pregnant pets can have adverse effects on the developing fetus. Other medications may be substituted.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Trazodone is just one of many prescription medications your veterinarian may prescribe for your dog\u2019s anxiety. Antidepressants and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are other categories of medicine that can be helpful for anxious dogs. Some common SSRI alternatives include Prozac (<\/span>fluoxetine<\/span><\/a>), Zoloft (<\/span>sertraline<\/span><\/a>), and Clomicalm (<\/span>clomipramine<\/span><\/a>). Other options might include benzodiazepines like Xanax (<\/span>alprazolam<\/span><\/a>) and Valium (<\/span>diazepam<\/span><\/a>), tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil (<\/span>amitriptyline<\/span><\/a>), or anticonvulsants like Neurontin (<\/span>gabapentin<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Using a variety of strategies, including non-medication routes, can help maximize your dog\u2019s well-being. Sabrina Kong, DVM, and contributor to <\/span>We Love Doodles<\/span><\/a>, states, \u201cWhile trazodone can be highly effective in reducing pet stress, combining medication with behavior modification techniques is vital. Working with a personal dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can provide strategies to help manage anxiety triggers and teach coping mechanisms to dogs.\u201d Many homeopathic remedies and pet-specific supplements are available to reduce anxiety and manage behavioral issues, including:<\/span><\/p>\n