{"id":628364,"date":"2024-05-24T11:36:07","date_gmt":"2024-05-24T15:36:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628364"},"modified":"2026-08-25T19:14:59","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T23:14:59","slug":"diazepam-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/diazepam-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Diazepam for dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Diazepam<\/a> is a generic drug widely known by its brand-name version, Valium<\/a>. 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<\/a> family. For conditions such as seizures and anxiety, veterinarians typically use it only as needed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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

Veterinarians use diazepam<\/a> to treat active seizures<\/a>, extreme situational anxiety<\/a>, urethral constriction, and pre-anesthetic sedation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Seizures<\/h3>\n

Diazepam is commonly used to stop active seizures in dogs<\/a>, 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<\/a> like phenobarbital<\/a> or levetiracetam<\/a> to control or prevent further seizures. In dogs that regularly have seizures<\/a>, owners may be given diazepam to administer rectally or intranasally during an active seizure.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Anxiety<\/h3>\n

Diazepam is a fast-acting anxiolytic<\/a> (anti-anxiety medication), but it\u2019s 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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Preanesthetic sedation<\/h3>\n

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\u2019s muscles, but it doesn\u2019t put the dog to sleep or numb pain. Instead, sedation makes it easier to induce anesthesia<\/a>. Diazepam isn\u2019t always the veterinarian\u2019s first choice. The veterinarian has other sedation choices<\/a>, including opioids<\/a>, which also reduce pain. However, one benefit of diazepam is that it generally has minimal effects on the heart and breathing function.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Functional urethral obstruction<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Other conditions<\/h3>\n

Veterinarians may also use diazepam for metronidazole<\/a> poisoning. Metronidazole is an antibiotic, and diazepam may be used to treat metronidazole toxicity<\/a> because it can significantly speed up the dog\u2019s recovery.<\/p>\n

Diazepam may also be used as an appetite stimulant, but it is not an ideal choice for increasing a dog\u2019s appetite because of its adverse effects.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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Is diazepam safe for dogs?<\/h2>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Diazepam should not be given to dogs that have had an allergic reaction to diazepam or other benzodiazepines.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Side effects of diazepam in dogs<\/h3>\n

The most common side effects<\/a> of diazepam in dogs are:<\/p>\n