{"id":629478,"date":"2024-08-17T12:05:56","date_gmt":"2024-08-17T16:05:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629478"},"modified":"2026-04-15T11:51:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T15:51:13","slug":"clonazepam-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/clonazepam-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Clonazepam for dogs: Dosage and safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

Clonazepam is a prescription benzodiazepine, a class of drugs that slows down the nervous system. Also sold as brand-name <\/span>Klonopin<\/span><\/a>, veterinarians use clonazepam in dogs as an add-on treatment for seizures and use it alone to reduce anxiety in the dog. It may have other uses, such as a muscle relaxant or a sleep aid. Clonazepam is safe for dogs when given as recommended, but long-term therapy can cause dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal when it\u2019s stopped. Veterinarians try to use it only in the short term or as needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Veterinarians use <\/span>clonazepam<\/span><\/a> primarily as an <\/span>antiseizure drug<\/span><\/a> in dogs, but they may also use it as an <\/span>anxiolytic<\/span><\/a> to treat various types of dog anxiety or fears. As a <\/span>benzodiazepine<\/span><\/a>, clonazepam slows down nerves, shutting down the nerve over-excitement that characterizes seizures. It\u2019s also a sedative, so it can help dogs feel calmer before or during events that panic or stress them, such as thunderstorms and vet visits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seizures<\/span><\/h3>\n

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to manage seizures in dogs, but <\/span>veterinarians most commonly use<\/span><\/a> the benzodiazepine diazepam, better known as <\/span>Valium<\/span><\/a>. Like diazepam, clonazepam slows down nerves through various mechanisms and reduces the over-excitement of seizing nerves. Clonazepam is only used as an add-on drug on top of epilepsy medications called <\/span>anticonvulsants<\/span><\/a> such as <\/span>phenobarbital<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>levetiracetam<\/span><\/a>. Doses are only given orally.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As a sedative and tranquilizer, benzodiazepines are a drug of choice to calm <\/span>anxious dogs<\/span><\/a>, particularly when they\u2019re facing anxiety-inducing situations like separation anxiety, <\/span>loud noises<\/span><\/a>, or a vet visit. Veterinarians also use benzodiazepines to aid behavioral modification training in dogs with behavior problems such as aggression or compulsions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clonazepam can be used for the same purposes, but the veterinary literature has not specified what types of anxiety or behavioral problems clonazepam is suitable for. In humans, clonazepam is FDA-approved to treat panic disorder. For canine anxiety or phobias, veterinarians are just as likely to prescribe diazepam or alprazolam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clonazepam works longer than diazepam or alprazolam, but like these other drugs, its effects weaken the longer the dog takes it. For this reason, veterinarians are not likely to use it as a daily, long-term treatment. It\u2019s more suitable when used occasionally to calm the dog before or during fear\u2014or anxiety-inducing events.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is clonazepam safe for dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of clonazepam in dogs. However, veterinarians frequently prescribe human drugs <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> to treat animals. Clonazepam’s use in dogs is not well studied in veterinary medicine, so there is not much information or data about its safety in dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clonazepam treatment carries many risks. The biggest risks are physical dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, abuse (by owners), and overdose. Veterinarians mostly consider it a suitable drug for short-term use. The longer a dog takes clonazepam, the greater the risk of dependence and withdrawal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clonazepam is not 100% safe for all dogs. Dogs that have had an allergic reaction to clonazepam or other benzodiazepines cannot take clonazepam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Veterinarians use clonazepam with caution in dogs with liver, kidney, myasthenia gravis, or glaucoma. They are also cautious about using clonazepam in pregnant, breastfeeding, sick, debilitated, or aggressive dogs. Unless clonazepam treatment is necessary, working dogs should not be given benzodiazepines because of possible impairment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of clonazepam in dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

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