When Owners Shouldn’t Give Trazodone to Dogs “I gave her a dose of trazodone that I use for her noise phobia and within three hours she was resting comfortably,” she says. “If you are worried that the dose you gave isn’t working, or makes your dog too sedate, call your veterinarian for advice on next steps.”īrunetti adds she gives her dog, Lois, a dose of trazodone after she sees the forecast for an impending thunderstorm. “Trazodone has a large dose range, but pet owners shouldn’t increase the dose or the frequency without contacting their veterinarian,” Brunetti says. When Owners Can Give Trazodone to DogsĪfter visiting the veterinarian, if your dog is prescribed trazodone for anxiety-related issues, it’s critical to follow the doctor’s prescribed orders. Labes notes that when dogs are given trazodone in conjunction with a structured training program, owners can help dogs manage anxiety and improve fear-driven behavior disorders. “The main use (of trazodone) is to reduce anxiety allowing the dog to be calmer and more relaxed in an environment that may cause the dog to be overly anxious,” Golla wrote in an email to Forbes Advisor. and veterinary operations manager at Innovetive Petcare in Austin, Texas.Ī 2016 study conducted at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine found that administering trazodone to hospitalized dogs reduced stress-related signs and behaviors and possibly improved patient welfare. Trazodone can be prescribed as a calming medication, says Dr. And negative experiences at the vet can lead to long-term effects on everyone: the dog, the owner, and the vet staff. It’s estimated that as many as 78.5% of dogs experience stress or fear in the veterinary clinic. Going to the vet, for example, is a common trigger of situational anxiety in dogs. “It can also be used as an adjunctive medication for treatment of behavioral problems, and for sedation needed after surgery/injury.” “Trazodone is most often used for situational anxiety related to separation from owners, noise phobias (storms, fireworks), veterinary visits, hospitalization and travel,” Brunetti wrote in an email to Forbes Advisor. “However, it has been used extensively enough to prove that it is efficacious and relatively safe at prescribed dosages,” she wrote in an email to Forbes Advisor. and veterinarian at Aliso Beach Animal Clinic in Laguna Beach, California. Trazodone, like many other drugs used in veterinary medicine, is not FDA approved for use in animals, says Dr. After research and testing, veterinarians began prescribing it “off label” to treat behavioral issues in dogs and cats, according to VCA Animal Hospitals, a national network of veterinary care providers. and medical director at Veterinary Emergency Group in Newtown, Massachusetts wrote in an email to Forbes Advisor. “When given at appropriately prescribed doses and intervals, and under the direction of a veterinarian, trazodone is safe to give to dogs,” Dr. and chief veterinary officer at IndeVets, a nationwide veterinary staffing service. If your dog suffers with anxiety, it is best to visit your veterinarian to help determine the best treatment.īehavioral modifications can help some dogs alleviate their anxiety, but these strategies take time for the dog to learn and don’t always work.Īnother form of treatment for dogs with anxiety is medication, including the commonly prescribed trazodone, which acts as an anti-anxiety agent by increasing serotonin levels, says Dr. The most common signs of anxiety in dogs include: This is the dog equivalent to Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome: Dogs, especially senior dogs, will pace, pant or appear restless.Sound sensitivity: Dogs will show signs of distress in reaction to painful, uncomfortable, or loud and sudden noises.Territorial aggression: Dogs will lunge, bark, snap or growl at anyone or thing that approaches their “territory” or home.Resource guarding: Dogs will growl or threaten anyone who tries to get close to or approach something they consider valuable, such as a treat, food, or toy.Once the owner is gone, the dog may howl, bark, or destroy parts of the house. Separation anxiety: Dogs show discomfort and express distress when their owners prepare to leave the house.Via 's Secure Website Signs of Anxiety Disorders in DogsĪccording to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, anxiety can manifest in dogs in a number of different behavioral problems, including:
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