Trazodone Prescription for Dogs - An Exploration by Catherine Barnette, DVM, Reviewed by Emily Oliver, CVT, Updated on Jan 30, 2024
Managing Canine Anxiety: The Role of Trazodone in Veterinary Medicine
Trazodone, a human antidepressant medication, has found a new purpose in veterinary medicine, particularly for dogs. This medication is often used to manage anxiety and behavioural issues related to stress and phobias [1][3].
This versatile drug helps in a variety of situations. It aids in anxiety and stress management during stressful events such as vet visits, travel, or thunderstorms. It also helps dogs cope with phobia-related behavioural disorders, triggered by loud noises or unfamiliar situations [1][3]. Furthermore, it is used for sedation to calm dogs in multi-modal behaviour treatment plans, although it is not used for pain relief [3][4].
Trazodone is typically administered orally, about 90 minutes before a known stressor, with effects lasting up to 12 hours [3]. It is an off-label use of a human medication and always requires a veterinarian’s prescription and guidance [1][3].
In some cases, trazodone is used in combination with other medications like gabapentin to enhance anxiety reduction and sedation in dogs [2][5]. This combination therapy is often more effective than using one medication alone.
It is essential to note that trazodone should not be combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as selegiline. Also, it may interact with azole antifungal agents (ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole) and certain antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin), potentially increasing the sedating effects of trazodone [1].
When using trazodone for short-term stress relief, the medication will start working in 1-2 hours. It may take a few weeks to see the full effects when using it for long-term anxiety management [1]. The recommended dose is determined by veterinarians and can be adjusted if necessary. The dosage for dogs varies based on weight [1].
Trazodone is a slow-release medication and should not be crushed up when administering it to your dog. It should be stored at room temperature in a light-resistant container [1].
If you miss giving your dog a dose of trazodone, you can give the missed dose at your earliest convenience, but should separate doses by at least 8 hours [1].
In terms of cost, you can expect to pay approximately $1-$2 per dose, depending on your dog's size [1].
Lastly, if you notice shaking or tremors in your dog after administering trazodone, it could be a sign of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. If this occurs, seek immediate veterinary attention [1].
In conclusion, trazodone plays a significant role in managing canine anxiety and behavioural issues. Its anxiolytic and sedative properties make it an invaluable tool for veterinarians and pet owners alike. Always consult with your veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
[1] Vetstreet. (2021). Trazodone for dogs: Uses, dosage, and side effects. Retrieved from https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/trazodone-for-dogs-uses-dosage-and-side-effects
[2] PetMD. (2021). Trazodone for dogs: Uses, side effects, and dosage. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/behavior/c_multi_trazodone
[3] ASPCA. (2021). Trazodone for dogs. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-behavior/behavior-concerns/separation-anxiety-in-dogs
[4] PetHelpful. (2021). Trazodone for dogs: Uses, side effects, dosage. Retrieved from https://www.pethelpful.com/dogs/Trazodone-for-Dogs-Uses-Side-Effects-Dosage-33224/
[5] Merck Manuals Veterinary Manual. (2021). Trazodone. Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/behavior/behavioral-disorders/trazodone-for-behavioral-disorders-in-dogs
Trazodone, initially a human antidepressant, serves a beneficial role in health-and-wellness for dogs, particularly in the realm of mental health, acting as an aid for managing anxiety and stress-related issues. Its anxiolytic properties enable dogs to cope with phobia-related behavioral disorders during stressful events.
