Trazodone for Dogs: This Medication Can Help With Situational Anxiety

Some dogs are more anxious than others. Whether they are anxious about being alone, riding in a car, going to the vet, or loud noises, you don't want them to suffer. A dog's anxious behavior can also be stressful and embarrassing for owners who don't know how to help.

Fortunately, there is a safe and relatively inexpensive medication available called trazodone. It can alleviate situational anxiety in dogs.

Trazodone for dogs at a glance

What is trazodone for dogs, and how does it work?

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that is commonly used for anxiety-related behavior issues in dogs.

The use of trazodone in dogs is considered off-label or "extra-label" in veterinary medicine. This means that the medication is not FDA approved for use in dogs and cats. Trazodone, however, is considered safe for dogs and is widely prescribed by veterinarians for anxiety.

What is trazodone used for in dogs?

Trazodone is helpful for dogs who experience situational anxiety. Trazodone is an anxiolytic. This means it eases anxiety and helps calm the dog in situations when they are otherwise overly anxious. Trazodone may help dogs with anxiety related to things like:

• Going to the veterinarian or groomer

• Thunderstorms

• Fireworks

Trazodone for dogs may also be prescribed alongside training to reduce unwanted behaviors related to separation anxiety. It can also be prescribed to help dogs stay quiet after surgery or help older dogs who are anxious or having trouble sleeping at night.

Trazodone is also prescribed for hospitalized dogs to help them stay calm and relaxed.

What is the typical trazodone dosage for dogs, and how is it given?

Trazodone for dogs is given as a pill by mouth. It comes in 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg scored white, round tablets.

The standard dosage of trazodone for dogs will vary widely based on your dog's weight and what your dog takes the medication for.

When trazodone is used before a stressful situation, the most common dosage is 5 mg to 7 mg per kilogram of body weight, given at least 90 minutes before the event. About 1 hour after trazodone is given, a dog will experience short-term anxiety relief. But it can take up to 3 hours.

If it is being used for general sedation, trazodone is given every 8 to 24 hours. At the right dose, trazodone will stay in most healthy dogs' systems for 6 to 12 hours. Dogs with liver or kidney disease may take longer to metabolize trazodone.

Your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate amount for your dog. Always follow label instructions closely. If you aren't noticing results, ask your veterinarian about increasing the dosage.

What are the common side effects of trazodone in dogs?

If trazodone is doing its job, then your dog will be relaxed and sleepy. Dogs will often have sleepy, squinty, slightly watery eyes while on trazodone. Higher doses of trazodone will cause sedation.

Not all dogs respond the same to trazodone, however. Some dogs may develop hyperactivity instead. Veterinarians may prescribe a lower dosage of trazodone to start to see how the dog does on the medication before increasing the dosage.

Occasionally, trazodone may cause nausea. If this is the case, give each tablet to your dog with a small meal or a treat.

What are the most serious risks of trazodone for dogs?

Trazodone is well tolerated by most dogs and is considered safe. But some adverse reactions have been reported, including:

• Incoordination

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Changes in appetite

• Agitation

• Dilated pupils

• Drooling

• Heart racing

• Panting

If you notice any of these effects, stop giving your dog trazodone and call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline for advice. Any negative reactions should be temporary until the medication has left your dog's system.

Does trazodone interact with other dog medications?

Trazodone should be used with caution for dogs who are taking any of these medications:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

• Antidepressant medications

• Azole antifungals, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole

• Heart medications

• Phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine)

• Tramadol

• Cisapride

• Metoclopramide

• Macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin)

• Ondansetron (Zofran)

• Fluoroquinolone antibiotics

• Other sedatives

If your dog takes any of these medications, tell your veterinarian before your dog is prescribed trazodone. In addition, caution should be taken when using trazodone in dogs who:

• Are nursing or pregnant

• Have glaucoma

• Have heart, liver, or kidney disease

What should you do if your dog misses a dose of trazodone?

If your dog misses a dose of trazodone, give the next dose as soon as possible. If it's close to when the next dose is due, skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Never give 2 doses of trazodone close together (less than 6 hours apart).

Frequently asked questions