If your dog suffers from anxiety or stress in certain situations, it can be challenging to manage. Some dogs feel anxious around other dogs, while others hate being left alone. Understandably, dogs might find grooming or veterinary appointments stressful too. If you’re trying to cope with an anxious dog and you mention it to your veterinarian, they might suggest trying a medication called trazodone. But what is trazodone? What is it used for? And is it safe? Let’s find out.
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What is trazodone?
Trazodone is from a group of drugs known as Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitors (SARI). It reduces the reuptake of serotonin released into the brain, meaning that the serotonin is active for longer. Serotonin is a chemical released by nerves, especially in the central nervous system. Among many functions, it helps to control and balance our mood, creating a feeling of well-being and calmness.
Trazodone is licensed for use in human medicine as an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication. It is also a mild sedative. Its trade names include Desyrel and Oleptro. Although not licensed for use in dogs, veterinarians can prescribe it for ‘off label’ use. This means that veterinarians have safely used the medication on dogs for a long time, but it does not yet have a license. Trazodone prescribed for dogs is usually in tablet form. However, trazodone capsules and liquids do exist.
Trazodone prescribed for dogs is usually in tablet form. However, trazodone capsules and liquids do exist.
What is trazodone used for in dogs?
The use of trazodone in dogs is very similar to that in humans in that it improves anxiety. It’s commonly used with another drug, called gabapentin, and you can find out more information about this drug here. Some circumstances where a dog might benefit from trazodone include:
- Separation anxiety
- Stress causes by travel or being in the car
- Noise phobias
- Fear or stress related to vet appointments or procedures
- Fear or stress related to grooming (if your dog struggles with getting their nails clipped, you can get some tips here)
- To help calm dogs who need to rest while recovering from surgery
It’s important to remember that dog behavior is complex. While trazodone might help and alleviate symptoms, specialist behavioral advice might be a better long-term solution.
The use of trazodone in dogs is very similar to that in humans in that it improves anxiety.
Are there any side effects of trazodone?
Any medication has the potential to cause side effects in individual animals. However, side effects have to be reported, and all drugs are monitored closely to ensure that they are safe. The potential adverse effects of any medication can vary from mild symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea to more severe signs like the risk of an allergic reaction. Thankfully, trazodone is a short-acting drug, meaning that the side effects are usually mild and quick to improve. If your dog shows any signs of being unwell while taking trazodone, you should speak to your veterinarian.
Possible side effects of trazodone include:
- Sedation or drowsiness
- Panting
- Pacing
- Increased appetite
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea (sometimes with mucus or spots of blood)
- Dilated pupils
- Incoordination
- Priapism (erection of the penis)
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Aggression
- Increased anxiety
Thankfully, trazodone is a short-acting drug, meaning that the side effects are usually mild and quick to improve.
Is trazodone safe to give if your dog takes other medications?
Not all medications are safe to give with trazodone, so you should always ensure your veterinarian knows your dog’s full medical history, even supplements you might be giving them at home.
It’s especially important to speak to your veterinarian about whether trazodone is suitable for your dog if they are taking any of the following medication types:
- Anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication
- Antibiotics
- Anti-fungal treatment
- Aspirin
- Blood pressure medications
- Diuretics
- Heart medications
- Metoclopramide
- Pain relief medications
Not all medications are safe to give with trazodone, so you should always ensure your veterinarian knows your dog’s full medical history, even supplements you might be giving them at home.
What is Serotonin Syndrome?
Serotonin Syndrome can develop if your dog takes trazodone alongside other types of serotonin-promoting medications. Too much serotonin can have serious consequences, so you must speak to your veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Dribbling
- Dilation of the pupils
- Skin sensitivity
- High temperature
- Vocalization
- Blindness
- Breathing distress
- Incoordination
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Coma
Too much serotonin can have serious consequences, so you must speak to your veterinarian if you notice any symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Are there any other situations where trazodone isn’t suitable for a dog?
Aside from dogs who are on certain medications, there are a few other reasons why trazodone might not be suitable for your dog. Firstly, it should be used with caution in dogs with liver, kidney, or heart problems. It’s also best avoided in dogs who have or are predisposed to the eye condition glaucoma. It’s not proven to be safe in pregnant or lactating dogs, so it’s worth checking with your veterinarian if you’re considering breeding from your dog.
Summary
Trazodone can be really useful for reducing anxiety in your canine companion, and it’s generally a very safe medication. However, it doesn’t suit every dog or every circumstance, and there are a few specific side effects that you should keep an eye out for. With the guidance of your veterinarian, trazodone might make that trip to the groomers or ride in the car a lot less stressful for you and your furry family member!
FAQ
Trazodone is a short-acting drug that works quite quickly if given as a one-off. If you give your dog trazodone, it should start to have an effect within an hour or two. However, if given long-term, the effect will continue to increase over time.
Trazodone is intended to make dogs feel calmer and less anxious. On rare occasions, it can make them feel even more anxious, which can lead to aggression. It may also cause them to feel a little bit drowsy.
The dose of trazodone that your dog needs will vary depending on their size and the severity of their anxiety. Your veterinarian will be able to work out a suitable dose depending on their individual needs.
Trazodone is widely used and tends to be very effective at reducing anxiety and calming dogs down. This is why it can be so helpful for dogs with phobias, vet-related anxiety, or separation anxiety. However, it’s not the only answer when it comes to behavior problems. In the long term, you and your dog might benefit from the input of a certified behaviorist.
Dr. Hannah Godfrey MRCVS graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011. Although she initially worked in mixed practice treating all species, she found a love for small animal work and has worked exclusively with dogs and cats since 2014. She lives in Wales with her partner, son, and two cats (named Poppy and Ashton Kutcher), and writes comedy fiction in her spare time.
