Acepromazine is a prescription drug used as a tranquilizer before anesthesia and surgery because of its sedative effects and its ability to prevent vomiting. The more common use is to aid in calming down excited animals during examinations, treatments, and grooming. This is why you shouldn’t use Acepromazine for everyday situations.
Pet owners commonly use these drugs for cats and dogs during fearful events or experiences. The two main examples are Fireworks and Thunderstorms. Pet Owners often assume giving them a drug will help them through the fearful situation. While it is a strong and effective tranquilizer, it has shown to only appear as if your dog is calm when they are actually suffering just as much or more.
Acepromazine can actually increase a pets sensitivity to noises.
This is why you shouldn’t use Acepromazine!
In other words, Acepromazine has its place in vet medicine. However it is not to be used as a quick solution for fearful dogs and cats. Likewise, it is equivalent to putting an agitated human into a straight jacket.
Signs of fear or Anxiety:
Panting, pacing, clinginess, hiding, shaking
Alternatives for fear and anxiety causing situations:
Drugs: Alprazolam and Trazodone
Alprazolam and Trazodone need to be prescribed to you by your vet
In addition in 2016, a new medication came out specifically developed and FDA licensed to help dogs who suffer from noise phobias and anxiety from fireworks its call Sileo. Furthermore, it is a fast-acting, non-sedating gel you put on your dog’s gums to help prevent or treat their noise aversion. It is also only available by prescription and is not appropriate for every dog. Please check with your vet. This is why you shouldn’t use Acepromazine!
Drug Free Tools to help pets with fireworks or thunderstorm phobias:
Pheromones (Adaptil for dogs, Feliway for cats)
Anti Anxiety wraps (Thunder shirts)
Canine Noise Phobia Series -(Through a Dog’s Ear– Thunderstorms & Fireworks )
Habituation and Desensitization
If your dog’s behavior changes in any way please contact me or your vet to get a professional opinion.
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