Trazodone

Aussie my ACD mix is on trazodone for vet visits as well as for car rides. Because I have personal experience with this anti anxiety dug, I wanted to share the insight and relief this drug has helped with my dog. 

What is it?

Trazodone is a commonly used drug to sedate dogs that have severe anxiety or fear. After all they are just like people in this sense. While in the more extreme cases medication may be necessary to help dogs cope in these situations. Please note I am not a medical professional and if you want to consider trazodone for your dog , please speak to your veterinarian.  

Benefits: 

Anxiety 

Stress 

Separation Anxiety 

Compulsive behavior

Barking and Howling 

Aggression 

Uses

Trazodone can be an effective way to help your dog feel more calm and relaxed. It has sedative and anxiolytic effects which can come in handy if your dog has anxiety, stress or fear with thunderstorms, car rides, vet visits, etc. 

Trazodone is not to be used as a sole treatment for aggression and it may make it worse. Contact a dog behaviorist and your vet to help discuss this problem. 

Side Effects: 

Sedation 

Increased hunger 

Behavior disinhibition 

Vomiting 

Diarrhea 

Hyperactivity 

In rare cases can cause liver damage 

Effectiveness of Trazodone

The effects of trazodone can be seen within 30 minutes to an hour after giving it. With this in mind it should be given with food to slow absorption. That is the peak effects are usually between 3-12 hours after administering. Typically it lasts 6-12 hours in dogs at a therapeutic dose. 

To repeat if you have any questions about using trazodone for your dog, please reach out to your veterinarian. With this in mind if you have an aggressive dog, start the conversation with your vet who can recommend a dog behaviorist to help with behavior modification training paired with the drugs.