Medication type: Serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor (SARI)
Availability: Prescription
FDA approved: No – but commonly used off-label
Common medications: Desyrel®, Oleptro®
Life stage: All – use with caution in pregnant dogs and those with certain underlying medical conditions
Trazodone is an antidepressant commonly used to treat anxiety, depression, and sleep issues in humans. Though trazodone for dogs is not FDA-approved, veterinarians sometimes prescribe it to treat behavioral problems like anxiety, sometimes in combination with other medications. It can be used short-term for specific situations, such as before a hospital visit , or long-term.
Dog anxieties can be stressful for pet owners, too. Trazodone for dogs is gaining popularity because it may balance serotonin in the brain and help an anxious pup feel better. It may be used alone or in combination with other therapies or medications to help with various types of anxiety disorders. These include:
👉 Body language is often an indicator of anxiety or stress. Yawning and excessive licking are two common signs a dog is stressed.
Even after a dog goes home after surgery, recovery can take time. During recovery, a dog may need to rest more or have limited use of body parts, such as their legs, after TPLO or hip dysplasia surgery. Research found (Trusted Source) that giving dogs trazodone for 8 to 12 weeks post-operation lowered stress during this critical period. It can also make them a bit drowsy and sleepy, making it easier for them to rest comfortably.
Trazodone requires a prescription from your veterinarian. Therefore, speaking with your vet before administering trazodone to your pet is essential. They will take into account your dog’s medical history and lifestage. Vets don’t typically prescribe it to dogs who are pregnant or with specific conditions, such as heart, kidney, or liver failure.. Dosing varies based on weight and severity of the dog’s anxiety, and only a veterinarian can advise you on how much to give your pet.
👉 Trazodone should only be consumed by the dog for which it is prescribed. Keep it out of reach of children and other pets.
The medication acts quickly — sometimes in less than an hour — in short-term situations, such as vet trips. If your dog has generalized anxiety or needs long-term treatment, your veterinarian may recommend a different medication either alone or in addition to trazodone. Pet parents should watch for potential side effects, including vomiting. Sometimes, taking the pill with food can prevent vomiting.
👉 Consider investing in pet insurance. It may help offset the costs of your pet’s prescription medications.
Desyrel® and Oleptro® are common brand names for trazodone. Pet parents can also get it in a generic form. Regardless, it’s a pill to be taken orally. Dogs can take trazodone with or without food. Some dogs, particularly ones who gag easily, do better when taking it with a meal or small treat.
Because trazodone for dogs is not FDA-approved, there aren’t dosing guidelines. The dosage depends on a pet’s size, the condition trazodone is treating, any other medications your dog is taking, and their medical history. It’s essential to always follow a veterinarian’s directions on dosage.
Generic trazodone comes in 50 milligram, 100 milligram, 150 milligram, and 300-milligram tablets.
Trazodone is not appropriate for every dog, including pups with arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) or a history of epilepsy or seizures. Dogs taking other serotonergic drugs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should also avoid trazodone. Trazodone is not advised for pregnant dogs as it may harm a developing fetus.
Trazodone can be safely taken with certain medications to manage behavioral disorders. It has been used safely with several different drugs, but dog owners should always speak with their vet about how trazodone may interact with other therapies.
Trazodone is a short-acting medication. Research suggests dogs may not experience any side effects or only mild ones that aren’t much of an issue. Still, knowing what to look out for and speaking with a vet about concerns is important.
Sometimes, interactions with medications may cause adverse reactions. Speak with your vet about any medications or supplements your dog is taking. Negative drugs interactions with trazodone can include (but won’t be limited to):
👉 Speak to your veterinarian about any medications or supplements your dog is taking, even short-term.
You may have concerns about giving your dog trazodone, or perhaps your furry friend has a condition that makes it a poor choice for them. There are several natural alternatives for the treatment of mild anxiety that may better fulfill your dog’s needs.
Trazodone is commonly used to help humans with sleep issues. Because it can be used as a sedative, drowsiness may be a side effect of giving this drug to your pup.
Studies show that trazodone can quickly reduce stress — sometimes in less than an hour. That said, there are no guarantees. Every dog is different, so you should speak with your vet and monitor your dog’s symptoms while they take trazodone.
Trazodone is a short-acting medication. It will usually stop working within one day.
First, speak with a vet before giving your dog trazodone. There’s a wide range of dosing options, and sometimes dogs need to work from a lower dose to a higher one. It can also negatively interact with some medications. Trazodone comes in pill form. Pet parents will give the correct amount to a dog each day or multiple times per day.
Aggression is a rare but potential side effect for dogs who take trazodone, which is true for any anxiety medications. If this happens, speak with your vet. Trazodone may not be best for your dog. If that’s the case, your vet might offer alternative treatments.
Gabapentin works on a different receptor than trazodone: gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which communicates with the central nervous system. This leads to calming and anti-anxiety effects, as well as pain relief and anti-seizure properties. Trazodone affects multiple neurotransmitters, including serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, acetylcholine, and histamine, although its primary effect is on serotonin. Trazodone is generally used specifically for anxiety and relaxation.
