Trazodone is an antidepressant that is regularly prescribed to people and dogs. Dogs can have phobias, anxiety, or depression, affecting their well-being. However, these conditions can be treated using Trazodone. But, you must know the side effects of taking Trazodone and, most importantly, whether it can kill your dog before administering it.
Can Trazodone Kill A Dog?
Trazodone can kill a dog if used in excess. For example, if a dog takes 250mg per body weight, Trazodone can be lead lethal. However, if taken under the prescription of a vet, it is hard for it to kill a dog.
Why Are Dogs Given Trazodone?
Vets prescribe Trazodone to dogs exhibiting signs of anxiety, such as excessive whining, barking, snarling, or destructive behavior. Trazodone is also administered to your dog if they experience stress, depression, phobia-based anxiety, or separation anxiety. Your veterinarian may prescribe Trazodone to calm your dog down if he feels worried before visiting the vet or traveling. Additionally, it may be beneficial in maintaining the dog’s composure and confinement following orthopedic surgery.
Doctors may also prescribe this medication if your dog fears thunderstorms or is frightened of unexpected loud noises like fireworks and lightning.
However, this medication is not recommended for dogs with liver illness, kidney disease, or glaucoma.
Can You Give Trazodone To A Dog?
You might have noticed that your fido has some anxiety issues or is suffering from motion sickness, and you decide to give Trazodone without the vet’s prescription. However, you should not give your dog any medication, including Trazodone to your dog without a prescription from your vet.
What Is Trazodone Used To Treat?
Trazodone is regularly used by people to treat depression and sleep problems. The medication also increases one’s appetite. However, the majority of veterinarians today recommend this medication to dogs for the treatment of behavioral issues. It helps to relieve anxiety and fear, particularly in tense circumstances like traveling or storms.
Furthermore, Trazodone and anesthesia can be used by veterinarians to calm a dog during surgery. The medication can be useful when attempting to confine a dog, particularly if you want them to recuperate fast and prevent other injuries following surgery.
Trazodone For Dogs Dosage
Vets use different dosages when prescribing Trazodone to dogs. That is why it is recomendable to seek a vet’s guidance before giving this medication to a dog.
Veterinarians typically advise dog owners to administer 2.5 mg to 15 mg of Trazodone per pound of body weight for 24 hours to their canine companions. For instance, a 20-pound dog would require about 50 and 300 milligrams of Trazodone daily.
To reduce the possibility of adverse effects, veterinarians typically attempt to prescribe Trazodone at the lowest effective dose attainable. The standard approach is, to begin with, a somewhat modest dosage and gradually raise it over time. To prevent withdrawal symptoms, it’s also crucial to carefully wean dogs off of their medicine.
It can take several days for the medication to start working properly. Therefore, your doctor would probably advise you to continue giving Trazodone to your dog for at least two weeks before concluding that it is no longer effective.
What Are the Side Effects of Trazodone for Dogs?
Although Trazodone is normally considered a safe medication, it can occasionally have a few negative effects. The following are some of the most typical side effects:
- Lethargy
- Excessive sleepiness
- Agitation or irritability
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Panting
- Hyperactivity and restlessness
As your dog’s body adjusts to the medication, many of the Trazodone’s minor adverse effects will disappear. But if you see any of the above-mentioned adverse effects in your dog, call your vet.
How will my dog act after taking Trazodone?
If your pooch takes Trazodone, he will be more relaxed and sleepy than usual. This may give them a “drunk” or sleepy appearance.
Trazodone and Serotonin Syndrome
While taking Trazodone, some dogs may experience a condition known as serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a dangerous medical condition brought on by elevated amounts of serotonin in the brain.
Serotonin syndrome is relatively uncommon, but it can be devastating if left untreated, so be on the lookout for these signs and symptoms:
- Confusion
- Altered state of mind
- Rapid heartbeat
- High body temperature
- Having trouble walking
- Collapse
If your pooch exhibits any of these signs, call your veterinarian immediately.
For instance, Trazodone may make some heart conditions like arrhythmias worse. In addition, dogs who take MAOIs or have epilepsy or seizures may also experience problems with Trazodone.
Additionally, keep in mind that a small percentage of humans who have taken medicine have reported experiencing priapism as a side effect; hence, you might want to exercise caution when giving this to male canines that aren’t altered and are intended for breeding trials.
Cost Of Trazodone
Each tablet of Trazodone costs about $1, with prices varying depending on concentration. The strengths per tablet range from 50 to 300 mg.
Are There Any Alternatives To Trazodone For Dogs?
You might be tempted to merely rummage through your medicine cabinet and give your pet a non-prescription human drug rather than going to the vet to start your dog on Trazodone.
Some persons use Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) as a sedative to soothe their pets during high-stress circumstances like thunderstorms or fireworks.
Some dogs may experience symptom relief from medications like Benadryl, but since these drugs’ effects on canines are less effective than those on humans, they shouldn’t be used for an extended time.
You must consult your veterinarian for medical guidance immediately. Never administer drugs to your dog on your own.
Can Trazodone Euthanize A Dog?
Yes, Trazodone can be used to euthanize dogs.
Trazodone can treat behavioral problems in cats and dogs when prescribed by a veterinarian. Unfortunately, dogs with behavioral problems are frequently put to death, especially if they exhibit dangerous behavior.
Conclusion
Trazodone can kill a dog if taken by dogs in excess. However, it is safe when used as prescribed by the vet. Unfortunately, some conditions, like a dog being sensitive to Trazodone, can lead to deadly side effects even when used in small quantities.