Trazodone is an antidepressant that’s used to treat depression. The drug is also used to treat anxiety and insomnia. However, Trazodone can have serious side effects on dogs’ life.
It can cause a dog to experience dizziness, drowsiness, and slowed breathing.
Trazodone is a central nervous system depressant that slows down the brain and spinal cord activity.
The drug is not approved for animal use, but it’s sometimes used off-label.
Trazodone can cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition when your pet has too much serotonin in its system. This article looks at how Trazodone affects dogs and how you can treat this problem.
What Is Trazodone?
Trazodone has been a medication used to treat depression in humans for many years. It is also used to treat insomnia, but the main reason it’s prescribed is that it can help your dog sleep better at night.
Trazodone works by increasing the level of serotonin in your dog’s brain — this helps them relax and feel calmer when they take it.
As with any medication, there are risks involved with using Trazodone on dogs and its benefits, so be sure to talk to your vet about what might work best for your pet!
What Are the Side Effects of Trazodone for Dogs?
- Sedation. Trazodone can make your dog drowsy and sedated, so it’s essential to keep an eye on how they feel while taking the medication.
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your dog has taken too many doses of Trazodone in a short period, he may experience nausea, vomiting, and loose stools (diarrhea).
- Seizures. Some dogs may experience seizures when taking Trazodone, especially if they have a history of seizures or are already taking other medications that can cause them. In some cases, the seizures will be mild, but in others, they can be severe and life-threatening.
- Muscle tremors. Trazodone can cause muscle tremors in some dogs, especially if they are also taking other medications that can cause this effect. Tell your vet if you notice your dog having tremors while on Trazodone, and let him know if he is taking other medications.
- Loss of appetite or decreased appetite: Dogs who have taken high dosages of this drug for extended periods may develop a decreased appetite or become fussy about eating.
This can lead to weight loss in previously healthy dogs due to other health conditions like cancer treatment issues or diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2).
- Changes in behavior: Dogs may become more passive and less interested in playing or interacting with their owners. They may also become more aggressive or territorial.
What Dosage of Trazodone Should Be Given to Dogs?
A starting dose between 1 mg and 8 mg per pound is acceptable for dogs not taking an SSRI.
However, you should use a lower dosage of 0.9-2.2mg if the dog is on additional SSRIs to avoid side effects such as seizures or serotonergic syndrome (an extreme neurological reaction).
This medication should be given to dogs once a day, and you should not use it for longer than 30 days. The dog should be monitored closely during this time to ensure that the side effects of Trazodone don’t become severe.
If you miss giving your dog a dose, give it to them as soon as you remember, but do not give two doses at once.
Trazodone should not be given to puppies under ten weeks of age or kittens under five weeks of age because they may become sleepy and are more likely to fall asleep while playing with toys or being groomed by their owners.
Can Trazodone kill a Dog?
There are no reported cases of Trazodone overdose in dogs or cats, but it can be fatal if given at high doses.
Some dogs are more sensitive to the effects of Trazodone than others, and lower doses may cause severe side effects in death in some dogs.
Trazodone is known to cause drowsiness, sedation, and even respiratory arrest in dogs. If your dog is being treated with Trazodone, ensure they do not have access to dangerous items such as household cleaners or other drugs.
Trazodone works as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI), meaning it acts on serotonin neurotransmitters in the brain.
Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep patterns, and appetite control, among other things.
How Long Does It Take for Trazodone to Work on Dogs?
Trazodone can take up to two weeks to start working. If you use a different form of Trazodone, such as T-Tab or Desyrel, it may take longer for the drug to be fully effective.
If you are using Trazodone for separation anxiety, giving the drug at least two weeks before deciding whether it is working is essential. If your dog has experienced anxiety for longer than two months, this change might be too much for them to adjust quickly.
It would help if you also considered the dosage of Trazodone you give your dog. If you start with a high dose, it may take longer for the drug to start working.
Even if you start with a low dose, it may take longer for the drug to start working. If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety and you are using Trazodone for the first time, it is essential to give the drug at least two weeks before deciding whether it is working.
Trazodone for Dogs: How Is It Combated?
If you have tried using Trazodone for your dog and it is not working, other options exist. You should consult your veterinarian about these options to find one that works for your dog’s specific situation.
The most effective way to combat anxiety symptoms in dogs is through behavioral modification. This means teaching them to be calm and relaxed around situations that trigger their anxieties, such as when they are left alone or during thunderstorms.
This will take some time and patience, but it is the most effective way to treat anxiety in dogs. You can also try using medications to help reduce your dog’s anxiety.
Many types of anti-anxiety medications are available for dogs, so you should also discuss these options with your veterinarian.
You can also try using natural remedies to help treat your dog’s anxiety. Natural remedies can include things like essential oils and herbal supplements.
This can be an effective way to help reduce your dog’s anxiety without using medications.
You should always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any herbal supplement or essential oil, as these can have potentially dangerous side effects if given incorrectly.
FAQs:
Q: Is daily Trazodone safe for dogs?
A: Trazodone is considered safe when used as directed by a veterinarian. However, if you give your dog Trazodone on an ongoing basis, you should monitor their liver and kidney function regularly.
Drowsiness is the most common side effect of using Trazodone for dogs with separation anxiety or other conditions.
Q: How many hours does Trazodone last in dogs?
A: Trazodone’s half-life is about 5 to 9 hours in dogs. Half of the drug takes around 5 to 9 hours to get out of your dog’s system. If you give your dog Trazodone at night, they should be free from drowsiness by morning.
Q: Can Trazodone cause liver damage in dogs?
A: Trazodone can cause liver damage in dogs, though it’s rare. If you notice your dog has a yellow tinge to their skin or its eyes are yellow and bloodshot, this could be a sign of liver damage from Trazodone. You should consult your veterinarian immediately if this happens.
Q: What is the most toxic medication for dogs?
A: The most toxic medication to dogs is Tylenol. This can be found in many over-the-counter pain relievers, so it’s vital that you keep these medications out of your dog’s reach. It can be fatal if they ingest more than one pill at a time.
