Trazodone is often used in dogs to relieve anxiety or stress or help your dog (and you!) cope with other behavioral issues.

What is trazodone used for in dogs?

Trazodone may be used in dogs to treat:

• anxiety (including separation anxiety)
• aggression
• barking and howling
• compulsive behaviors
• stress.

How does trazodone work in dogs?

The way trazodone works in dogs is thought to be like the way it works in humans and that is by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin which increases levels of serotonin in the nerve synapses in the brain, and by blocking serotonin receptors. Serotonin has been dubbed the “feel-good hormone” and it plays an important role in decreasing anxiety and depression.

Trazodone belongs to the class of medicines known as serotonin receptor antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs). These medications are mainly used for their anxiolytic or hypnotic effect, although they also have antidepressant properties at higher dosages (although these dosages may cause too much sedation).

Is trazodone safe for dogs?

Most dogs tolerate trazodone well and side effects can be minimized by starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it. The most common side effects are:

• diarrhea
• increased hunger
• sedation
• vomiting.

In some dogs, trazodone may have the opposite effect to the one intended in that it can cause hyperactivity or behavioral disinhibition (impulsive behaviors that are out of character for your dog). If this happens then talk to your vet immediately. Rarely, trazodone may cause liver damage.

Trazodone is usually used in combination with other medications, such as fluoxetine, clomipramine, melatonin, or benzodiazepines. This may increase the risk of side effects such as serotonin syndrome and you should be alert for symptoms such as:

• agitation
• anxiety
• confusion
• diarrhea
• fever
• hyperactivity
• increased heart rate
• muscle tremors or twitching
• nausea and vomiting
• tiredness.

How is trazodone given?

Trazodone is usually given to dogs daily, rather than used on an as needed basis to control anxiety that may happen only occasionally, such as during vet visits or in response to certain noises or visitors.

Giving trazodone with food makes it easier to give the medicine to your dog and may also increase its effectiveness, although it may take a bit longer to work. It may also help with side effects such as nausea.

What is the dosage of trazodone for dogs by weight?

The dosage of trazodone varies depending on what it is being used for. Do not attempt to give trazodone to your dog without first consulting with your vet. Some dogs may be more sensitive than others to its effects.

The initial dose of trazodone should be small and then gradually increased depending on how well your dog tolerates it.

The following table gives the initial dosage for dogs which may be slowly increased after 3 to 5 days towards the target dose depending on how well your dog tolerates it.

How quickly does trazodone work?

Trazodone works quickly – usually within 30 minutes to an hour and the effects in dogs last between 3 and 12 hours. When used to treat conditions such as anxiety, it may take 2 to 4 weeks of regular dosing before the full effects are seen.