can trazodone kill a dog? Trazodone, sold under the brand names Desyrel and Molipaxin, is an antidepressant medication that can be used to treat depression and anxiety disorders as well as insomnia or sleep apnea. Because it’s sedating, doctors often prescribe it to help patients sleep better at night or calm them down before specific medical procedures. However, the drug can also have potentially deadly side effects on pets.
Introduction
Trazodone is a medication used to treat depression in humans, but it can also be used to treat certain behavioral conditions in dogs. It belongs to a class of drugs known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and is usually given at bedtime. The medication is approved by the FDA for use with dogs, but only under the close supervision of your veterinarian. Trazodone can make your dog sleepy, making them less active than usual or even falling asleep while standing up.
What is Trazodone?
Trazodone is an antidepressant drug, typically prescribed to help people with depression. It can also be used to help people suffering from anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and insomnia. You may have seen it advertised as an alternative to sleeping pills.
Trazodone is not a narcotic or sedative, but it does cause drowsiness in some people. It’s often used for treating sleep disorders because of its calming effects on the brain and body. Doctors prescribe trazodone for insomnia even when patients have no depression or anxiety issues.
When Can I Give My Dog This Medication?
One of the first questions pet owners might have is when they can give their dog this medication. While it is typically used as a sleep aid, trazodone also has a calming effect which can help with anxiety. When deciding to give your dog this medication, make sure to talk to your veterinarian about any possible side effects or interactions with other medicines. It’s also important to understand that because this drug can impact breathing, it should not be given to animals with respiratory issues such as asthma or congestive heart failure.
How Much Should I Give My Dog Per Day?
The most common dosage given to dogs is 25-50 mg once a day. However, your vet may prescribe a different dose depending on the dog’s weight, age, and other health conditions. You must check with your vet before giving trazodone to your pet.
If your dog is taking other medications, it’s also essential to consult your veterinarian before starting this treatment because there could be interactions with other drugs.
It’s not unusual for dogs to vomit when taking trazodone because it can upset their stomach. If this does happen, it shouldn’t happen again as long as the dosage isn’t increased.
Side Effects of Giving My Dog Trazodone
Not all pets like taking medications, so before you give your dog Trazadone to alleviate his anxiety, it’s essential to review the pros and cons. Trazadone is a medication used to treat depression in humans, but it can also be used as an anti-anxiety drug for animals. It is not prescribed by veterinarians but can be obtained with a prescription from a physician. The medication comes in 25mg tablets that are scored down the middle so they can easily be split into halves or quarters. Dosages will vary depending on what type of animal you are giving them, as well as their weight.
Alternative Methods to Treat Anxiety in Dogs
Many alternative treatments for anxiety in dogs are safer than benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines have a high potential for abuse, addiction, and adverse side effects. Even with these risks, they can be helpful in some instances. However, if you’re considering using benzocaine to treat your dog’s anxiety, other options may work just as well while presenting less risk to the pet.
The most common treatment is a behavior modification program with an SSRI antidepressant like Prozac or Clomicalm. Behavior modification programs teach the dog what’s appropriate behavior through conditioning techniques such as classical or operant conditioning.
Is this Medicine Safe for Dogs?
Trazodone is one of the medications in the class of drugs known as antidepressants that are usually prescribed to help treat clinical depression. Antidepressants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, like serotonin and norepinephrine.
Trazadone can be toxic to dogs because they have liver enzymes that metabolize drugs faster than humans do. However, it is not lethal for them if a pet owner follows proper dosage instructions. Common signs that your dog might be experiencing adverse effects from trazodone include loss of appetite, restlessness, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you see these symptoms in your pet or want more information on safe dosage amounts for your type of dog, please consult with your veterinarian or pharmacist.
How Long Does It Take to Work on My Pet, Anyway?
The duration of the effects of trazodone on animals depends on their weight, the amount is given, and whether or not the animal is on other medications. Although it is unlikely that your pet will die from taking trazodone, some adverse side effects can happen. These include lethargy and hypersalivation. If you notice any unusual behavior or side effects in your pet after administering this medication, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Will My Vet Need to Increase the Dose Over Time?
The answer to this question will depend on the animal in question. A veterinarian may need to increase the dose of Trazadone if they are dealing with a dog or an elderly pet. Veterinarians must know the weight of the animal and its activity level before making any adjustments to the dosage amount. In addition, many factors can cause an adjustment in dosages, such as pain levels or other medications taken by your pet.
Should I Consider a Generic Brand of Trazodone for My Pet?
If you’re considering switching to a generic trazodone brand for your pet, talk with your veterinarian first. There are many factors to consider when making this decision, so it’s best to have an expert weigh in. If you’re still interested in using the generic drug for your pet, then make sure that you read the ingredients list on the back of the package carefully. There should be only one active ingredient listed, and it should be trazodone hydrochloride (not any other variations). Be aware that this is not FDA-approved and, therefore, unsuitable for human use, but it can be safe if used appropriately on pets.
What are the Symptoms of an Overdose in Dogs?
Symptoms of an overdose in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abnormal behavior. In extreme cases, the dog may stop breathing. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has overdosed on trazodone. They will likely induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal to absorb the drug from the stomach. Dogs with severe cases may need to be hospitalized for treatment with intravenous fluids and medications to combat seizures and heart arrhythmia.
What Should You Do if You Suspect an Overdose in Your Dog?
If you suspect that your dog has overdosed on trazodone, first call your vet. They will tell you what to do next. After the vet has prescribed treatment, take the dog to an emergency animal hospital. Since it can be challenging to know how much is too much, always err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian if unsure what to do in this situation.
How can I prevent my dog from overdosing on trazodone?
If your dog ingests a toxic dose of trazodone, it may cause the animal to have seizures, coma, or die. There are several ways that you can prevent this from happening. The first thing that you should do is talk with your vet about what dosage is safe for your dog. They will be able to tell you if any side effects might be problematic for your pup. Secondly, ensure that the trazodone is kept in a secure place where it cannot easily be accessed by animals (like a high cupboard). Lastly, if possible, keep an eye on the dog around the medication just in case they decide to ingest some.
What Else Should I Know About This Medicine Before Giving It to My Pet?
Trazadone is an antidepressant medication. It’s used to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Dogs are more sensitive to trazodone’s side effects than humans, so it should be given with caution. There are some reports of dogs dying after being given the drug, but the FDA has not verified these reports, and we don’t know what dose they were given or how long they took it.