Trazodone For Dogs: Does It Calm Anxiety?

What is Trazodone?

Trazodone is a popular antidepressant that was first developed in the 1960s. It's a type of drug called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means it helps to increase the level of serotonin in the brain. Trazodone is a popular antidepressant built to raise people's pain threshold in order to handle stressful situations. Currently, over 22 million Americans take Trazodone for depression and anxiety. 

Specifically, Trazodone is a serotonin modulator. It regulates serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for mood, cognition, and memory. Trazodone acts as a mild sedative and calms the brain to alleviate anxiety disorders. The sedation effects initially turned off some doctors from recommending it, but after proper modification, it has become extremely popular. 

An imbalance of serotonin is the cause for many symptoms of anxiety, including:

• Insomnia
• Destructive episodes
• Poor appetite
• Low self-esteem
• Irritability
• Dejection
• Anxiety

The use of Trazodone is accepted as a normal part of life for many people experiencing those symptoms of anxiety. In general, it has been proven as a safe and effective treatment.

Since Trazodone was approved in the USA by the FDA in 1981, doctors have trusted it to treat a variety of symptoms. In the past decade, veterinarians have begun to prescribe it to dogs exhibiting similar expressions of anxiety.

Does Trazodone Calm Anxiety?

Yes, it can do. Vets prescribe this treatment to dogs exhibiting behavioral disorders, many of which are caused by anxiety or phobias (such as loud noises triggering anti-social behavior and loud barking; separation anxiety; and fears of traveling, vet visits, fireworks, etc.).

It is important to note though that it may work for some pets and not others - there are many factors that affect Trazodone’s impact on your dog, such as its size, any other medications it’s taking, dosage, and more. Your vet will decide if this is the appropriate medication for your pup and you then monitor if their anxious behavior improves.

When is Trazodone Prescribed for Dogs?

In veterinary medicine, Trazodone is considered if symptoms are so bad your pet is destroying property or having accidents in your home. This behavior needs to be treated right away before it gets even more out of control.

If your dog is experiencing anxiety, it may be due to an imbalance of serotonin. Neurotransmitter drugs, such as trazodone, can help to treat behavioral disorders by reducing the neurotransmitter's activity. Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor that blocks the reuptake of serotonin in the brain.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of serotonergic drug that is used to treat anxiety and depression. MAOIs work by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. While these drugs can be effective in treating anxiety, they can also have side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.

If you're worried about your dog's anxiety, consult with your veterinarian about the best treatment choice. If your dog has symptoms of serotonin imbalance-induced anxiety, Trazodone may be given in two ways:

1. Long-Term Relief: Twice daily consumption of Trazodone to maintain a constant calm state. For example, giving a pill every morning If your dog suffers from anxiety when you go to work.
2. Short-Term Relief: Have Trazodone pills at the ready to administer before an anxiety attack can begin. For example, giving a pill before a trip to the vet, or before a loud thunderstorm begins.6

If your dog has been displaying one or more of the above symptoms during stressful situations, then Trazodone can make a huge difference.

While it is easy to think of our pets as completely different from us, we have more in common than you might think. Our brain chemistries are so similar that the same medication provides the same results. When taking care of an animal it is important to empathize and realize you may already have plenty of insight into what they need to start feeling better.

How Will Prescribed Trazodone Affect My Dog?

Trazodone is most commonly used to treat situational anxiety in dogs, either on an as-needed basis or for more generalized anxiety disorders. Trazodone works by regulating serotonin levels in the brain and providing mild sedation and calm behavior.

The main objective of trazodone administration is to minimize anxiety during stressful events, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or car rides. Trazodone may also be used in conjunction with other serotonergic drugs or antihypertensive drugs.

When used as directed, trazodone is generally safe and well-tolerated by most dogs. However, side effects may include drowsiness, dry mouth, and nausea. If you are considering using trazodone for canine anxiety disorders, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first to ensure it is the right medication for your pet.

Trazodone Dosage For Dogs

Trazodone for dogs can be an effective way to manage your pet's anxiety, but it's important to talk to your vet about the right dosage for your dog. The dosage of trazodone for dogs is based on the dog's weight, and bigger dogs generally require a higher dose than smaller ones.

Trazodone comes in a small tablet that can be taken with food if your dog has trouble with pills. If your dog is taking any other medications, be sure to tell your vet, as trazodone can interact with other drugs.

As with any medication, there are potential side effects of trazodone for dogs, so it's important to talk to your vet about whether trazodone is right for your pet. A dose of Trazodone will kick in fairly quickly, expect to see a change within one to two hours. 

Vets often start with the smallest possible dosage and slowly increase until they begin to see the desired effects of Trazodone. Your dogs Trazodone dosage should always be spaced 8 hours apart to prevent possible Trazodone overdose. If you miss a dose of Trazodone, just make sure to return to your normal schedule once you administer it. 

Always keep your medication safely locked away and out of reach of any curious fluffy friends who might mistake a dose of Trazodone for a treat.

Possible Trazodone Side Effects in Dogs

Possible side effects in dogs can be mild, such as lethargy from the sedative effects of Trazodone, to more serious complications.

Trazodone can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs, so if your pooch has a history of allergies to medication, make sure to consult your vet.  Make sure to tell your vet if your dog has a history of heart, liver, or kidney disease.

If Trazodone is mixed with other antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) then a major side effect is the potential of serotonin syndrome.

Studies have shown dogs are at high risk for serotonin syndrome. This syndrome has many adverse effects, from low-risk to life-threatening. 

Here are a few signs your pet is suffering from serotonin syndrome:

• Stomach pain: vomiting, diarrhea, excess salivation
• Muscle pain: tremors, shivering, stiff joints
• Nervous system: constant loud barking, whimpering, confusion, seizures, restlessness
• Mental: temporary blindness, sweating, high blood pressure

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, take them to the vet right away.

Possible side effects in dogs of Trazodone are rare, and dosages do not need to be altered unless otherwise instructed by your veterinarian. 

Alternatives to Trazodone For Dogs

If harsh medication like Trazodone doesn’t seem like the right fit for your dog, there are other options out there. CBD treatment has been gaining more and more recognition between vets as an acceptable and holistic treatment for canine patients.  CBD activates serotonin receptors without any psychoactive effects of THC.

Just as some people take CBD to ease joint pain and help relax, dogs can benefit from CBD. Studies have shown CBD provides anti-anxiety assistance without the potential for side effects. Dogs cannot overdose on CBD so you don’t need to worry when administering it. If medication does not seem like the right choice for your pet at this point, check out other, gentler remedies for anxiety.

Innovet Pet’s full-spectrum CBD Oil is a 100% organic, non-toxic, natural way to help your anxious dog. Our CBD products come in a variety of dosages to help any dog suffering from a depressive disorder. Innovet Pet even offers CBD-infused Peanut Butter as a tasty way to promote pain relief and relaxation with no adverse reaction.

Do What’s Right to Help Your Best Friend

Taking care of your dog is a conversation between you and your vet. Pet parents should know all the facts before discussing your options. Trazodone does not have to be the go-to drug without careful consideration of natural treatments.

Innovet Pet was founded by animal lovers who always put the health and safety of dogs first. Our products support healthy and happy pups that might be having a hard time on their own. 

Before jumping into medications with potential side effects, try out our safe and natural CBD treatment, because we know you love your pet and only want the best for them!