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Trazodone Dosage for Dogs: When & How Much to Prescribe for Anxiety Treatment

dog at the vet

Dogs can experience anxiety in many forms: generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, trigger-specific anxiety, post-surgical discomfort, pain-related stress, or symptoms that arise from a medical condition. With its sedative and calming properties, trazodone can be an extremely valuable tool for veterinarians. The medication can ease behavioral challenges and improve a dog’s quality of life. As with any medication, there are important considerations to make—including the proper trazodone dosage for dogs.

What is Trazodone for Dogs?

Trazodone for dogs is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). This is not to be confused with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which are also commonly prescribed to treat anxiety in dogs. SARIs are a type of medication that increases serotonin levels in a dog’s brain. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, plays a crucial role in promoting feelings of well-being and calm. By increasing serotonin levels, trazodone’s calming effects make it an effective tool for managing anxiety-related behaviors. In severe or complex cases of anxiety or behavioral issues, trazodone can be prescribed alongside other medications, such as antidepressants.

When to Consider Prescribing Trazodone for Dogs

You may prescribe trazodone for dogs on either a daily basis or situationally, depending on a dog’s specific behavioral or anxiety symptoms. Trazodone may be beneficial in these scenarios:

  • Generalized Anxiety: Ongoing anxiety or chronic stress.
  • Separation Anxiety: When dogs are left alone for short or extended periods of time.
  • Veterinary Visits: Before or during vet appointments.
  • Travel: During car or plane rides.
  • Loud Noises: Fireworks, thunderstorms, or other loud sounds.
  • Hospitalization: When recovering from surgery or in need of hospitalization.
  • Post-Surgery Recovery: Anxiety and discomfort following surgery.
  • Excessive Barking: A behavioral issue that can be a sign of anxiety.
  • Destructive Behavior: Ruining furniture or objects. Often related to separation anxiety.
  • Aggression: Regularly growling, biting, or showing teeth toward people or other pets.

How to Determine Trazodone Dosage for Dogs

In some cases, trazodone can be useful in a veterinary setting—especially after procedures, during hospitalization, or for dogs that experience extreme anxiety going to your office. When prescribing it to a dog for the first time, it can also be useful to administer trazodone in the office to educate the dog’s owner and observe any short-term effects.

If you prescribe trazodone for at-home use, it is especially important to educate dog owners on proper dosing and administration. The typical trazodone dosage for dogs varies depending on a dog’s weight. Plus, dosage may start lower and gradually increase to help with tolerance. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Less than 22 Ibs.: 50 mg every 8-24 hours
  • 22-44 Ibs.: 100 mg every 8-24 hours
  • 44-88 Ibs.: 200 mg every 8-24 hours
  • More than 88 Ibs.: 200-300 mg every 8-24 hours

Commercial trazodone is available in 50, 100, 150, and 300 mg tablets. After administration, the medication usually begins working in 30 minutes to an hour. It can provide relief between three and 12 hours once a dog takes the medication, depending on the specific dog and their dosage. In some cases, it can take 2-4 weeks to experience trazodone’s full effects. You should tailor trazodone dosage for dogs based on the severity of anxiety, overall health history, and potential interactions with their other medications.

Compounding pharmacies, such as Mixlab, can customize the medication’s forms and flavors.  These options can make administration easier for dogs and their owners. We can compound trazodone for dogs as chew treats, capsules, tablets, oral suspensions, and transdermal applications to make the medication more appealing for dogs.

Possible Trazodone Side Effects in Dogs

Trazodone for dogs is generally tolerated well, but it can have some side effects, so it’s important to evaluate the dog’s condition during follow-up appointments. Ask the dog’s owner if they’ve noticed any unusual behaviors since starting trazodone.

Some trazodone side effects in dogs include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Aggression
  • Increased appetite
  • Dilated pupils

If you’re prescribing trazodone with other serotonergic drugs, keep an eye out for potential signs of serotonin syndrome: 

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Drooling
  • Seizures

If any of these side effects occur, you can adjust the trazodone dosage for dogs as needed, or you can explore alternative treatment options.

How Trazodone Compares to Other Anxiety Treatments

Trazodone is one of several treatment options available for managing anxiety and behavioral issues in dogs. Comparing trazodone with other medications and treatment approaches can help determine the best course of action for each individual patient.

Other Medications

As mentioned earlier, SSRIs are another type of medication that can be prescribed to treat anxiety in dogs. By increasing serotonin levels, SSRIs can help stabilize a dog’s mood and reduce their anxiety over time. Fluoxetine and sertraline are trusted options for ongoing anxiety. 

Additionally, Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are another option to treat dog anxiety. These medications work similarly to SSRIs but also impact the reuptake of norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood and stress responses. 

Benzodiazepines can also be prescribed for short-term, fast-acting anxiety management. These medications enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)—a neurotransmitter that inhibits nervous system activity—leading to a calming effect. Benzodiazepines can lead to long-term dependency, and therefore, they should be prescribed with caution. They are often most appropriate for one-time usage on occasion, such as during thunderstorms or fireworks.

Behavioral Therapy

While medications like trazodone can help reduce a dog’s anxiety, they are often most effective when combined with behavioral modification techniques. These therapies work by addressing the root causes of anxiety or behavioral issues. By combining behavioral therapy with medication, you can offer a long-term solution that addresses both the emotional and physiological components of anxiety in dogs. Two common options are:

  • Desensitization: The dog’s owner gradually exposes the dog to the anxiety-provoking trigger at a level that doesn’t cause fear. Over time, the owner slowly increases the exposure. This method can help dogs build tolerance and reduce their anxiety response.
  • Counterconditioning: With this therapy, the dog’s owner pairs the anxiety-provoking trigger with something positive—such as treats or toys. For example, if a dog is anxious during vet visits, counterconditioning would involve giving the dog high-value treats at every step of the process to shift their association from negative to positive.

Natural Supplements

Many veterinarians and pet owners are turning to natural supplements as a complementary option to medications. These supplements can reduce anxiety with fewer potential side effects. L-theanine, tryptophan, valerian root, and chamomile are some popular options to explore. These supplements can be appropriate for dogs with mild anxiety or as a way to complement the effectiveness of medications.

Pheromone Diffusers

These diffusers use synthetic versions of the calming pheromones that mother dogs naturally release to comfort their puppies. They are a low-risk treatment option that can help create a calming environment, especially for dogs dealing with mild to moderate anxiety. You can get them in the form of traditional diffusers, along with collars or sprays.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Making changes at home can support a dog’s anxiety treatment plan. Along with any other medications, supplements, therapies, or diffusers, consider advising dog owners to:

  • Increase their dog’s exercise
  • Create a safe, quiet space at home
  • Maintain a routine
  • Provide mental stimulation to their dog

Prescribing Trazodone for Dogs? Turn to Mixlab.

Trazodone for dogs can provide much-needed relief to your patients—and we make the process easy for prescribers and pet parents alike. It’s quick and straightforward to submit your prescription to Mixlab. Plus, it’s simple for pet owners to request refills and our proactive refill reminders help make sure they stay compliant with their at-home care. We can customize the form, flavors and specific trazodone dosage for dogs to meet your patients’ needs, all with convenient, next-day delivery of their prescription. Get in touch with us to submit a prescription.