Table of Contents
- Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor (SARI) drug used for treating behavioral disorders in dogs
- Trazodone is most commonly prescribed for anxieties and phobias
- Like all drugs, Trazodone has benefits and risks and may not be suitable for all dogs
- Trazodone is available by prescription only and should only be used under the direction and supervision of a veterinarian
What Is Trazodone?
Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor (SARI) drug, part of the antidepressant group of drugs. It is used to treat behavioral disorders in dogs, mainly anxieties and phobias. Trazodone is a human drug and its use in animals is what is known as “off-label” or “extra-label” but this is common with many drugs in veterinary medicine.
Trazodone is most commonly known in the US under the brand names Desyrel® or Oleptro®. It is only available by prescription and must be used under the direction and supervision of a veterinarian.
How Does Trazodone Work?
Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor (SARI) drug. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin thereby boosting serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is responsible for mood regulation and is often called “the feel-good hormone.” When used in dogs with anxieties or phobias it has an anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effect. Essentially, it can help a dog feel calmer during a stressful event.
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What Is Trazodone Used For?
Trazodone is used to treat behavioral disorders in dogs, mainly anxieties and phobias but may also be prescribed for other disorders. It is most commonly used for anxieties and phobias that center around a stressful event such as being left alone (separation anxiety), veterinary visits, car or plane travel, and thunderstorms or fireworks (noise phobias). Dogs that experience anxiety and fear around these situations may feel less stressed and be better able to handle the event when taking Trazodone.
How Is Trazodone Given?
Trazodone is typically given orally, in the form of a tablet that can be administered at home. In some cases, Trazodone may be compounded into other forms, like oral drops. These medications are produced at compounding pharmacies for dogs with special needs.
Trazodone Dosage
The dosing schedule for Trazodone can vary greatly based on the individual dog’s weight, needs, and whether or not it is to be taken daily or on an as-needed basis. Your veterinarian may also recommend a gradual introduction to Trazodone, starting on a lower dose and slowly increasing.
While the standard dosage for Trazodone for dogs is between 2.5 and 3.5 milligrams (or 2 to 5 milligrams per kilogram) per pound of body weight, some dogs can and will be prescribed higher doses under certain circumstances.
As with all prescription medications, you should never deviate from your veterinarian’s prescribed dosing schedule without speaking to them first. Giving your dog a higher-than-recommended dose of Trazodone can lead to toxicity.
Benefits And Risks Of Using Trazodone
Trazodone is considered relatively safe and effective, but like all drugs, it has benefits and risks. If your veterinarian has prescribed Trazodone for your dog, they have weighed those benefits and risks and decided that your dog is a suitable candidate. While most dogs tolerate Trazodone well, that doesn’t mean some won’t experience side effects. Your veterinarian will discuss all potential side effects and work with you to monitor your dog’s tolerance of Trazodone.
Efficacy Of Trazodone
Trazodone has been shown to be effective at reducing fear, stress, and anxiety in dogs, both in clinical trials and as observed by veterinarians and dog owners anecdotally. For Trazodone to be most effective, pet owners should follow their veterinarian’s dosing instructions. Especially when it comes to properly timing out the medication for stressful events.
Side Effects Of Trazodone
As with all drugs, adverse reactions or side effects can occur. Owners should monitor their dogs while taking Trazodone and report any adverse reactions or side effects to their veterinarian.
Possible Side Effects of Trazodone Include (but are not limited to):
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and/or diarrhea)
- Drowsiness
- Changes in behavior
- Disorientation or loss of coordination
- Drooling
- Dilated pupils
- Seizures or tremors
- Hyperactivity
- Vocalizations (such as whining or howling)
- Abnormal heart or blood pressure rates
- Sensitive skin
- Facial swelling or hives (usually indicates an allergy to the medication)
Like most SARIs and other antidepressants, Trazodone also has the potential to cause Serotonin Syndrome, a rare but serious condition where high levels of serotonin build up in the body. This can cause an increased heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures, gastrointestinal symptoms, and other serious side effects that may require emergency veterinary care.
Serotonin Syndrome is most often caused by an overdose of SARI drugs but can also occur under other circumstances of taking SARIs. It’s important to monitor your pet while taking Trazodone, only give the prescribed dose, and report any changes in behavior or side effects to your veterinarian.
Precautions And Drug Interactions With Trazodone
Treatment with Trazodone is not appropriate for all dogs and precautions should be taken in dogs with certain medical conditions, allergies, or are pregnant or nursing. It’s important to provide your veterinarian with a complete medical history for your dog, especially any known history of allergies, intolerance to other SARIs, and heart, liver, or kidney disease.
Trazodone may also interact with other drugs. Be sure to inform your veterinarian of all medications your dog is on, including any vitamins, supplements, or nutriceuticals.
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Possible Drug Interactions with Trazodone Include (but are not limited to):
- SARI and SSRI antidepressants
- MAO inhibitors
- Blood pressure medications
- Cardiac medications
- NSAIDs
- Diuretics
- Fluoroquinolones
- Phenothiazines
- Cisapride
- Tramadol
- Ondansetron
- Metoclopramide
Precautions should also be taken when administering and storing Trazodone. High doses can be toxic. Owners should follow their veterinarian’s recommended dosing instructions and store medication out of their dog’s reach. In case of an accidental Trazodone overdose, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Control right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Trazodone Be Used For All Types Of Behavioral Issues In Dogs?
While Trazodone may be prescribed for a number of behavioral issues, it’s not a one-size-fits-all drug. Trazodone is most commonly used for anxieties and phobias but is also sometimes used for compulsive behaviors, excessive barking, and aggression. This may be with other medications and/or with a behavior modification plan. Your veterinarian will recommend the best medication based on your dog’s symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history.
Is Trazodone Safe For Long-Term Use In Dogs?
In general, Trazodone is considered safe for long-term use, however, like all drugs, this can depend on the individual dog. Your veterinarian will monitor your dog’s progress on Trazodone and make recommendations on whether it should be used short-term or long-term.
Can I Get My Dog Trazodone Without A Prescription?
No, Trazodone is only available by prescription and should only be administered to the animal it was prescribed (at the recommended dose). Using Trazodone outside of the direction and supervision of your veterinarian can be dangerous and even fatal to some dogs.
How Long Does It Take Trazodone To Start Working?
Trazodone is a relatively fast-acting drug that usually takes effect within 1 to 2 hours. If your dog takes Trazodone for stressful events, you’ll likely notice them calmer and less stressed within that 1 to 2-hour timeframe. However, if your dog takes Trazodone for generalized anxiety or other behavioral disorders, it may take a few days before a noticeable improvement is made. Your veterinarian will discuss what to expect when starting Trazodone.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Trazodone?
Whether Trazodone is covered by pet insurance will depend on your individual plan’s behavioral coverage. Not all pet insurance covers behavioral disorders and will not cover medications prescribed to treat them. If your plan does offer behavioral coverage, it’s likely that Trazodone will be covered unless the disorder it is being prescribed for is considered a pre-existing condition./he
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