Does Trazodone Make Dogs Sleepy? What Pet Parents Need to Know

Let’s face it – dealing with an anxious pup can be downright exhausting! If your furry friend gets stressed during thunderstorms, vet visits, or when you leave the house, you’re probably searching for solutions. Trazodone might be one option your vet has mentioned, but you’re probably wondering: does trazodone make dogs sleepy?

The short answer is yes – sleepiness is actually one of the most common side effects of trazodone in dogs. But there’s a whole lot more you should know before giving this medication to your four-legged companion.

As a dog owner myself, I totally understand the desire to help our pets feel more comfortable while ensuring any medication is safe and effective. Let’s dig into everything you should know about trazodone and its sleepy-making effects on our canine friends!

What Exactly is Trazodone?

Trazodone is a prescription medication that was originally developed for humans to treat depression and anxiety. It belongs to a class of medications called serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs). In simple terms, trazodone works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain – that’s the chemical messenger that helps stabilize mood.

While it’s not officially FDA-approved for pets (it’s used “off-label”), veterinarians commonly prescribe trazodone for our furry friends to help manage various behavioral issues and anxiety-related conditions. The medication essentially helps to keep serotonin at optimal levels where it can calm your dog’s mood and reduce anxiety

Common Uses of Trazodone for Dogs

Vets don’t just prescribe trazodone for any old reason. This medication is typically used in specific situations where anxiety management is necessary. Some common uses include:

• Separation anxiety – when your pup gets stressed when left alone
• Noise phobias – fear of thunderstorms, fireworks, or other loud noises
• Travel anxiety – stress during car rides or airplane trips
• Veterinary visits – helping calm dogs who get nervous at the vet
• Post-surgery recovery – keeping dogs calm during healing
• Generalized anxiety – ongoing nervousness in various situations

Dr. Amy Attas, a veterinarian quoted in one of our sources, explains that trazodone has been adapted for use in dogs and cats “because it tends to be very safe and well-tolerated.” This makes it a popular choice for managing anxiety-related issues in our furry companions.

So… Does Trazodone Make Dogs Sleepy?

Yes, trazodone absolutely can make dogs sleepy! In fact, sedation or drowsiness is one of the most common side effects of this medication in dogs. The sleepiness effect is actually part of why it’s effective – that calming, sedative quality helps anxious dogs relax in stressful situations.

According to veterinary experts, dogs may appear sleepy or lethargic after taking trazodone. Some dogs might even look “slightly intoxicated and walk with a stumbling gait,” as Dr. Attas describes. This drowsiness is typically most noticeable when:

1. The medication is first started
2. The dosage is increased
3. It’s given for short-term, occasional use (like for a vet visit)

The onset of sleepiness usually occurs within 30 minutes to 1 hour after administration, though this can vary depending on the individual dog.

The Benefits of Trazodone’s Sleepy Effect

While making your dog sleepy might sound like a negative in many cases. this sedative effect is exactly what’s needed! The primary benefits include

• Reduced anxiety during stressful events – that slight drowsiness can help your dog stay calmer during thunderstorms, fireworks, or trips to the vet
• Better post-surgery recovery – keeping your dog calm and less active after surgery helps protect surgical sites and promotes healing
• Improved quality of life – for dogs with chronic anxiety, finding a way to help them relax can significantly improve their overall wellbeing
• Easier handling – sometimes, having a slightly sedated dog makes necessary care (like grooming or medical treatment) much easier and less stressful

Potential Side Effects and Concerns

While the sleepiness from trazodone is often desirable, there are other side effects and concerns to be aware of

• Gastrointestinal issues – some dogs may experience upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite
• Ataxia – difficulty coordinating movements (that “stumbling gait” mentioned earlier)
• Increased anxiety – paradoxically, some dogs may become more anxious rather than calmer
• Disinhibition – though rare, dogs with aggressive tendencies might become slightly more aggressive (always use caution here!)

It’s also important to know that trazodone can interact with other medications. Your vet needs to know about any other meds or supplements your dog is taking, including:

• Pain medications like tramadol
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Certain antibiotics and antifungals

In rare cases, combining trazodone with other medications can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Signs include confusion, increased heart rate, shivering, diarrhea, fever, and seizures – if you notice these symptoms, contact your vet immediately!

Trazodone Dosage for Dogs

The appropriate dosage of trazodone for dogs varies based on several factors, including:

• Your dog’s weight
• The condition being treated
• Whether it’s for short-term or long-term use
• Your dog’s individual response to the medication

Generally, for chronic behavioral issues like separation anxiety, vets recommend approximately 1-3 milligrams per pound of body weight. However, dosages may be higher for short-term stressful events.

Trazodone comes in several tablet strengths:

• 50 mg tablets
• 100 mg tablets
• 150 mg tablets
• 300 mg tablets

Important reminder: NEVER determine your dog’s dosage on your own! Always follow your veterinarian’s specific instructions.

Trazodone: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Use

How trazodone affects your dog’s sleepiness can depend on whether it’s used short-term or long-term:

Short-Term Use

For occasional events like vet visits or thunderstorms, trazodone is typically given 1-2 hours before the anticipated stressful situation. The dosage is often higher for these occasional uses, resulting in more noticeable sedation. Your dog will return to normal once the drug wears off.

Long-Term Use

When used daily for chronic conditions like separation anxiety, the goal is usually to build up to a level where your dog experiences behavioral improvements without excessive drowsiness. As Dr. Attas explains, “When you use Trazodone on a daily basis, you have to build up to a level where the dog has the desired behavioral changes without unwanted side effects like drowsiness.”

It may take a few weeks to see improvements in your dog’s behavior with daily use, and the sedative effects often become less pronounced over time as your dog adjusts to the medication.

Alternatives to Trazodone

If you’re concerned about trazodone making your dog too sleepy, there are other options to consider:

Medication Alternatives

• Gabapentin – often used in combination with trazodone for additional sedation and pain relief
• Other anti-anxiety medications – your vet might recommend different options based on your dog’s specific needs

Non-Medication Approaches

• Environmental changes – creating a safe space for your dog with noise-canceling elements
• Dietary adjustments – some studies suggest diet can impact behavior
• Interactive toys – mental stimulation can help reduce anxiety
• Behavioral therapy – working with a canine behavioral therapist
• Integrative medicine – options like massage therapy, acupuncture, or chiropractic care

When to Talk to Your Vet About Trazodone

You should consider discussing trazodone with your veterinarian if your dog:

• Gets extremely anxious during thunderstorms, fireworks, or other loud events
• Becomes stressed when left alone (separation anxiety)
• Has difficulty staying calm after surgery
• Shows signs of fear or stress during vet visits or grooming
• Has ongoing behavioral issues that impact their quality of life

Remember that your vet cannot prescribe trazodone without examining your dog, and in some states, they cannot prescribe medication unless they’ve seen your dog within the past year.

Our Personal Experience

We’ve seen many dogs benefit from trazodone at our clinic. One of our regular clients, a rescue dog named Max, used to completely panic during thunderstorms – panting, pacing, and even trying to escape through windows! After starting on trazodone during storm season, he’s now able to rest quietly with just mild sedation. His family is so relieved to see him comfortable rather than terrified.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Balance

So yes, trazodone does make most dogs sleepy – but that’s often exactly what we want when dealing with anxiety! The key is finding the right balance where your dog is calm but not excessively sedated.

Working closely with your veterinarian is essential to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific dog and situation. With proper monitoring and adjustments, trazodone can be a valuable tool for helping anxious dogs live happier, more comfortable lives.

Remember, what works for one dog might not work for another. Your furry friend’s well-being is unique, and finding the right approach might take some trial and error. Don’t hesitate to keep open communication with your vet about how your dog is responding to any medication.

Have you tried trazodone for your dog? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!