The use of certain medications can be beneficial for our animals when it comes to treating certain ailments. One such medication is trazodone, which is an antidepressant drug commonly prescribed for dogs. While this type of medication can be helpful for some of our furry friends, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with its use. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the potential side effects of trazodone on dogs and help you decide if this medication is something you should consider for your pet. We’ll also provide advice on identifying the signs of an adverse reaction and steps you can take if your dog experiences any of them. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of the potential benefits and risks of trazodone use in dogs, so that you can make an informed decision about the best treatment options for your pet.
Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this medication?
While your pet is taking this medication, no special monitoring is required. To ensure that the medication is working, your veterinarian may keep an eye on your pet.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
It is not advised to administer trazoldone to animals that are MAO inhibitor users or hypersensitive to it. In pets with severe liver or kidney disease or severe heart disease, this medication should be administered with caution. Pets with angle-closure glaucoma should not use this medication. Your veterinarian will carefully weigh the risks of using this medication in pregnant pets versus the benefits because animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the developing fetus at very high doses.
What Are Potential Trazodone Side Effects in Dogs?
Trazodone is generally well tolerated by dogs, but the following side effects are possible:
Some dogs will react poorly to trazodone and become more agitated or anxious. If trazodone is escalating your dog’s fear or anxiety, stop taking this medication and call your veterinarian.
Trazodone is given to dogs orally as a pill. Trazodone for dogs is typically prescribed at a dosage of 1 to 19 milligrams per kilogram of the animal’s weight, per day. The extended-release tablets to be taken daily may be prescribed for dogs with persistent behavioral issues. However, as long as you are not using extended-release tablets, trazodone can be used on an as-needed basis with a fast onset. For unexpectedly frightening events like thunderstorms, this can be very helpful.
Its possible for dogs to overdose on trazodone if they are accidentally given too much or they get into the bottle of pills. Be sure to keep this and other medications out of your dogs reach. Trazodone overdose can cause serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition that may cause the following:
In the event that your dog consumes too much trazodone, seek medical attention. Call your neighborhood vet, a nearby animal emergency facility, or a pet poison hotline like ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for assistance. If the overdose took place within the previous hour, you might be instructed to induce vomiting. Additionally, your dog might require veterinary supportive care to treat symptoms and offer comfort.
Tell your veterinarian about all of your dog’s prescription medications and dietary supplements because many medications interact with trazodone. Combining trazodone with medications that affect serotonin raises the risk of serotonin syndrome and other side effects. Other SSRIs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), some antifungal medications (such as fluconazole and ketoconazole), and some antibiotics (such as erythromycin) fall under this category.
FAQ
How much trazodone can hurt a dog?
As long as the dog isn’t taking any additional SSRIs, dosages between 1 mg and 8 mg per lb are considered acceptable. Starting doses for dogs taking SSRIs along with trazodone should range between 0 9 mg and 2. 2 mg per pound, with a maximum dose of 6 mg.
What happens if a dog takes trazodone?
Sedation and lethargy were reported in 104 dogs who experienced negative effects, accounting for 43% of the dogs. Ataxia was reported in 16% and vomiting in 14%. Lethargy, sedation, depression, somnolence, and subdued behavior are all generally thought to be common symptoms of trazodone exposure.
Will trazodone put a dog to sleep?
Although trazodone is generally well tolerated by dogs, the following side effects may occur: Lethargy. Vomiting.
Can dogs take trazodone 50 mg?
Dogs with behavioral issues and high levels of anxiety are treated with trazodone in veterinary medicine. Veterinarians have only recently (within the last ten years) begun prescribing this medication for their canine patients, despite the fact that it was originally used to treat humans.