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Can I Give My Dog Trazodone?

Trazodone (Desyrel)

###Yes and no. Let us explain ... Trazodone is a human medication used to treat depression, aggressive behaviors, migraine headaches and insomnia, and to help individuals struggling with cocaine or alcohol addiction. It is a potent drug that must be prescribed by a licensed medical doctor. In veterinary medicine, Trazodone is helpful in treating short-term behavioral issues, such as anxiety and fear-related events including trips to the vet, nail trims, storms or fireworks, post-operative kennel confinement and travel. It may also be used as part of an adjunctive behavioral plan to treat conditions like separation anxiety. There are still very few studies to support the effectiveness of Trazodone use in dogs, and much of our current knowledge remains anecdotal. However, Trazodone has proven to be ineffective in cats. Trazodone has a very wide dosing range that is carefully tailored to your dog’s weight at the lowest dose initially, then titrated upwards as needed. It is used off-label and should only be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian and used under his or her direction and supervision. Never administer your own, your friend’s, or your other pet’s Trazodone to your dog without first consulting your veterinarian. Side effects of Trazodone include, but are not limited to, sedation, lethargy, vomiting, incoordination, heart arrhythmias, erections in male dogs, paradoxical anxiety and aggression. Trazodone should never be used in animals with heart disease or liver or kidney dysfunction. The most important thing to remember about any drug used to treat anxiety and fear in animals is that nothing is a “magic bullet.” Most fear and anxiety can be very deep-seated in our pets and may require additional behavior modifications and work on our part as pet owners. Drugs alone will never “fix” the behavior, and in some cases can even exacerbate issues or mask worsening problems. For severe aggression, anxiety or phobias, you may need to consult a veterinary behaviorist or certified trainer and begin an in-home regimen in addition to instituting drug therapy. Consult your veterinarian for advice and information on different options that may be available. So, can I give my dog Trazodone? The answer is: Yes and no. While it is relatively safe to use Trazodone in dogs, it must be strictly prescribed by your veterinarian, for your dog, at the proper dose and for the right reason. Failing to do so may be detrimental to your dog from both a physical and mental standpoint.

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