Trazodone is a short acting medication with calming and anti-anxiety properties. It affects serotonin pathways and has sedative or sleep inducing effects.
Why is it used?
Trazodone is registered in dogs to reduce the signs of stress and anxiety around vet visits, and to help keep dogs calm and restful during confinement post surgery. Though ‘off label’ (see below), Trazodone is also commonly used for situational anxiety, confinement stress, or as an add-on to long-term anxiety medications. It can help to induce calmness or relaxation and sleep.
How is it used?
Trazodone is often used as needed, 1–2 hours before a stressful event. Sometimes it’s also given the night before a stressful event.
It may also be used in the short-term, for instance twice daily during recovery periods (eg after surgery or injury). It’s important to only give Trazodone as prescribed.
Some pets may take Trazodone daily as an ongoing option.
How is it given?
Trazodone is available as a tablet (Trazocalm) or compounded liquid, capsule or tablet.
What are the effects?
Sedation, relaxation, and reduced anxiety are common. Some pets may appear wobbly or sleepy at higher doses. Some pets may be unusually excited or agitated on trazodone. It’s also common to see that pets that take trazodone for the vet/groomer/travel, to be sleepy after the stressful event is over.
Can I use this medication with other supplements?
Trazodone is often safely combined with other anxiety medications, under veterinary guidance. It should be used with care alongside other serotonin acting medicines.
Where do I get it?
Trazodone is available from a vet, online pharmacy, or as a compounded product.
Off label use
In Australia, there are very few registered for treating behaviour problems - ie medications that are designed specifically for pets. Instead, we tend to use human medicines that have great evidence for treating behaviour problems. This means many of the medications we use are considered ‘off label’. These medications still have excellent evidence for their use, and lots of data about their effects and side effects, however it is essential that you feel well informed about their off label use.
If you are using Trazodone for a reason not listed above (rest post surgery, or vet visits), please read all the information thoroughly to ensure you feel well informed about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
