Trazodone

Trazodone Anxiety & Sedation Medication for Dogs & Cats

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication widely used to help manage anxiety and provide sedation in dogs and cats, especially after surgery or injury. It can help support calm, restful recovery, including during periods of restricted activity.

Trazodone Dosing & Administration

Always follow the prescription label and the plan your pet’s veterinary team provides.

Missed doses & Changing medications

If your pet misses a dose of trazodone, give it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose time on the prescription label. If it’s close, skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the regular scheduled time. Do not administer double doses.

Contact your pet’s veterinary team before making changes to a trazodone plan.

Special precautions for trazodone

Keep trazodone out of reach of children and other pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

Potential side effects of Trazodone

  • Sedation and mobility issues: It’s common for dogs and cats to experience drowsiness or have difficulty walking while taking trazodone. If these effects are excessive, stop administering doses and contact your pet’s veterinary team.

  • Behavioral changes: Some pets may exhibit increased agitation or hyperactivity, which can include symptoms like frantic whining and panting. This reaction is more likely at higher doses or when combined with other medications such as sedatives or pain relievers. Adjusting the dose or timing may be necessary to alleviate these side effects, and your pet’s veterinary team can guide the next steps.

  • Increased appetite: Some pets might show a noticeable increase in appetite while taking trazodone.

  • Serotonin syndrome: Though rare, there is a risk of serotonin syndrome, particularly when trazodone is used in conjunction with medications like tramadol. Symptoms to watch for include gastrointestinal upset, seizures, dilated pupils, disorientation, difficulty walking, excessive drooling, and, in severe cases, coma or death. Discontinue the medication and contact your pet’s veterinary team if mild symptoms occur. Seek urgent veterinary care if severe symptoms develop.

Trazodone FAQs

  • Trazodone is an antidepressant medication widely used to manage anxiety and provide sedation in pets, particularly after surgery or injury, to help keep them calm during recovery.

  • If your pet misses a dose of trazodone, give it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose time on the prescription label. If it’s close, skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the regular scheduled time. Do not administer double doses.

  • Sedation is common. Some pets may also seem unsteady or have difficulty walking. Contact your veterinary team if side effects feel excessive.

  • Yes. Some pets may show increased agitation or hyperactivity, including frantic whining and panting. This is more likely at higher doses or when combined with other medications such as sedatives or pain relievers.

  • Serotonin syndrome is a rare but serious reaction that can occur, especially when trazodone is used with medications such as tramadol. Symptoms can include gastrointestinal upset, seizures, dilated pupils, disorientation, difficulty walking, and excessive drooling. Discontinue the medication and contact your veterinary team if mild symptoms occur, and seek urgent veterinary care if severe symptoms develop.