Trazodone 100 mg for Dogs: Is It Safe to Use? (Top Tips for Dog Owners)

So, I noticed my dog, Buddy, was getting super anxious lately. Loud noises, being alone, even car rides – it all seemed to set him off. He’d pace, pant, and just couldn’t settle down. It broke my heart to see him so stressed, so I started looking for ways to help him chill out.

After digging around online and reading some stories from other dog owners, I came across something called trazodone. Apparently, it’s a medication that can help with anxiety in dogs. I was a bit hesitant about giving him meds, but I figured it was worth looking into further.

Talking to the Vet

First things first, I booked an appointment with our vet. I didn’t want to just start giving Buddy something without getting a professional opinion. I explained all of Buddy’s anxious behaviors to the vet, and she confirmed that it did sound like anxiety. She was pretty cool about it, and she listened to all my concerns.

I brought up trazodone, and the vet said it was definitely an option. She explained that it’s an antidepressant that can also be used to treat anxiety in dogs. She told me that it works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help with mood and anxiety.

Getting the Dosage Right

The vet gave me a prescription for trazodone, and she was very specific about the dosage. She said to start with a low dose, like 100 mg for Buddy’s size, and see how he reacted. She also emphasized the importance of giving it to him consistently, at the same time every day, to get the best results. She suggested I try it before a stressful event, like a thunderstorm or a vet visit.

• Started with a 100 mg dose of trazodone for Buddy.
• Made sure to give it to him at the same time every day.
• Observed his behavior and noted any changes.

Trying It Out

The first time I gave Buddy the trazodone, I was a little nervous. I followed the vet’s instructions and gave him the pill with his dinner. I kept a close eye on him afterward, watching for any weird side effects or changes in his behavior.

To my surprise, he seemed a lot calmer after about an hour. He wasn’t pacing or panting like he usually did. He just curled up on his bed and seemed pretty relaxed. It was such a relief to see him finally able to chill out! The first time giving it to him, I was a bit nervous but after observing him being more relax I felt better.

Seeing the Difference

Over the next few weeks, I continued giving Buddy the trazodone as the vet had instructed. I noticed a big difference in his anxiety levels. He was much less reactive to loud noises, and he seemed more comfortable being alone. Even car rides became less stressful for him, he would actually just lay in the backseat.

Of course, it wasn’t a magic cure-all. Buddy still had his moments of anxiety, but they were much less frequent and less intense. It was like the trazodone took the edge off and helped him cope better with stressful situations. He has been better at managing his stress and it has made such a big difference!

Long-Term Use

I’ve continued using trazodone for Buddy, especially before situations I know will stress him out. I’ve been using it for about 6 months. It’s been a helpful tool in managing his anxiety. I still make sure to talk to the vet regularly about it and monitor Buddy’s behavior to make sure everything is okay.

Overall, I’m really glad I decided to try trazodone for Buddy. It’s made a positive difference in his life, and it’s been great to see him more relaxed and happy. If your dog struggles with anxiety, I’d definitely recommend talking to your vet about it. It might just be the thing that helps your furry friend find some peace and quiet.

Remember, every dog is different, so what worked for Buddy might not work for every dog. It is important to give the right amount of medication and to watch your dog closely when using it for the first time. Just keep that in mind, and don’t be afraid to ask your vet all the questions you have!