Trazodone is an antidepressant and anxiety-relieving medication.
Trazodone is not only for humans. It’s also commonly used in veterinary medicine, particularly in treating dogs Anxiety, stress, depression and other emotional issues.
What is Safe Trazodone for dogs dosage?
Like humans, dogs also have emotions. As a result, they can suffer from stress, anxiety and depression. Proper care, training and medication are essential to prevent your furry friend from any uncomfortable situations.
Besides training and care, certain medicines can help your canine in anxiety and depression, and trazodone has proven to be efficient in such issues.
Untreated stress and anxiety may lead your canine to hyperactivity, restlessness, aggression, lack of responsiveness and affect your pleasant bond with your furry friend.
Servedogs Team always recommends learning about the possible benefits, side effects, serving ideas and safety precautions before offering any medication to your dog.
This article will provide a complete and comprehensive guide about the use of Trazodone for dogs and Trazodone for dogs dosage.
Trazodone for Dogs Dosage:
According to the veterinarians, safe Trazodone for dogs dosage is 2.5 mg/lbs to 3.5mg/lbs once a day. However, in some cases, the dose can be increased to 10mg-12mg/lbs. Remember that The safe dosage of any medicine, including Trazodone, depends on the dog weight, size, breed, overall health condition and severity of the illness.
Before offering any medicine, follow your vet’s advice.
Self-medication is dangerous. In moderation and in a safe dosage, Trazodone is safe for dogs.
However, Overdosing on Trazodone is toxic to dogs and may lead your canine to severe health issues.
Trazodone for dogs Dosage Chart:
Dog Weight in lbs | Dog Weight in kg | Trazodone Dosage | Administration |
---|---|---|---|
Below 5 lbs | Below 2 kg | With vet Advice | With vet Advice |
10-20 lbs | 5-10 kg | 20-25mg | Once a Day |
20-30lbs | 10-15kg | 50-55mg | Once a Day |
30-40 lbs | 16-20 kg | 75-80mg | Once a Day |
40-60 lbs | 20-30 kg | 100-120mg | Once a Day |
70-90 lbs | 35-40 kg | 150-175mg | Once a Day |
100 lbs & above | 45 kg and above | 200-250mg | Once a Day |
Note: The above Trazodone for dogs dosage chart is well researched but only for educational purposes.
Your vet can better decide the safe and ideal dose of any medicine after physically observing your puppy body weight, age, breed, overall health condition and the severity of the health issue.
For safety purposes, we have mentioned a lower amount than the recommended dosage to avoid any toxicity.
Certain drugs, include Trazodone, may not be given to some dogs parallel with certain medicine.
Contact your vet first before offering the medicine to your faithful companion.
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50mg trazodone for dogs dosage Chart:
Dog body weight | 50mg trazodone Dosage | Administration |
---|---|---|
Below 5 lbs | Below 2 kg | With vet Advice |
10-20 lbs | ½ 50mg Tablet | Once a Day |
20-30lbs | 1 50mg Tablet | Once a Day |
30-40 lbs | 1 ½ 50mg Tablet | Once a Day |
40-60 lbs | 2 50mg Table | Once a Day |
70-90 lbs | 2 ½ 50mg Table | Once a Day |
100 lbs & above | 3 50mg Table | Once a Day |
How does Trazodone help your Dog?
Trazodone for dogs helps canines to treat Anxiety and behavioural issues.
Veterinarians often prescribe Trazodone for canine use in Certain health issues such as:
- Separation Anxiety in dogs
- Fireworks Anxiety
- Generalized Anxiety
- Aggression
- Hyperactivity.
- Restlessness
- Fear and stress
- Calming and confinement
Side Effects of Trazodone for Dogs:

Side effects come with each and every medicine.
Trazodone is safe for dogs.
However, you should keep safety precautions for a few medical conditions.
Giving the wrong dose to the wrong dog may develop some toxic effects. First, confirm the use of the drug with your vet.
Below we are mentioning some of the possible side effects of Trazodone in dogs:
- Sedation
- Vomiting & Diarrhea
- Panting
- Twitching
- Lethargy
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- GI issues
- Muscle tremors
- Hyper salivation
- Shaking & Trembling
- Coma
Is Trazodone for dogs safe?
The research and statement of the ASPCA indicate that the use of Trazodone for dogs is safe when offered in safe dosage and in moderation.
However, the medicine has some side effects that you should keep in mind.
Giving a high amount of Trazodone can lead your canine to severe and sometimes fatal health issues such as serotonin syndrome.
Below we are mentioning some of the possible symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome in dogs.
If you observe any of these, stop the medication and contact your vet immediately.
Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome in Dogs:
- Increase in Heart Rate
- Confusion
- Rise and fall in the temperature
- Excessive Drooling
- Altered mental state
Is Trazodone lethal to my dog?

Before offering Trazodone to your dog, your need to first learn about the possible benefits and side effects of the medicine; usually, a safe dosage of Trazodone will help your puppy in treating anxiety and behavioural issues.
However, there are also some lethal side effects of the medicine, such as Serotonin Syndrome.
Serotonin Syndrome is caused by excess serotonin levels in your dog’s brain.
Timely treatment is essential for Serotonin Syndrome. Delaying is lethal and can be fatal for your canine.
What happens if I give my dog too much Trazodone?
Overdosing of any medicine is toxic for both humans and dogs.
Giving too much trazodone can cause toxic and fatal issues such as Serotonin Syndrome.
Always give a safe amount of trazodone to your dog in moderation and avoid overdosing.
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How long does it take for Trazodone to wear off in dogs?
According to veterinarians, Trazodone takes 7 hours to wear off in dogs in immediate-release tablets.
Some believe that the effect of the medicine can start approximately 1 to 2 hours when used for short term stress relief.
However, if it is used for long term issues such as anxiety, it can take a few weeks to start the effect.