Key takeaways

  • Trazodone is a generic medication that is often used in humans, but it also can be used in dogs. One of the uses in dogs for trazodone is for short-term relief of anxiety.
  • Trazodone may cause side effects such as sleepiness, nausea, and diarrhea. Talk with your dog’s veterinarian if side effects become bothersome for your pet.
  • Coupons, like those available at Optum Perks, may be helpful to lowering to cost of trazodone.

Trazodone is a generic medication that can be prescribed for depression in adults. It also may be used in dogs but for different uses, including anxiety.

Learn more about trazodone’s uses and side effects in dogs and how to help with the cost of the medication.

This article provides information about medications for pets. Do not use human medications for pets, or pet medications for humans, as dosages, strengths, and ingredients may be different and can lead to serious harm. Always use medications under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian or doctor.

Using trazodone for dogs is not the same as using trazodone for humans. Typically trazodone is used in dogs to help with short-term relief of anxiety. It also has been used to help dogs stay calm and relaxed during certain situations, such as traveling, visiting the vet, and during fireworks or thunderstorms.

Trazodone can be used either long-term or as needed for dogs. Dosing can vary, but in some situations it may be given twice per day with or without food.

This drug works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help with symptoms of anxiety. Most dogs may experience relief of their anxiety symptoms about 2 hours after receiving trazodone.

Some side effects observed in dogs taking trazodone include:

  • aggressive food seeking
  • sleepiness
  • nausea
  • diarrhea

A serious potential side effect of trazodone is serotonin syndrome. This is a condition caused by high levels of serotonin and can be dangerous. Some symptoms of serotonin syndrome can be tremors, difficulty breathing, and high blood pressure. This side effect is more likely to occur when trazodone is taken with certain other drugs, such as fluoxetine or amitraz.

If you have concerns about side effects of trazodone, talk with your dog’s veterinarian.

Dogs are typically not covered under prescription insurance. Those plans are set up for humans. There are options for pet insurance, but most people do not choose to have this coverage.

This means you may be paying the cash price for medications for your dog. Coupons, such as those available at Optum Perks, may be able to help reduce the cost of trazodone. (Note: Optum Perks is a sister site of Healthline.)

Trazodone is a generic medication used in humans as well as dogs. It can help dogs with short-term anxiety relief and keep them calm during certain situations, such as when traveling.

If you have questions about trazodone for dogs, talk with your pet’s veterinarian.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.