Clonazepam for dogs: Dosage and safety

In this article:

• What is clonazepam used for in dogs?
• Safety
• Dosage
• Alternatives
• Summary

In this article

• What is clonazepam used for in dogs?
• Safety
• Dosage
• Alternatives
• Summary

Clonazepam is a prescription benzodiazepine, a class of drugs that slows down the nervous system. Also sold as brand-name Klonopin, veterinarians use clonazepam in dogs as an add-on treatment for seizures and use it alone to reduce anxiety in the dog. It may have other uses, such as a muscle relaxant or a sleep aid. Clonazepam is safe for dogs when given as recommended, but long-term therapy can cause dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal when it’s stopped. Veterinarians try to use it only in the short term or as needed.

RELATED: Save up to 80% on clonazepam

What is clonazepam used for in dogs?

Veterinarians use clonazepam primarily as an antiseizure drug in dogs, but they may also use it as an anxiolytic to treat various types of dog anxiety or fears. As a benzodiazepine, clonazepam slows down nerves, shutting down the nerve over-excitement that characterizes seizures. It’s also a sedative, so it can help dogs feel calmer before or during events that panic or stress them, such as thunderstorms and vet visits.

Seizures

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to manage seizures in dogs, but veterinarians most commonly use the benzodiazepine diazepam, better known as Valium. Like diazepam, clonazepam slows down nerves through various mechanisms and reduces the over-excitement of seizing nerves. Clonazepam is only used as an add-on drug on top of epilepsy medications called anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital or levetiracetam. Doses are only given orally. 

Anxiety

As a sedative and tranquilizer, benzodiazepines are a drug of choice to calm anxious dogs, particularly when they’re facing anxiety-inducing situations like separation anxiety, loud noises, or a vet visit. Veterinarians also use benzodiazepines to aid behavioral modification training in dogs with behavior problems such as aggression or compulsions. 

Clonazepam can be used for the same purposes, but the veterinary literature has not specified what types of anxiety or behavioral problems clonazepam is suitable for. In humans, clonazepam is FDA-approved to treat panic disorder. For canine anxiety or phobias, veterinarians are just as likely to prescribe diazepam or alprazolam. 

Clonazepam works longer than diazepam or alprazolam, but like these other drugs, its effects weaken the longer the dog takes it. For this reason, veterinarians are not likely to use it as a daily, long-term treatment. It’s more suitable when used occasionally to calm the dog before or during fear—or anxiety-inducing events.

Is clonazepam safe for dogs?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of clonazepam in dogs. However, veterinarians frequently prescribe human drugs off-label to treat animals. Clonazepam’s use in dogs is not well studied in veterinary medicine, so there is not much information or data about its safety in dogs.

Clonazepam treatment carries many risks. The biggest risks are physical dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, abuse (by owners), and overdose. Veterinarians mostly consider it a suitable drug for short-term use. The longer a dog takes clonazepam, the greater the risk of dependence and withdrawal.

Clonazepam is not 100% safe for all dogs. Dogs that have had an allergic reaction to clonazepam or other benzodiazepines cannot take clonazepam. 

Veterinarians use clonazepam with caution in dogs with liver, kidney, myasthenia gravis, or glaucoma. They are also cautious about using clonazepam in pregnant, breastfeeding, sick, debilitated, or aggressive dogs. Unless clonazepam treatment is necessary, working dogs should not be given benzodiazepines because of possible impairment. 

Side effects of clonazepam in dogs

The most common side effects of clonazepam in dogs are:

• Drowsiness and sleepiness
• Poor coordination and clumsiness (ataxia)
• Drooling
• Excitability

In people, clonazepam has other commonly experienced side effects, including vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and weight loss. Clonazepam can also cause severe side effects in people, including:

• Elevated liver enzymes 
• Blood disorders such as anemia
• Slow or shallow breathing (respiratory depression)
• Confusion
• Sleep disorders
• Coma

Although clonazepam is a sedative, it can cause paradoxical side effects in a dog that are the complete opposite of sedation, such as aggression, excitement, and fear. If this happens, call the veterinarian or take the dog to a veterinary hospital.

Interactions of clonazepam with other pet meds

Clonazepam has numerous drug interactions, so tell the veterinarian about all the drugs, supplements, and herbal products that you give the dog. Make sure to tell the veterinarian about the following:

• Any drugs that make the dog sleepy (central nervous system depressants), such as opioids, barbiturates, antidepressants, antihistamines, or CBD products
• The antibiotics erythromycin or rifampin
• Azole antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
• The ulcer or stomach acid treatments omeprazole or cimetidine
• The anticholinergic drug propantheline

Clonazepam dosage for dogs

Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Manual lists the following clonazepam dosages for dogs:

• As an add-on treatment for seizures: 0.5 mg/kg given two or three times per day OR 1–2 mg/kg given every 12 hours
• For anxiety: 0.1–1 mg/kg given two or three times per day

The Merck Veterinary Manual has slightly different dosages for treating seizures:

• As an add-on treatment for seizures: 0.1–0.5 mg/kg given two to three times a day
• For monotherapy maintenance treatment of seizures: 0.5 mg/kg given three times a day

Owners may have to use human versions of clonazepam. The only human dosage format that can be given to a dog are tablets in dosage strengths of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. Human-formulated clonazepam also comes as an orally disintegrating tablet, but it’s difficult to dose a dog with these tablets, and they may contain xylitol, which should not be used in dogs. 

Compounded veterinary formulations include tablets, oral suspension, and an oil-based suspension. 

Can dogs overdose on clonazepam?

A clonazepam overdose can be hazardous. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage. The highest recommended dosage is 2 mg per kilogram of body weight every two hours. 

If a dog has ingested too much clonazepam, immediately call the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) or bring the dog to a veterinarian or veterinary hospital.

If you’re uncertain about an overdose, the signs of a clonazepam overdose in a dog include:

• Sedation
• Depression
• Loss of coordination
• Hyperactivity
• Disorientation
• Vocalizing

Can I give my dog clonazepam every day?

For various safety and effectiveness reasons, veterinarians use clonazepam in dogs for a limited time. The doses are given several times daily.

If treatment lasts too long, the dog will develop tolerance, especially if taking a low dose, as the drug will steadily become less effective unless the dose is increased. With long-term treatment, the dog is more likely to experience withdrawal side effects unless the drug is carefully tapered.

How to give your dog clonazepam

• • Dogs should only get clonazepam when prescribed by a veterinarian.
  • Give the doses exactly as prescribed. Do not change the dose or the frequency of doses.
  • If the clonazepam dose is daily, do not stop giving the dog the dose unless instructed. The doses may need to be gradually tapered to prevent withdrawal. 
  • Ask the veterinarian what to do in case of a missed dose.
  • For one-time only use to prevent situational anxiety, give the clonazepam dose at least 30 minutes before the stress-inducing event.
  • Give clonazepam doses with or without food.
    • If the dog vomits up the dose, then give future doses with a meal or snack.

• How to give clonazepam tablets to a dog:

• • • If you are unsure how to administer tablets to a dog, have a veterinary professional show you the proper procedure. A pill plunger may be easier, but have someone demonstrate how to use it.
    • Store clonazepam tablets at room temperature.

• How to give clonazepam suspension to a dog:

• • Always measure the dose using the calibrated oral syringe or dropper.
  • Read the instructions. The suspension may need to be shaken before measuring a dose.
  • Follow the instructions on the prescription label when storing clonazepam suspension.
• Clonazepam is a controlled substance. Giving it to others or taking it yourself without a prescription is against the law. 
• Keep clonazepam tablets or suspension securely out of the reach of children, pets, and other people.

Clonazepam alternatives for dogs

Diazepam is usually a veterinarian’s first choice to treat dogs with seizures. Clonazepam is sometimes a good alternative because it works twice as long as diazepam. Other benzodiazepines that a veterinarian might use include alprazolam, midazolam, or lorazepam. 

Clonazepam is only an add-on drug for seizures, so the dog will also be taking an anticonvulsant. 

Anxiety and behavioral problems are best handled with treatments other than anti-anxiety medications. These include keeping the dog away from frightening situations, desensitization therapy, and behavioral training. 

When drugs are needed, veterinarians prefer to treat anxiety and behavioral problems with long-term treatments. These include tricyclic antidepressants such as Clomicalm (clomipramine) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Reconcile (fluoxetine). In a pinch, benzodiazepines can help when situations get out of hand.

Summary

Clonazepam is a sedative that treats seizures, anxiety, and problem behaviors in dogs. It is an effective treatment, but in all cases, it’s an adjunct treatment to other therapies, such as anticonvulsants for seizures or behavior training for anxiety. It’s safe for occasional or short-term use but can be risky when used for too long.