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Trazodone dosage for dogs

Trazodone treats anxiety in dogs
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By | Updated on Apr. 3, 2025 Medically reviewed by Emma Ryan, DVM
Small dog chewing on a treat: Trazodone dosage for dogs

Key takeaways

  • Trazodone is an antidepressant drug that’s commonly prescribed for humans with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, but can also help calm dogs who have anxiety.

  • The dosage for trazodone is typically 1–3 mg per pound of body weight. The exact amount within that range depends on the dog’s condition, other medications, and history.

  • Trazodone overdose can cause a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome (elevated serotonin levels)—along with other adverse reactions—so it’s important to follow the vet’s dosing instructions.

In this article:

Trazodone is an FDA-approved antidepressant drug that can be helpful in treating individuals with depression and severe anxiety. Developed as a human medication, this drug has gained popularity in veterinary medicine for its ability to help reduce canine anxiety, increase behavioral calmness after surgery. Dogs often suffer from separation anxiety, fear-based anxiety, and stress-related anxiety from aging. Trazodone is an effective medication that can greatly reduce your pet’s anxiety and associated behavioral disorders. 

Related: What is trazodone?

How much trazodone can I give my dog?

The standard dose of trazodone is approximately 1 to 3 milligrams per pound of the dog’s body weight. For example, if a dog weighs 23 pounds, the animal dose of trazodone is in the 23 mg to 70 mg range. The exact amount within that range may depend on the dog’s medical history, other medications, and the condition it’s treating.

When used for treating anxiety, it is better to start with a lower dose and only take higher doses as needed. However, trazodone is often prescribed for surgical procedures on animals, and the exact dosage within the 1–3 mg/lb range is ultimately the veterinarian’s call. It’s important to give the exact amount that they prescribe. 

The administration schedule will vary depending on whether the medicine is needed for short-term stress relief or long-term anxiety management. The veterinarian may suggest anti-anxiety medication dosages administered every 6, 8, or even 24 hours for ongoing anxiety disorders. Reducing situational stress, on the other hand, may require a dose 1–2 hours before the event or on an as-needed basis. Be sure to follow your vet’s directions on dosing based on your individual dog’s needs. Here are examples of common starting doses of Trazodone used for dogs. The starting dose may then be increased based on your dog’s response and veterinarian’s recommendations.

Trazodone for dogs dosage chart
Weight Starting dosage Max dosage
5lbs. 7 mg 16 mg
6-10 lbs. 12.5 mg 32 mg
11-15 lbs 25 mg 50 mg
16-20 lbs. 25 mg 62.5 mg
21-25 lbs. 37.5 mg 75 mg
26-39 lbs. 50 mg 100 mg
40-44 lbs. 50 mg 125 mg
45-49 lbs. 62.5 mg 150 mg
50-54 lbs.  75 mg 150 mg
55-59 lbs. 75 mg 175 mg
60-64 lbs 75 mg 200 mg
65-69 lbs. 100 mg 200 mg
70-80 lbs. 100 mg 250 mg
81-94 lbs. 125 mg 250 mg
95-99 lbs. 125 mg 300 mg
100-115 lbs. 150 mg 300 mg
120+ lbs. 162.5 mg 300 mg

Source: Whole Dog Journal

According to Dr. Ray Spragley DVM CVA CCRT, a veterinarian at Zen Dog Veterinarian Care, “Trazodone for dogs is the same for people. They can take the human form at a dose given by their veterinarian.” It is important to check with your vet to determine if trazodone is the best treatment for your pet. Anxiety in dogs is often caused by separation, fear, or age. Knowing what type of anxiety your dog has can allow you to help your pet better. 

Separation anxiety can occur when the pet is apart from their main care person or people, and trazodone is a treatment option for long-term treatment if the dog is home alone during the day. Dogs that are stressed by strangers, other animals, veterinary visits, and loud noises like fireworks, however, may be experiencing situational anxiety. This may only require a dose at least one hour before a stressful situation. Lastly, age-related anxiety develops as the pet loses memory and cognitive function. To avoid adverse effects such as liver damage, seek medical advice at a vet visit before giving trazodone or other medications to senior dogs.

What is the maximum trazodone dose for dogs?

According to the ASPCA it is important to titrate, or increase the amount of medication by small amounts over days, weeks, or months. The maximum dose depends entirely on the dog’s weight, but regardless, monitor the dog to see whether the medication is working. Gradually increase the dose as needed but do not administer more than the maximum amount for the dog’s size and weight. Trazodone tablets come in 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg, and are scored down the center to allow for various dosing. 

Can dogs overdose on trazodone?

Yes, dogs can experience a drug overdose. Too much trazodone can cause excessive levels of serotonin in the body—a condition called serotonin syndrome. Serotonin is a natural chemical that helps regulate mood, but too much can cause permanent damage to bodily functions or even death. Signs of serotonin syndrome include restlessness, agitation, decreased appetite, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, muscle spasms, hyperthermia, seizures, vomiting, lethargy, disorientation, drooling, blindness, or difficulty walking. 

Symptoms may appear anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours after medication is ingested. Contact the vet ASAP if you notice any of them in your dog. Veterinarians may give a dog experiencing trazodone overdose IV fluids or activated charcoal to help absorb the drug. Depending on the age and general health of the dog, most cases of serotonin syndrome from trazodone overdose will clear within 24-72 hours. 

How to give your dog Trazodone

Trazodone comes in tablet form and pets should take it orally. For oral administration, you can tuck the pill into an appropriate treat or food such as bread or peanut butter. Special treats are also available with a pouch for pills to be inserted. If your pet has difficulty swallowing or taking pills, you can crush trazodone to place it in food or water. Although it is better not to give your pet this medication on an empty stomach there are also techniques to assist your dog’s medicine intake without the use of food. 

As many medications suggest, if you miss a dose of trazodone for your pet you should give the animal the dose as soon as you remember and begin the intervals from the new time. If you miss a dose and are getting close to the next dose time, skip the missed dose and resume medicine at the next scheduled time.

Trazodone interactions with other pet medications

Some dogs should not take trazodone. Dogs with liver, kidney, or heart disease should avoid medications like trazodone or may need a lower dose. While trazodone is often a helpful prescription drug for dog anxiety, there are some potential drug interactions. Medications such as heart medicine, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gastrointestinal medication, diuretics, and some antibiotics may cause interactions to occur.

To avoid overdose, drug interaction, or other potential side effects, tell your vet about any medical conditions, medications, or supplements the dog is taking. If your dog is pregnant or becomes pregnant, discontinue the use of trazodone and consult your veterinarian. Trazodone use on pregnant pets can have adverse effects on the developing fetus. Other medications may be substituted.

Trazodone alternatives for dogs

Trazodone is just one of many prescription medications your veterinarian may prescribe for your dog’s anxiety. Antidepressants and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are other categories of medicine that can be helpful for anxious dogs. Some common SSRI alternatives include Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), and Clomicalm (clomipramine). Other options might include benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam), tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil (amitriptyline), or anticonvulsants like Neurontin (gabapentin).

Using a variety of strategies, including non-medication routes, can help maximize your dog’s well-being. Sabrina Kong, DVM and contributor to We Love Doodles states, “While trazodone can be highly effective in reducing pet stress, combining medication with behavior modification techniques is vital. Working with a personal dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can provide strategies to help manage anxiety triggers and teach coping mechanisms to dogs.” Many homeopathic remedies and pet-specific supplements are available to reduce anxiety and manage behavioral issues, including:

  • Exercise
  • Dog trainers
  • Physical contact
  • Melatonin
  • Calming pheromones
  • Chamomile flower
  • Lavender

It is important to consult a veterinarian before treating your dog with homeopathic remedies such as essential oils or supplements. Some essential oils used in humans can be harmful to your dog. Use caution when using herbal remedies. Discontinue use if your dog has a negative response, such as an allergic reaction.