Why this medication may be prescribed
May be prescribed for acute fear, panic or predictable stressful situations, sometimes alongside a daily medication.
How it works
It strengthens the effect of GABA, a brain messenger that reduces nerve activity. This can reduce anxiety but may also cause muscle relaxation and sleepiness.
When should I expect an effect?
This is a relatively rapid-acting medicine, rather than one that relies on weeks of treatment. Onset and duration vary between medicines, animals and situations. Follow your prescribed timing and record the observed onset and duration.
What improvement might look like
Depending on the treatment goal, improvement may mean less intense reactions, faster recovery, less avoidance, better rest or greater ability to respond to familiar cues. Complete disappearance of behaviour is not required to see progress.
Medication can reduce fear, anxiety, arousal, impulsivity, or other factors that interfere with learning. Behaviour modification and environmental management remain important parts of treatment.
Common side effects
Sleepiness; reduced coordination; muscle relaxation; increased appetite. Some animals become more restless or agitated instead of calmer.
Mild effects may be temporary. Persistent or pronounced changes should be discussed with the clinic; do not assume they are harmless.
When should I contact the clinic?
Contact the clinic for persistent vomiting or diarrhea, marked appetite loss, pronounced sedation, stumbling, weakness, unexpected worsening or significant new behaviour. Report difficulty passing urine promptly; inability to pass urine needs urgent veterinary assessment.
When is it an emergency?
What if I miss a dose?
Follow any missed-dose instructions supplied with your prescription. If none were provided, contact the clinic or your veterinarian for advice about the next dose. Do not double, repeat or make up a dose on your own.
What if I administered an extra dose?
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately for case-specific advice, even if no signs are visible. Have the packaging and the amount and time given available for the veterinarian. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed. This website cannot determine a safe extra amount.
Can I stop this medication suddenly?
After prolonged daily use, abrupt withdrawal can cause serious problems, including seizures. A veterinarian-directed taper is important. For occasional use, follow the event plan and do not add extra doses.
Do not reduce or discontinue this medication without discussing it with your veterinarian.
Medication and supplement interactions
Other sedating medicines, including trazodone and gabapentin, can increase sleepiness and poor coordination. Use combinations only as prescribed.
Inform the clinic before adding a prescription, over-the-counter medicine, supplement, herbal product or calming product. This is not a complete interaction list.
What should I monitor?
- Time until the effect begins and wears off
- Coordination and ability to walk safely
- Appetite and alertness
- Fear response and any agitation
Bring your observations to follow-up.
Educational information; effects vary between dogs, cats and individuals.