Dog owners across the world want the best when it comes to their pet’s health. If your dog suffers from conditions such as separation anxiety, anxiety disorders, or panic attacks, you might be wondering what the solution is. Many triggers can cause anxiety in dogs. Humans with these panic disorders are often given prescription medications such as Xanax to treat these symptoms. But is human medication safe for dogs too?
The anti-anxiety medication, Xanax, can be used for dogs but should be properly assessed, dosed, and monitored by your veterinarian. Under no circumstances should you give your dog Xanax pills that are prescribed to you or someone you know.
In this article, we will dive deeper into what Xanax is, how it should be given to dogs, possible side effects to look out for, and alternatives to Xanax. Follow along to learn more!
What Is Xanax?
The first thing we need to discuss is: “What is Xanax?” If you are not well-versed in anxiety medications, you may have never heard of this before. Xanax is the brand name of alprazolam. This is typically a human anti-anxiety medication that is approved by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. It is a controlled substance and prescription drug that must be administered by a licensed doctor.
Xanax, among other common drugs, is classified as a benzodiazepine tranquilizer. The active ingredients work by targeting the central nervous system and promoting feelings of calm and relaxation which leads to behavior modification. They can be used on an as-needed basis or during a triggering event that brings stress to an individual. For some, this might be flying, loud noises, etc. Long-term use of Xanax can bring potential risks for physical dependence, as this is an addictive drug.
Should I Give My Dog Xanax?
Xanax can be used for dogs to treat a variety of different types of anxiety and as an anti-seizure medication. Common reasons to give your dog Xanax are separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, noise phobias, aggressive behaviors, or situational anxiety.
The important thing to note about giving your dog any medication is to schedule a vet visit first. Never, under any circumstances should you give your dog medication that is prescribed to you, a family member, or a friend. This can lead to adverse reactions and improper dosing. A trusted vet will monitor your dog’s symptoms, blood work, and reactions to make sure your furry friend is taking the best approach to their health problems.
Xanax can be given to dogs in a pill or a liquid solution. In most cases, you will start to see the effects of the drug within 30 to 60 minutes after dosing. If you are giving your pet the pill form, it’s a good idea to give the medication with food or a treat to avoid any irritation on an empty stomach.
Proper Dosage For Your Dog
If you and your veterinarian decide to treat your dog’s anxiety with anxiety medications such as Xanax, your vet will go over dosing requirements and what is best for your pet. Owners of anxious dogs know that this condition can be scary for not only your dog but the owner as well, so getting proper treatment is a step in the right direction.
Most likely, your dose will start out with the lowest prescription possible. A typical dose of Xanax for dogs averages about .5 milligrams. Take a look at the chart below to see the ranges for dosage of Xanax depending on your dog’s size.
Weight (lbs) Dose (mg)
27 – 34 lbs 0.25 to 0.78 mg
35 – 50 lbs 0.32 to 1.13 mg
51 – 69 lbs 0.46 to 1.57 mg
70 – 100 lbs 0.64 to 2.27 mg
101 – 130 lbs 0.92 to 2.95 mg
As time continues, your veterinarian will monitor your beloved pet’s drug. This can include blood pressure checks, making sure there are no kidney and liver problems, and screening for any adverse effects. Extreme cases of anxiety may call for a higher dosage.
Side Effects of Giving Your Dog Xanax
Just like with human drugs or any kind of medication, dog anxiety medications can also cause side effects. The way your dog’s body interacts with medication can happen in different ways. This might look like behavior changes, health issues, or loss of coordination. Additionally, your dog’s Xanax may interact with the effectiveness of antacids, fluoxetine, amitriptyline, vitamins, and dietary supplements.
In between regular veterinary visits, be sure to monitor your dog for these potential side effects of Xanax:
- Fatigue
- Loss of Appetite
- Loss of coordination or mobile functions
- Unusual behavior
Risks of Giving Your Dog Xanax
Now that we have covered some of the most common side effects of using Xanax on your pet, let’s discuss the risks. You probably won’t have to worry about these issues after giving your pet Xanax for the very first time, but long-term and frequent use of Xanax is a dangerous game.
There are many health issues that can come from too much Xanax, such as kidney disease, liver disease, and dry mouth. Since this is a strong drug, your pet may also display withdrawal symptoms if they become addicted. If your dog experiences any of these Xanax side effects, it is important to alert your veterinarian immediately.
Alternatives to Giving Your Dog Xanax
If you are not on board with strong prescription medications, there are other alternatives you can provide if your dog does experience anxiety. Here are a few of our favorite methods of calming mild cases of canine anxiety:
Go For a Walk or Engage in Playtime
Providing your dog with enough physical stimulation is important to their mental health. This activity will keep your dog distracted from feelings of boredom and separation anxiety. Once they are tired from playtime, they’ll probably take a soothing nap.
Provide a Calming Chew Toy
Similar to playtime, this method involves keeping your dog stimulated and distracted from feelings of worry. Additionally, the act of chewing is a calming activity for your dog.
Give Your Pup a Massage
Petting or massaging your dog can ease tension and reduce the feeling of stress in your dog. Just think, aren’t you more relaxed after a massage? The same can be said for your furry companion!
Summary
Your dog’s anxiety can be a scary subject to approach. Strong prescription drugs may seem intimidating, but the good thing to note is that you’re not alone. Many dogs suffer from anxiety and need medical treatment. Xanax is a controlled substance that is approved by the FDA for human use to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It can be used in dogs to treat anxiety as well as seizures.
If you choose to give your dog Xanax, it is important to follow proper dosing methods and be aware of the possible side effects and risks. These can include increased fatigue, loss of coordination, liver disease, and withdrawal symptoms.
If you do not want to use Xanax to treat your dog’s anxiety, there are natural methods to try such as exercise and new toys.
As with any pet health concern, it is important to consult your trusted veterinarian for the best course of action in your pet’s treatment and path to health. We hope you found this article helpful!
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9824/xanax-oral/details
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