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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
State of calm, which can be particularly beneficial in multi-pet households or in environments that frequently change. Risks and Side Effects for Trazodone in Dogs While the side effects of trazodone are generally manageable, understanding them in detail can help pet owners make informed decisions. For instance, sedative effects can sometimes mask underlying issues such as pain or discomfort. It’s important to closely observe your dog’s behavior and physical condition, especially when starting a new medication. Common side effects include: Sedation: Your dog may appear sleepy or lethargic. Gastrointestinal Issues: Your dog may experience diarrhea or vomiting. Ataxia: Some dogs may have difficulty coordinating their movements. Increased Anxiety: Some dogs may experience increased anxiety rather than the medication’s intended purpose of calming them. The interaction of trazodone with other medications can sometimes lead to increased serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition where too much serotonin is present in the brain. Signs of serotonin syndrome include confusion, increased heart rate, shivering, diarrhea, fever, and seizures. Additionally, in rare cases, trazodone can cause more severe reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias or allergic reactions characterized by swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing. If any of these signs occur, contact your family veterinarian immediately, or visit your local MedVet or emergency veterinary hospital. It’s important to tell your veterinarian about any medications, including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies, that your pet is taking as trazodone can interact with other medications, including: Pain medications: Such as tramadol, in combination with trazodone can lead to serotonin syndrome, as discussed above. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Such as selegiline, used for treating canine cognitive dysfunction. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Like fluoxetine, used for depression and anxiety. Certain antibiotics and antifungals: Which can affect how trazodone is metabolized. Additional medications dogs are commonly prescribed that can lead to serotonin syndrome, sedation, or depression when combined with trazodone include: Mirtazapine: An anti-depressant medication often used to treat weight loss and anorexia (loss of appetite) caused by various conditions such as liver, kidney, or stomach disease or the effects of chemotherapy. Metoclopramide: Uses include relieving nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease), Ondansetron: Treats nausea and severe vomiting in dogs, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or with parvovirus. Trazodone should not be used for dogs who have severe heart disease or liver or kidney impairment. Integrative Medicine and Alternatives to Trazodone for Dogs Integrative veterinary medicine offers alternative therapies, such as massage
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