Have you noticed that your dogs did not behave quite themselves? Dogs are very attached to their owners. They can suffer from anxiety like we can. This problem common in dogs can be triggered by loud noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks. Some people look for prescription medicine to treat their problems and help them feel better. Xanax for dogs is one of the best options for an emergency.

Humans have many anti-anxiety medicines. Xanax is one of the best anxiety medicines, so some owner wants to give this medicine to their dogs. But before giving this medicine you ask yourself this question Can dogs take Xanax?

We all know that some medicines can save humans but can be dangerous for animals. Today we discuss whether Xanax for Dogs is helpful or not. Please, read all the below contents and choose the best option which suitable for you and your dogs. Here, the below information help you know about dogs and Xanax.

What Is Xanax For Dogs

Anxiety is one of the common problems shown in the Dogs. It’s easy to say your dog is anxious they show common signs of anxiety like Chewing, destroying everything present in the house, crying, Continuously barking, Trembling or shaking, Panting, Avoid Eye contact, Loss of appetite, refusing to eat, Aggression, etc.

What is Xanax? Xanax is a benzodiazepine class of medication commonly prescribed to treat Anxiety and can have a calming effect on dogs. Xanax is a brand name for the drug known as alprazolam, which works by increasing the effects of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is a Schedule IV controlled substance and it is also a highly addicting medicine. It can cause addiction for both humans and dogs.

FDA-approved Xanax For humans, not for dogs. Vertaians are prescribed this medicine to pets for off-label use. So, your veterinarian always follows certain instructions to prescribe Xanax for your dog.

What Is Xanax Be Used For Dogs?

Xanax is a commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicine. In some cases, it is a very useful medicine. Here are several problems that can xanax treated in dogs.

  • Panic and Fear during a trigger event (fireworks, thunderstorms)
  • Post-traumatic stress associated with abuse
  • Phobias
  • Separation anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Muscle Stress
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Grief-related Depression
  • General Anxiety
  • Stimulation of appetite
  • Seizure management
  • Depression
  • Anticonvulsants

How Does Xanax Work For Dogs?

Xanax is a Prescription Medicine used To treat anxiety and other symptoms. It modifies the brain’s chemical properties and works by binding to GABA receptors in the brain, a neurotransmitter that slows impulses between nerve cells in the brain’s central nervous system (CNS). This medicine increases the effect of the GABA receptor, creating a calming effect. It can provide relief to your dog who i suffering from anxiety.

Xanax is most effective if you give this medicine to your dog early stage of anxiety or give this medicine 30 to 40 minutes before the panic situation. Under the guidance of your vet or healthcare provider, you can give Xanax dog pills to your dog. Give your dog this pill exactly as your vet prescribed. Some natural alternatives such as exercise, massage, TV, or Vitamin A can help your dog with anxiety. Dog Xanax’s cost depends on the pharmacy or healthcare provider.

Xanax For Dogs: Drug Interaction

Xanax is one of the most powerful anti-anxiety medicines. It can also interact with other medications. However, this does not state that every drug interaction is safe for dogs. If you use other dog medicine with your prescribed medicine then this should be done cautiously and under veterinary Instructio

  • Some medicines can interact with Xanax:
  • Antacids
  • Antifungals [fluconazole and ketoconazole]
  • Antihistamines [diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine]
  • Aspirin
  • Behavioral medications [fluoxetine, fluvoxamine]
  • Breathing medications [theophylline and aminophylline]
  • CBD (cannabis)
  • Carbamazepine
  • Chlorpromazine
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet)
  • Dexamethasone (Azium)
  • Glaucoma medications [acetazolamide, dorzolamide,methazolamide]
  • Heart medications [amiodarone, diltiazem, digoxin]
  • Ifosfamide
  • Maropitant (Cerenia)
  • Mitotane (Lysodren)
  • Narcotics
  • Opioids [tramadol and hydrocodone]
  • Parasite preventatives [ivermectin, selamectin, milbemycin oxime]
  • Phenobarbital
  • Rifampin (Rifadin)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants

Above all the medicines can interact with Xanax but you keep all the lists of your pet’s medicine and thoroughly discuss with your vet to avoid any potential interactions. Your list should be taken of all medications your pet is taking with name, mg, and how often it is given to your dog.

What Is Xanax Dosage For Dogs?

  • Xanax is available in both an oral tablet form and a liquid solution form. Use of the oral tablets is much more common and effective for dogs.
  • Certain prescribed Xanax according to your pet’s conditions. You should give this medicine 30 or 40 minutes before the triggering event.
  • The typical dose of Xanax for dogs is 0.01 to 0.05 mg per pound or 0.02 to 0.1 mg per kg of your dog’s body weight. Dogs should never take more than 4 mg in a single day, every 6-12 hours regardless of their size.
  • 27 to 34 pounds (lbs) or 12.25 to 15.42 kg weight dogs can take 0.25 to 0.78 mg dose of Xanax. You can give these dosages with food to your dog.
  • xanax dog dosage by weight:
    • 35 to 50 lbs or 15.88 to 22.68 kg weight dogs can take 0.32 to 1.13 mg,
    • 51 to 69 lbs or 23.13 to 31.30 kg weight dogs can take 0.46 to 1.57 mg,
    • 70 to 100 lbs or 31.75 to 45.46 kg weight dogs can take 0.64 to 2.27 mg, and
    • 101 to 130 lbs or 45.81 to 58.97 kg weight dogs can take 0.92 to 2.95 mg dose of Xanax.

The above Information is based on your dog’s weight but the dosage for dogs depends on several factors like weight, age, health condition, and breed, so before giving your pet any new medication always consult with a veterinarian.

Xanax For Dogs: Side Effects

Alprazolam for dogs: side effects often depend on the overdose of the medicine. When you give this medicine to your dogs you notice common side effects like pronounced sedation, lethargy, and confusion.

Common side effects are:

  • Increased appetite
  • Sedation
  • Clumsiness, uncoordinated walking
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting or gas

Serious Side effects are:

  • Breathing problems
  • Facial swelling
  • Hives
  • Seizure
  • Difficulty with balance and walking
  • Hyperactivity or agitation
  • Severe lethargy
  • Respiratory depression
  • Low blood pressure

It does not mean that all dogs have the same side effects. There are some opposite reactions that can occur known as a paradoxical effect. A dog may show signs of Excitement, Irritation, Restlessness, and Aggression.

In rare cases, Your pet shows withdrawal symptoms when you stop giving this dose after a long time of use. This medicine can also make your dog sick or die at high doses. So before giving any medicine to your dog and before stopping this medicine consult with your vet.

Xanax For Dogs: Precaution

Before giving Xnax to your dog we must consider the precaution and condition of the medicine.

  • Liver or kidney disease or the elderly dog takes Xanax cautiously.
  • If your dog has diabetes or epilepsy then use this medicine carefully.
  • Suffering from glaucoma and heart Problems pets should never use this medicine.
  • Pregnant or nursing female dogs should never take these medicines because this drug can pass through breast milk and into an unborn puppy.

So, Before giving Xanax to your pet consult with your vet or health care provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Xanax work for dogs?

If you give the medicine to your dog according to the prescription then the effect lasts for 6-12 hours. It depends on the dog’s condition.

How to get Xanax for dogs?

With the development of telehealth, there are several online psychiatry platforms or online healthcare providers present where you can get your prescribed medication at a reasonable price.

How much alprazolam can my dog take?

The recommended dosage of (alprazolam) Xanax for dogs is 0.01 – 0.05 mg per pound, every 6 to 12 hours as needed. It is variable because the dose depends on various factors. So ask your vet about Xanax dosage.

Can humans take dog Xanax?

You can give your medicine to your dog according to the vet. Some Pet medicines have similar ingredients as human medicines but they are not safe for human use and shouldn’t be taken.

Trazodone vs Xanax for dogs: Which is better?

Trazodone is a commonly prescribed medicine used for treating anxiety in dogs. The medications are similar but not identical. Both medicines may work the same as treating anxiety but both are different medicines.

Can I give my dog Xanax for stress?

You can give your dog Xanax for stress, it’s important to use proper dosing. Do not give your dog to human prescription dose ask your vet about the Xanax dose for stress the give this to your dog.

How many mg of Xanax can a dog have?

Xanax dose for stress depends on the weight of the dog. your dog should not take more than 4 mg of Xanax on a daily basis.