Canine behavior can be inscrutable at times. Why do some dogs fall apart at the mere mention of going to the “v-e-t” while others bound through the door without a care in the world? And what’s up with nail trims? Does your dog take them in stride or turn in his best Cujo impression? When faced with a dog who is anxious, aggressive, or just plain hyperactive, pet parents often long for a sedative (for their dogs, of course). But is this the right response?
Sedatives can play a role in helping dogs relax, but the drugs are often misused. Let’s look at the common types of sedatives that are given to dogs, how they work, and which are best under various circumstances.
Description
Sleep aids are medications that are designed to reduce anxiety and help people sleep better. Lunesta® (eszopiclone) and Ambien® (zolpidem) are two common types used in human medicine. Sleep aids are benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, and these drugs work similarly to Valium (benzodiazepine). While these drugs are designed to cause sleep and sedation in humans, they can have the opposite effects in dogs and cats. Sleep aids should never be given to pets without consultation with a veterinarian. Clinical signs of sleep aid poisoning in dogs and cats include severe sedation, severe agitation, hyperactivity, aggression, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, walking drunk, tremors, hyperthermia, and respiratory or cardiovascular depression. In cats, some forms of benzodiazepines can cause liver failure when ingested.
Features of Sleeping Pills For Dogs
Owners who are looking for a sedative to give to their dogs at home are somewhat limited in their choices. Acepromazine is the most commonly prescribed oral sedative for dogs. It is a member of the phenothiazine class of sedatives and works primarily by blocking dopamine receptors within the brain, thereby depressing certain brain functions. Unfortunately, acepromazine tablets can have wildly variable effects in different individuals. Some dogs may not appear sedated at all while others are laid flat, even when given similar doses of the drug. Additionally, the onset and duration of effect can be inconsistent and hard to predict.
A potentially better option is to squirt the injectable, liquid form of acepromazine between the gums and cheek of the dog. The medication is absorbed through the oral mucous membranes and provides more reliable sedation. Regardless of how oral acepromazine is given, side effects like low blood pressure and seizures in at-risk individuals are possible. Sometimes a veterinarian will recommend a medication that is traditionally used for other purposes for its sedative “side effects.” For example, the anti-seizure medications phenobarbital and gabapentin are known to have a profound sedative effect when they are first given to dogs, so they can also be prescribed for use before a potentially stressful event.
Treatment with more than one drug at a time will often improve a dog’s response to sedation. Possible oral sedative combinations include:
- acepromazine and Telazol powder (an anesthetic)
- acepromazine and diazepam (an anti-anxiety drug)
- diazepam and butorphanol (an opioid pain reliever)
- phenobarbital and diazepam
- dexmedetomidine (a pain reliever and anti-anxiety medication), ketamine (an anesthetic and pain reliever), and butorphanol. This combination can be absorbed through oral mucous membranes.
Injectable Dog Sedatives
Whenever possible, giving sedatives by injection is preferable to giving them orally because a dog’s response tends to be quicker and more predictable. Most of the oral medications that are mentioned above are also available for use by injection. Popular injectable sedatives and injectable sedative combinations for dogs include:
- acepromazine
- acepromazine and butorphanol
- diazepam and butorphanol
- Telazol
- Telazol and butorphanol
- dexmedetomidine (can be reversed with atipamezole)
- dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and butorphanol (can be partially reversed with atipamezole)
Uses/benefits of Sleeping Pills For Dogs
- Dr Oscar dog sleep aid helps dogs sleep better than with melatonin only. Dr. Oscar’s dog sleeping aid provides more complete support for general causes of sleeplessness in healthy dogs than just melatonin: Anxiety (valerian root, passion flower), Stress (ashwagandha), Agitation (lemon balm, l-theanine), Difficulty falling asleep (melatonin) & Night-time waking up (chamomile, ginger root, l-tryptophan)*
- Better than calming chews for sleep purposes. Melatonin is an absolute must for any natural dog sleeping pills, especially for cases of old age-related melatonin deficiency. Calming treats lack melatonin or provide amounts that are inadequate. Unlike them, Dr. Oscar provides the right amount of 3mg of Melatonin. Unless your dog’s sleep disturbances are caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and urinary tract infections, this sleep aid is your best choice*
- More than a sleep aid for dogs: neuro-protective, antioxidant & anti-inflamatory benefits. Dr. Oscar’s formula contains melatonin, natural ingredients and amino acids that offer a wide range of general health benefits to support the overall pet wellbeing and health in addition to balancing high levels of cortisol, regulating the wake-sleep cycle, aiding older dogs whose organism can’t produce enough melatonin and reducing nighttime waking up*
- Contains melatonin for hair growth support for dog cushings, alopecia & pattern baldness. Melatonin is a natural treatment for hair loss in pets. When used over the long term with lignans, it can relieve many symptoms associated with crushing’s disease in dogs. Melatonin may also benefit alopecia & pattern baldness. If you consider melatonin for any of these purposes, Dr. Oscar’s formula with melatonin, amino acids and herbs provides more benefits for your furry friend*
Dosage Of Melatonin For Dogs
The proper dosage of melatonin for your dog must be determined with the help of a vet, as individual dogs may have different needs based on the conditions being treated. Some vets recommend introducing melatonin gradually, then increasing the dosage as needed. Always consult your vet before giving your dog supplements or medication. The usual dosage of melatonin for dogs depends on size. Dogs less than ten pounds should generally take 1 mg. Dogs ten to 25 pounds usually take 1.5 mg. For dogs 26 to 100 pounds, 3 mg is recommended. Dogs over 100 pounds may take 3 to 6 mg.
You should not administer these dosages more than three times per day. Melatonin comes in tablet, capsule, powder, and liquid forms that can be given with or without food. It usually starts working within ten to 15 minutes after a dog takes it. Effects last for about eight hours if dogs take the correct dosage. For this reason, pet parents often give it to their dogs immediately before bed to provide a full night of sleep. You can also purchase chewable melatonin supplements made specifically for dogs, but you must still talk to your vet before giving them to your pet.
Side Effects Of Melatonin In Dogs
There are few reported side effects of melatonin in dogs so long as it’s administered correctly and at the proper dosage. In fact, the lack of side effects often makes it a more preferable choice than tranquilizers or other drugs. Still, there are a few side effects that you should watch out for. Report these your vet, as they may wish to recommend a lower dose or advise a different course of treatment.
Here are a few side effects that some dogs experience:
- Upset stomach and cramps
- Tachycardia (elevated heart rate)
- Itching
- Confusion
- Fertility changes
Prices of Sleeping Pills For Dogs
$28.49 – $58.99