ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/trazodone
US brand names:Desyrel
Trazodone is dosed at 2–5 mg/kg PO q8-12h as needed in dogs, per Neilson J. Drug therapy for behavioral problems. Presented at: Western Veterinary Conference; 2010. PMID: 40252524 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1295 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1266, Trazodone monograph spanning p.1266-1268; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207; Zoo Animal and Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia — ISBN 9780813811833, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780813811833 — CEILING: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, Trazodone monograph, printed p.1268 — "The maximum recommendation is 300 mg/dose.". Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Antagonizes 5-HT2A receptors and inhibits serotonin reuptake. Produces sedation and anxiolysis at lower doses than antidepressant effect.
Commonly used for event-based anxiety and post-surgical confinement in dogs. Sedation is primary effect. Serotonin syndrome risk with other serotonergic drugs. Priapism reported (rare). GI upset.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 2–5 mg/kg | q8-12h as needed | Strong | Neilson J. Drug therapy for behavioral problems. Presented at: Western Veterinary Conference; 2010. PMID: 40252524 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1295 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1266, Trazodone monograph spanning p.1266-1268; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207; Zoo Animal and Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia — ISBN 9780813811833, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780813811833 — CEILING: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, Trazodone monograph, printed p.1268 — "The maximum recommendation is 300 mg/dose." |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 50–100 mg per cat | q24h as needed |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
| Moderate |
| Verified against Papich/Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 4th Ed, p.834 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.834' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.806; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.806. — SOURCE EDITION: Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs — ISBN 9780323244855, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323244855 |