Are you wondering if Klonopin (clonazepam) is safe for dogs?
First thing’s first:
This prescription drug must be used with great caution considering that it’s a benzodiazepine much like Valium and Xanax.
While some dogs greatly benefit from taking Klonopin, it certainly does have potential for harm.
With that being said, most veterinarians routinely administer clonazepam for a wide variety of aliments.
Dogs Can Take Klonopin
But, whatever the situation, avoid giving a leftover supply. Otherwise, you’d expose your buddy to unnecessary dangers.
Common Klonopin Uses
Clonazepam can be prescribed (off label) to your dog for insomnia, other types of sleep disorders, epileptic seizures, anxiety, general pain, anxiety and as a muscle relaxer.
It is an effective pharmaceutical for pets too, though side effects can and do occur.
The Downsides For Dogs
Improperly medicating with Klonopin could create a nasty physical dependency.
You do not want clonazepam to affect your dog’s demeanor. As such, they may need to be carefully weaned off to avoid dangerous benzodiazepine withdrawals.
And this type of complication does not only result in behavioral problems.
A study on the anticonvulsant effects of clonazepam in dogs documented occurrences of Hyperthermia, anorexia and weight loss due to increased tolerance and dependence.
Klonopin may also cause the following:
- Poor appetite
- Fatigue
- Loss of coordination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive salvation
Understand that Klonopin can easily lower your dog’s blood pressure. This, in turn, could make them collapse.
And there is something else you should know…
Clonazepam may have an opposite effect. Paradoxical reactions are not uncommon ie. taking it could make your dog experience hyperactivity.
Safe Dosing is Essential
Obviously a proper Klonopin dose is super critical which is why a vet should make the determination.
The following is a general guideline only:
Dosing is typically set a 0.1mg for each pound of the dog’s body weight. This means a 50 pound canine would be given 5mg up to 3 times per day (or every 8 hours).
However, even a single milligram could be too much for smallish breeds!
It is just not smart, or responsible, to put your dog on Clonazepam or Ativan without veterinary assistance.
The pet’s medical situation, and several other factors, should be taken into account to arrive at a precise amount.
It cannot be stressed enough:
Consult with a trusted vet before giving your dog any amount of Klonopin!
How About Xanax or Valium?
We touched on the fact that Clonazepam is comparable to Xanax — both are benzos.
These medications work in much the same way, but many people favor Valium (Diazepam) or Xanax over Klonopin because they tend to kick in faster.
While timing can be a major factor for treating situational anxiety, our primary concern is your dog’s safety.
The Bottom Line
Most dogs can be given Klonopin, but it really depends on the underlying medical problem.
Speak with your vet about the best course of action for anxiety or whatever is ailing your animal. They may suggest safer alternatives.
Play it safe because side effects from clonazepam aren’t out of the ordinary.
Klonopin may or may not be the right drug for your precious pet dog.
My Labradoodle will not listen to me. He bites even after I close his snout, he does come to me when I call him. He is totally out of control. I have had several puppies but nothing like him. My anxiety level is so high I keep getting sick. I am ready to give him up for adoption or to a shelter.
Please help before I do something I shouldn’t do. I have given him CBD oil but it does nothing to calm him down. I have clonazepam for myself and I am going to call the vet and ask if that is okay to give him. He is a monster! I have trained 4 other puppies and they listened behaved etc. not this one!
As an educator and a dog trainer myself, try a positive constructive action. One methodology doesn’t necessarily fit all, so to speak.
Use local canine resources. Have your Labradoodle trained by another professional. Barter payment via services or equal breed exchange.
All life has value. Invest in remediation. The dog will receive, integrative guidance, acceptance and love thereafter; either from you or an adoptive family. He’ll be happy, you’ll be happy.
Does anyone know what would be a safe Klonopin dose for a pound dog? I want to sedate him so I can trim his nails. Yes, I know I should go to a vet. I just want to make him more comfortable. His nails are long. He is uncontrollable if I try to trim them.
Can I give my 70 pound Pit Bull Klonopin for separation anxiety? He has been prescribed a medication, but it takes 3 hours for it to have effect. I need something that works faster for thunderstorms, etc. Thanks.
I am searching for an appetite stimulant for a dog in renal and ĺiver failure. To watch a starving dog not eat when offered a dozen of her favorites is breaking my heart. I know Benzodiazepines and Compazine increase my appetite and I’m just reaching for some hope.
Why would you keep this poor animal alive and starve him when he is obviously very sick? None of what you asked makes any sense. The question really ought to be, when are you taking this poor baby in to have him put to sleep?
Anyone whose pet suffers from debilitating anxiety (or any other condition) should be taken to their professional veterinarian for advice.