Trazodone Tablets for Dogs, Cats, and Horses
-
Used to treat anxiety-related conditions in dogs and cats, including as-needed use before stressful events (e.g., thunderstorms, vet visits).
-
Can also be used to facilitate stall rest or treat behavioral issues in horses.
-
Do not use this medication within at least 2 weeks of any monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), including amitraz, an ingredient in certain flea and tick collars.
-
May be prescribed for other animal species; please consult your veterinarian.
-
While this drug does not have an FDA-approved indication for all animal uses, it is commonly accepted for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for use in animals.
Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) used to relieve anxiety in dogs and cats prior to stressful events, including veterinary visits, travel, and hospitalization. This medication may also be prescribed to help treat anxiety or fear-based behavior disorders.
This product is an oral tablet formulation.
Medications can play a significant role in comprehensive behavior modification therapy. Please follow your pet’s individual treatment plan, which may include a combination of medications and behavioral modification strategies, as recommended by your veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
Please note: This is a generic medication. Product packaging and appearance, including size, color, and shape, may differ from the description or images provided and are subject to manufacturer availability.
Product sourced directly from the manufacturer or their approved distributor. Guaranteed genuine product backed by the manufacturer.
For
Dogs, Cats, and Horses
Drug class
Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI)
Active ingredient(s)
Trazodone hydrochloride
Common brand names
Desyrel
Product strength & size
Trazodone tablets may be available in multiple strengths and/or sizes.
Please ensure the selected product and quantity are appropriate for your pet, as recommended by your veterinarian. For current availability, please refer to the product selection above.
Usage
Trazodone Tablets should be administered as directed by your veterinarian. Please consult your veterinarian before making any changes or discontinuing the prescribed dosing schedule.
-
Do not discontinue this medication abruptly, especially if your pet has been using it consistently on a regular (daily) basis.
-
When used on a chronic/regular basis, this medication may require 2 weeks or longer to reach its full therapeutic effect. Your veterinarian may monitor closely and adjust the dosage according to your pet’s treatment plan.
-
This medication can be given with or without food. If your pet vomits or appears unwell after receiving a dose on an empty stomach, give future doses with a small amount of food or a treat. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian.
If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give more medication than prescribed or two doses at once. If you have questions about your pet’s prescribed dosing schedule (e.g., timing, interval), please contact your veterinarian.
Storage
-
Store in a cool, dry place at a controlled room temperature (68° to 77°F).
-
Keep this and all other medications in a secure location out of the reach of children and animals.
-
Exposure to extreme temperatures, light, or moisture can affect the integrity and effectiveness of medications. Always store this medication properly (e.g., away from the bathroom, kitchen sink, or other damp places).
Side effects
Trazodone is typically well tolerated. The most common side effects of this medication are drowsiness, sedation, decreased coordination, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your veterinarian may advise a lower initial dose and gradually increase over time to help find an appropriate dosage and avoid these effects.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following side effects, as they may indicate that your pet is not responding appropriately to or is experiencing an issue related to this medication:
-
Extreme behavioral changes (e.g., new or worsening anxiety, agitation, and/or aggression)
-
Seizures
-
Muscle tremors or rigidity
-
Shivering/shaking
-
Mydriasis (dilated pupils)
-
Disorientation
The information provided above may not encompass all possible side effects. Please notify your veterinarian if your pet experiences any side effects, including those listed above, or if you notice anything unusual.
Precautions
-
For veterinary use only.
-
Use with caution in animals with a history of cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), heart disease, closed-angle glaucoma, or severe kidney or liver issues.
-
Safe use of this medication has not been established in pregnant or lactating animals. Discuss the risks of using this medication with your veterinarian prior to use if your pet falls into one of these categories.
Do not administer this medication to animals with a known or suspected allergy/hypersensitivity to it or any of its ingredients. Allergic reactions to medications may occur. Please inform Vetsource and your veterinarian if your pet has any known sensitivities or allergies, especially to medications and supplements.
If your pet displays symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue therapy and call your veterinarian immediately or seek emergency veterinary attention. Symptoms may include (but are not limited to): swollen lips, tongue, face, or airways; difficulty breathing; agitation; profuse salivation; and widespread hives or itching.
Food and drug interactions
Because this medication should NOT be used within at least 2 weeks of any monoamine oxidase inhibitor (e.g., amitraz, selegiline), it is NOT compatible with flea and tick collars that contain amitraz as an active ingredient. If your pet is currently using one of these collars, consult your veterinarian before starting this medication.
Additionally, the following drugs* may also have potential interactions with this medication:
aspirin, azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), blood pressure medications (e.g., amlodipine, enalapril, telmisartan [Semintra]), clopidogrel, CNS depressant drugs (e.g., dexmedetomidine [Sileo], hydroxyzine, opioids), digoxin, diuretics (e.g., furosemide), metoclopramide, mirtazapine, ondansetron, phenobarbital, phenothiazines (e.g., acepromazine [PromAce]), sotalol, SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine), tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine), and warfarin.
Please ensure your veterinarian is aware of all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter (OTC) products that your pet is currently using. Your veterinarian may prescribe multiple medications, even if a potential drug interaction may occur. In these instances, your veterinarian may adjust the dosages or monitor more closely. Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when multiple medications and/or supplements are given together.
*The information provided in this product description does not contain all possible drug interactions. Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns prior to using this medication.
Adverse reactions
If you are concerned that your pet has experienced an adverse reaction to this medication, please contact Vetsource Pet Owner Care at 877-738-4443.
Overdose
If you have any reason to suspect accidental ingestion or overdose, call your doctor/veterinarian or the appropriate poison control resource immediately.
For humans:
-
The national toll-free Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, will connect you to your local poison center in case of emergency. This service is available nationwide and in most U.S. territories.
For animals:
-
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 888-426-4435.
-
Pet Poison Helpline also provides a 24/7 animal poison control service at 855-764-7661.
Please note: The contact information provided above is for third-party services in the event of a potential poison-related emergency. Consultation fees may apply for these services.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this page is NOT medical advice.
All content, including the images and product description above, is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. For additional information about this product and how it fits into your pet's individual treatment plan, please consult your veterinarian.
Last revised: 9/29/2026