Trazodone for Dogs: A Fear-Free Way to Reduce Vet Visit Anxiety
with Dr. Kate Sapato
Friends and Neighbors,
Let’s Talk Trazodone: Why Pre-Vet Visit Medications Are a Kind and Fear Free Choice
Does your dog start to shake when you pull into the vet’s parking lot? Or maybe your normally sweet pup becomes defensive and fearful in the exam room? It’s okay, it happens more often than you might think. And while we wish we could explain to our pets that the vet is here to help, sometimes a little extra support is needed to make visits less scary.
That’s where pre-visit medications, like trazodone, come in. And no, they’re not “tranquilizers” or a way to knock your pet out. When used thoughtfully, they’re a safe, Fear Free way to help reduce fear, anxiety, and stress.
What is Trazodone?
Trazodone is an anxiolytic medication, which simply means it helps reduce anxiety. It belongs to a class of medications called serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitors, which increase the amount of serotonin available in the brain. Serotonin is the “feel-good” chemical that helps keep pets (and people!) feeling calm, happy, and emotionally balanced.
While trazodone can cause sedation as a side effect—especially at higher doses—that’s not its primary goal when used as a pre-visit medication. The aim is to help your pet feel calm, not zonked out. In fact, we work hard to find the right dose for each pet that eases anxiety without making them overly sleepy.
Trazodone is Part of Fear Free Veterinary Care
Fear Free isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a philosophy. It’s about making sure your pet’s mental and emotional well-being are cared for just as much as their physical health. If your dog is fearful or panicked at the vet, it’s not just stressful—it can be traumatic, and may even make future visits harder.
Using medications like trazodone ahead of a visit is one of the most compassionate ways to set your dog up for success. When we reduce anxiety beforehand, the entire experience becomes safer, calmer, and more positive—for your pet, for you, and for our veterinary team.
Common Uses of Trazodone
Trazodone is incredibly versatile. Here are some of the most common reasons we prescribe it:
Pre-veterinary visit anxiety relief
Before surgery drop-off (it even has anesthetic-sparing effects, meaning we can use less anesthesia during procedures!)
Post-operative recovery (higher doses can help keep pets calm and encourage rest)
During known stress triggers like fireworks, thunderstorms, grooming, or travel
Timing is Everything
Trazodone reaches its peak effect about 3 hours after it’s given. That’s why we usually recommend giving it 3 hours before a stressful event. It can also be given every 8 hours, if needed for ongoing anxiety.
Who Shouldn’t Take Trazodone?
We always review your pet’s medical history to ensure it's the right fit. While trazodone is generally very safe, it’s not right for every dog. It should not be given to dogs who:
Have a history of seizures
Have previously had an adverse reaction to the medication
Final Thoughts: Fear Free is the Best Kind of Free
Choosing to give your dog a pre-visit medication like trazodone doesn’t mean they’re “difficult” or “bad.” It means you’re listening to their needs and advocating for a better experience—and we love that!
So if your pup gets stressed at the vet, don’t be afraid to ask about pre-visit meds. A calm dog is a happier dog, and a smoother visit benefits everyone involved. ❤️🐶
Have questions about whether trazodone is right for your pet? Contact us! We’re always happy to help make veterinary visits a little easier on everyone.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kate Sapato and the BLVD Vet Team