The most common type of sleep medication given to pets is diazepam (Valium®), although longer acting benzodiazepines may be used (eg temazepam). The symptoms of cognitive dysfunction are sometimes treated with a drug called selegiline.
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.
Benadryl: This mild antihistamine sedative helps calm your pet when it is nervous about clipping its nails. Melatonin supplements: Help regulate body rhythm and help calm down your dog. Natural sedation methods: Herbs like California poppy, chamomile, rosemary, or valerian are natural relaxants.
Side effects include sleepiness, increased appetite, incoordination, weakness, agitation, drooling, and aggression.
Dosing Information of Diazepam for Dogs and Cats
The typical dose administered to dogs is 0.25 to 1 mg per pound (0.5 to 2 mg/kg) and 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.5 to 1 mg/kg) in cats, intravenous as needed or as often as every six hours or as a constant rate infusion (a slow drip through the intravenous line).
Can I give my dog diazepam for humans? Diazepam comes in different dosages for humans and dogs, which could cause your dog to overdose. You should never give your dog any medication that isn't prescribed by your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian may prescribe oral anti-anxiety or sedative medications you can give to your dog at home, but obtaining sedative drugs requires a consultation with your veterinarian. You should only administer other at-home medications like Benadryl under the direction of your veterinarian.
"Can I give my dog melatonin?" Most human supplements are not appropriate to share with your pooch. However, melatonin is naturally producing in dogs, and so it's considered a safe supplement for canines.
Common side effects associated with using Benadryl for dogs include: Drowsiness. Dry mouth.
Natural Dog Health Remedies suggests valerian, chamomile, and passionflower have calming properties effective in helping canine insomnia. Combine equal parts of valerian and passionflower (or chamomile) and give 4 to 8 drops of the herbal mixture to your dog (depending on his size).
The literature is limited when it comes to the appropriate amount of melatonin to give your dog. According to Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, the appropriate dose for dogs with sleeping disorders is between 3 and 6 milligrams .
Natural sedatives for dogs, like Rescue Remedy, are usually made from herb and flower extracts such a chamomile and lavender. Pheromones and calming products are also natural ways to soothe an anxious dog.
Your dog may experience drowsiness or an upset stomach after ingesting melatonin. Watch out for other changes, too, including allergic reactions like vomiting, diarrhea or general itchiness. Contact your veterinarian if your dog starts showing any of these signs.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – Valerian is the most widely recognized herbal sedative. It's safe and gentle and calms the nerves. It also promotes physical relaxation. Use it for stressful events or if your dog gets hysterical or overexcitable.
Diazepam, sometimes known by the brand name Valium, is a drug that can be used in dogs as an anti-anxiety medication, a muscle relaxant, a treatment for seizures, and medicine for other conditions.
This can be taken as 1mg twice a day and can go up to 5mg taken 3 times a day. The dose can be increased to up to 20mg, taken 3 times a day if needed.
In dogs and cats: Short term management of convulsive disorders: 0.5 mg diazepam/kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.5 ml/5kg). Administered as a bolus and repeated up to three times, after no less than 10 minutes each time.
How long does diazepam take to start working? Diazepam starts to work very quickly in your body, and you should get calming effects within two hours of taking it.
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.
As a very general ballpark guide, oral doses of melatonin are typically as follows: 3mg per dose for dogs weighing less than 25lbs. 6mg per dose for dogs weighing more than 25lbs.