Note: Xanax is a prescription medicine and should not be administered without approval and a dosage recommendation from your vet. Though heavily dependent on the condition being treated, typical doses range from 0.005 – 0.045 mg/lb given orally every 6 to 12 hours, or 1 to 2 mg for a medium sized dog each day.
How does Xanax work?
Your vet will determine the proper dosage of Xanax specifically for your pet based on their anxiety issues. Xanax is available in tablet form, and you can administer it with or without food.
For dogs, the typical dose of Xanax is 0.01 – 0.05 mg per pound, every 6 to 12 hours as needed.
For cats, the typical dose is 0.125-0.25 mg per cat, every 8 to 24 hours.
If your dog or cat is small, your vet may prescribe a liquid preparation of Xanax to make dosing easier.
Overview of Using Alprazolam (Xanax®) for Canines and Felines
Alprazolam is more commonly known as Xanax®, and used for dogs and cats as an alleviant of anxiety and as a muscle relaxant. It is commonly used in dogs for storm phobias.
Behavioral disorders in dogs and cats are frequently the reason for veterinary visits. Unacceptable or dangerous animal behavior problems are unfortunately also a common reason for pets’ surrender and euthanasia.
Lately, veterinarians have placed greater emphasis on training and behavior, and specialists working in the field of animal behavior have increasingly adopted drugs employed in human behavior modification for use in domestic animals. Alprazolam is one of those drugs.
Alprazolam is a mild tranquilizer used to reduce anxiety in dogs and cats. It is classified chemically as a benzodiazepine tranquilizer. Other drugs in this class include diazepam (Valium®) and clorazepate (Tranxene®).
Alprazolam is considered a controlled substance. Accordingly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of the United States (and similar regulatory agencies in other countries) strictly control these drugs. Controlled drugs are classified into categories (“schedules”) based on abuse potential. These drugs require a prescription by a veterinarian with an appropriate DEA license, and any refills are tightly controlled and regulated.]] and is a prescription drug. Alprazolam can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.
Alprazolam is not approved for use in animals by the FDA but may be prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.
Symptoms of Xanax Toxicity in Dogs
Symptoms of Xanax toxicity may include:
Severe sedation
Depression
Agitation
Aggression
Incoordination
Hypothermia or hyperthermia
Nausea
Vomiting
Respiratory depression
Cardiovascular depression
Types
Xanax is a classification of medication known as a benzodiazepine. This drug is used in humans as well as pets; primarily those with anxiety. These medications can also be prescribed for use as a muscle relaxant, sleep aid and anti-convulsant medication. Related medication include alprazolam, zolazepam, prazepam, pinazepam, oxazepam, nitrazepam, midazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam, Klonopin, Versed and Valium.
FAQ
How much Xanax can a 50lb dog take?
No dog should be given anything more than 4 mg a day within a twenty-four-hour period, max. Sometimes Xanax is prescribed in a concentrated liquid of 1 ml, or 5 ml. The drug concentration will range from . 50 mg to 1 mg per 1 ml or 5 ml unit.
Will 1 mg Xanax hurt my dog?
According to Dr. Andy, DVM on Justanswer.com, the maximum normal dose of Xanax for dogs is 0.05mg per pound of body weight. This dose can be taken twice daily, making the maximum daily dose 0.1mg per pound of body weight.
Can dogs take normal Xanax?
Xanax poses certain risks for dogs. It’s a powerful medication that may cause side effects including kidney and liver problems. Don’t give your dog Xanax if he or she has kidney disease or liver conditions.
Can you give a dog Xanax to calm them down?
In addition, alprazolam can be quite effective in calming dogs’ anxiety during thunderstorms and in a number of other stressful conditions that cause canine stress. Also known as Xanax®, alprazolam works by altering certain activities in areas of the brain that help produce the wanted outcomes.