Most pets that ingest alprazolam can become sleepy and wobbly; however a few will become very agitated instead. These pills are commonly ingested by pets as people put them out on the nightstand so they remember to take them. Large doses of alprazolam can drop the blood pressure and could cause weakness or collapse.
Can Xanax Be Used On Dogs?
Xanax, or alprazolam, is one of those medications that are prescribed both for human and animal use. It is commonly used in veterinary medicine to have the same calming effect on dogs as on people.
It has sedative and muscle-relaxant qualities which can help to relieve anxiety in canines regardless of the situation.
For example, a vet may give Xanax to a dog who gets overly stressed during thunderstorms, or in the days leading up to Fourth of July Celebrations. This helps the dog to be more relaxed during the frightening event, and prevents it from otherwise hurting itself or others in its vicinity.
It can also be medically prescribed for dogs that have spastic conditions and even to treat depression resulting from serious grief, though in those situations it should be used sparingly and only for the short-term.
Of course, the dosages that dogs need differ greatly to that of humans. Since most dogs weigh less than adult humans, they will naturally need a much smaller amount of Xanax.
Dogs also do not metabolize medications at the same rate that we do. If they accidentally have too much, they will be in danger of an overdose.
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.
Therefore, whether a dog will be in an overdose situation or not after eating an 1mg Xanax will depending primarily on its size and weight.
When giving Xanax to dogs intentionally, it is important to always begin with the lowest effective dose. This is because every dog reacts differently to medication, and some may need less to have an effect.
According to canna-pet, no dog should ever exceed 4mg of Xanax in a single day.
Xanax comes in tablet and concentrated liquid form, both of which are easily swallowable by a dog. Tablets come in a maximum dosage of 2mg, while liquids max out at 1mg per 5mls; either form allows for easy overdose if a large amount is eaten.
According to Dr. Scott Perry at JustAnswer, Xanax and Benadryl is indeed a safe combination that can be given to a dog for anxiety relief.
However, it is not necessary to provide both concurrently.
This is because effective control of acute anxiety can be achieved by administering Xanax alone, making the Benadryl extraneous other than perhaps making your pup a bit drowsier.
In situations where your dog is prone to becoming nervous and fearful, Xanax is definitely the better choice when compared to Benadryl for reduction of anxiety. The former helps to keep the dog calm, while the latter often makes the dog sleepy- but still anxious.
Symptoms of Xanax Toxicity in Dogs
Signs and symptoms that may indicate a Xanax overdose in your canine companion can include:
If you dog shows any of these signs and symptoms, he’s having a medical emergency and it’s time to call the vet immediately.
How do I know if my dog ate a pill?
Pets that eat large doses of NSAIDs can experience severe stomach ulcers and kidney failure. Signs may include vomiting (with or without blood), diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased drinking and urination.
FAQ
Can I give my dog 2mg Xanax?
What happens if my dog eats my Xanax?
How much alprazolam can my dog take?
Will human Xanax hurt a dog?