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Side Effects Of Xanax For Dogs

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Side Effects Of Xanax For Dogs

When we notice that our pets aren't feeling quite themselves, it may feel natural to look to the medicine cabinet for a little bit of help. However, there are often some pretty big differences in how certain medications work in ourselves or our pets.

For example, medicines that are generally very safe for humans, like Tylenol, can be highly dangerous to both cats and dogs.

So when it comes to something like anxiety, one might wonder if dogs can take Xanax to assist with their anxieties. While dogs can have Xanax, the kind prescribed to you is a human medication and therefore isn't a very safe option for dogs.

Let's take a look at why, and what other choices may be out there.

Side Effects Of Xanax For Dogs | Innovet Pet

What Is Xanax For Dogs?

There are a lot of questions that can come into play when you're considering anxiety medications for your dog. Common questions can include “can I give my dog Xanax?” or “how much Xanax can I give my dog?” Luckily, we're here to provide the answer to these questions and more.

To begin with, you can give a dog Xanax, but it's important to be very careful about it. Firstly, it's worth knowing that the dog Xanax dosage is going to be very different from the dosage for humans.

Furthermore, you'll want to check with your vet to make sure you understand the Xanax side effects in dogs.

Xanax is a brand name for the drug known as alprazolam, which is a benzodiazepine. In humans, it works alongside the brain's natural chemicals to calm down the user when they're experiencing anxiety.

However, it can be a highly addicting medication both for humans and dogs alike, especially when it is being used for the long-term.

Although it may not be the safest choice, it's not a rare thing for dogs to have it prescribed to them. Keep in mind that the doses typically provided are altered specifically for dogs, making them a rather effective option.

CBD Oil for Dog anxiety

What Does Xanax Do?

There are a variety of things that Xanax can be used to treat in dogs. They can include things like:

It can also sometimes be used for the treatment of dog aggression, but this is a controversial treatment for the issue. While there is proof that it is able to provide great results, in some other cases it can actually result in the problem worsening.

Side Effects Of Xanax For Dogs | Innovet Pet

If you have a dog that tends to just have more energy, it's not a good idea to use Xanax or other medications using alprazolam for dogs to try to calm them down.

There are breeds that can pick up destructive tendencies when they aren't getting enough stimulation, such as German Shepherds and Collies.

Rather than turning to medications, it is better to make sure breeds like these are getting more exercise and training in combination with toys and games that allow them to use their brains to settle them down.

When they have plenty of stimulation, they will relax more naturally and safely.

Dosage Xanax for Dogs

Xanax For Dogs Doses

It's not a good idea to try to dose out Xanax for your dog yourself or to try to give them Xanax intended for human anxiety disorders.

Instead, discuss the need for the medication with your vet, and allow them to provide the specific Xanax dosage for dogs, so your pet can get the right amount to suit their needs and keep them safe.

Typically, the Xanax dose for dogs can be anywhere from .005mg per pound to 2mg per pound, depending on the dog as well as their size.

It's also to be expected that you'll need to provide the medication to your dog every 6 or 12 hours to make sure they get the best benefits. However, your vet will help to determine how often your pet can take Xanax.

Keep in mind that there are risks when it comes to Xanax and dogs. While it can be a useful tool in fighting anxiety in dogs, it also runs the risk of damaging their kidneys and liver.

Consequently, if your dog already has conditions involving these areas, it's best to avoid Xanax.

It's also worth remembering that you may also have the option of getting generic alprazolam for your dog.

In which case, the alprazolam dosage for dogs might be different from that of name brand Xanax. It's really going to be up to your vet to decide.

How Does Xanax For Dogs Work?

It can absolutely be a powerful tool in dealing with extreme phobias, grief, and other situations where other methods haven't helped. As mentioned earlier, Xanax works with the brain's chemicals to create an effect that is typically very calming on dogs and humans alike.

It is important to keep in mind that this medication should be a last resort. On top of having side effects for some, it can also be highly addicting.

As a result, it should be used with care, under the guidelines of a vet and in situations where other forms of help haven't been successful.

Side Effects Of Xanax For Dogs | Innovet Pet

Dog Xanax Vs. Human Xanax

Keep in mind that there are differences between Xanax intended for humans and dog Xanax. Consequently, it is not a good idea to give your Xanax to dogs. If they really need anxiety medication, allow the vet to prescribe the correct medication and dose for them.

Otherwise, they run the risk of serious adverse effects, overdose, or addiction.

Your vet will be able to ensure that the Xanax prescribed is safe for dogs and will let you know exactly how much Xanax to give a dog.

The same is true for other alprazolam for dogs medications.

For those who have anxious cats, it's also highly important to make sure your cat receives their own prescription and that you are given the correct Xanax dosage for cats.



Xanax Benefits For Dogs

If you have a dog with some kind of specific anxiety and have tried everything you can think of to resolve the issue without success, it may be time to turn to anxiety medication.

Talk to your vet about your dog's anxiety, and see if they have any other ideas or treatment options for your dog. If not, they can prescribe Xanax for your dog in proper doses for their size as well as the level of their anxiety issues.

Side Effects Of Xanax For Dogs | Innovet Pet

Does My Dog Need Xanax?

If your dog has a lot of issues with anxiety, then Xanax may be able to help them. However, keep in mind that you'll have to be very careful with the medication in order to keep your dog from becoming dependent on the medication. Work closely with your vet to ensure that Xanax is the best option for your canine companion.

Xanax Side Effects

As with any medication, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for the side effects that can come with Xanax. Furthermore, don't give your dog Xanax if they suffer from kidney or liver diseases, muscular weakness, or canine glaucoma.

Some known side effects can include:

  • Motor control loss
  • Dependency, resulting in shakes, vomiting, and sensitivity
  • Liver issues
  • Fatigue
  • Hyperactivity or aggression
  • Appetite increase

It's also very important to keep an eye out for symptoms of a dog Xanax overdose.

Side Effects Of Xanax For Dogs | Innovet Pet

These can include:

  • Confusion
  • Reaction times that have become slow
  • Extreme sedation, appearing similar to a coma
  • Denigration of mental faculties

Because of the side effects and overdose possibilities, Xanax can be a risky solution. As a result, it's a good idea to discuss all of the possible options with your vet, so you can find the best one for your dog.

Types Of Xanax For Dogs

There are a variety of anit anxiety medications for dogs available on the market. (You should not give your human medication to your dog). As a result, there are a lot of prescription medications out there to treat anxiety or separation anxiety, which can allow you to better choose the one that will be best for your dog. It can be helpful to know that some may have lower risks of dependency and withdrawal symptoms than others.

In addition to the key ingredient in doggy Xanax, alprazolam, you can also find buspirone, dexmedetomidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, lorazepam, and a whole lot more. It is also Flexeril for dogs. Additionally, there are also supplements that can be very helpful in taking the edge off your dog's anxiety.

On top of that, there are a number of natural options that can help. Things like lavender scents, specially-designed collars, exercise, and other methods can help with keeping your dog's anxiety in check. That way, you can choose the best possible options for handling your dog's anxiety.

 

Xanax Natural Alternatives

Top Anxiety Medication Options For Dogs

With so many anxiety medication options out there, it's going to be very important that you talk to your vet about your dog's symptoms as well as what triggers the anxiety. Then, they'll be able to help you to find the best possible option for helping your pet.

Natural Anxiety Options

There are a number of great natural options that can help to ease the anxiety in your dog. Using these, you can help to settle them down without having to worry about side effects, adverse reactions or overdoses. They're worth trying before resorting to medications!

Distractions

Just like distraction can help you when you're in an anxious state, it can also help your dog by taking their mind off of whatever is causing anxiety. This is particularly useful if your dog has a specific phobia, like thunder, fireworks, or similar events.

Giving their mind something to focus on can be very helpful. For example, taking them through some simple tricks and providing plenty of rewards. You may even find that their fear lessens over time because they've come to expect attention and rewards during.

Exercise

Dogs don't have many means of releasing excess energy that can come with anxiety. Typically, they can either enjoy some physical exercise or playing, or they tend to become destructive to the environment around them. Making sure they get plenty of regular exercises can help them to relax in a much more natural way. They'll also be less likely to chew up furniture or shoes after a good romp!

Massage

There's a good chance you like massages, but did you know your dog does too? A simple massage can be a great way to give them attention, ease their anxiety, and relax their muscles. You can also easily find some simple massage techniques that are easy to perform on your dog.

Side Effects Of Xanax For Dogs | Innovet Pet

Finding The Best Supplement For Dogs

For those who may not want to take the medication route, there are some great supplements you can use to help with your dog's anxiety. One of the options out there growing in popularity is CBD, but there are a few others out there that may be able to help as well.

CBD For Dogs

As a whole, CBD is a product that may prove to be highly useful for dogs in a number of ways. Furthermore, options created today are typically specifically designed to be safe, coming from hemp plants and contains no THC. As a result, there is no “high” for your dog to experience.

CBD is being investigated all over the world for many uses. However at this time, as the manufacturer of CBD products, we are not allowed to discuss that subject publicly nor we are not allowed to imply that CBD can be used for any specific treatment.

CBD For Anxiety

Generally speaking, serotonin is the chemical that is created naturally within our brains and released to help with keeping our moods stable. However, for some, there is a lack of ability to release enough of that chemical. CBD studies have shown it may be able to connect to the receptors linked to creating serotonin, helping to release more of the chemical and allow users to feel better.

More and more humans are understanding the possible benefits of CBD, and these days there is a lot of exploration of what it can do for our pets as well. The findings are showing that it can be quite a useful tool for them!

Top CBD Products

CBD Dog Treats | Innovet Pet

When you're looking for CBD for your dog, it's important to find products that are high-quality. Luckily, there are some great CBD oil and treats on the market that can possibly help your dog greatly! That way, you can choose the best method for easing their anxiety. 

CBD Oil

For dogs and humans alike, serotonin is the chemical that helps with stabilizing moods. However, in some beings there can be some issues with that chemical, which means that things like anxiety and depression can be more common. In those situations, CBD oil can possibly be a very useful tool. Innovet Pet's CBD Oil is one of the easiest alternatives to implement for your dog's anxiety. An aspect that people love is that you have control of every little drop provided to your dog. This is great for starting them off with very small amounts, and using just enough so that they get the benefits.

CBD Treats

Another great option for helping your dog with anxiety are CBD dog treats. Innovet also offers a couple of different varieties that you can choose from. In the hemp treat line, you can select from three different flavors that are highly delicious for dogs. Each packet also gives you an easy-to-follow guide so that you can make sure that no matter what size your dog is, they'll get the right dose.

For another great option, dog vitamin chews are also a great choice. They offer a delicious flavor and a soft result, making it easy to dose, or just easier for dogs to chew up.

Xanax For Dogs: The Bottom Line

When you're seeking help for your dog's anxiety, Xanax can be a helpful option. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are side effects and overdoses worth considering. If you take this route, make sure to work carefully with your vet to make sure your dog is safe.

Furthermore, if you're just starting to notice anxiety in your dog, then it's a good idea to try some of the more natural options first. It's entirely possible to solve the problem before turning to something as serious as Xanax or other anxiety medications.


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