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Sedatives for dogs

Among medications intended for animals, medications for relieving aggression, overexcitement, and nervous tension occupy a special place. These conditions in dogs can be triggered by a variety of factors: thunder, fireworks, noisy crowds on the street, long-distance transportation, unpleasant veterinary procedures, increased nervousness during sexual arousal in male dogs, and heat or pregnancy in female dogs.

Sedatives for dogs are typically used one-time or in short courses to relieve anxiety, as most are quite potent and potentially addictive. There are several groups of these medications, differing in their mechanism of action and indications for use.

Antidepressants

They effectively relieve fear, anxiety, and depression, and reduce agitation and aggression. They should only be administered to animals under the direction of a veterinarian. Your veterinarian will select the appropriate medication type and strength, and calculate the dosage based on the dog's symptoms, the cause of the nervous system disorder, and its specific needs (weight, age, general condition, any medical conditions, etc.).

The dog is lying down

Important to know: If the instructions for a product state that it calms animals, including during the heat period, this means it reduces excessive agitation and nervousness in dogs. Other manifestations of the reproductive instinct are not suppressed.

Antidepressants are classified according to the type of active substance and are divided into several groups.

Benzodiazepines

This group includes fast-acting sedatives. They are widely used in veterinary medicine to relieve acute anxiety in dogs, such as fear of thunderstorms or noisy crowds, during competitive viewings, transportation, and medical procedures. With long-term use, benzodiazepines can be addictive. Examples of this group include Valium, Klonopin, and Xanax.

Nonbenzodiazepine tranquilizers

Buspirone (Spitomin) is a member of this class of antidepressants used in animals. It is primarily used as a mild sedative and anti-anxiety agent for small breed dogs, and is used during veterinary procedures or grooming visits.

Tricyclic antidepressants

This class of sedatives is used to treat neuroses and is effective in treating aggressive behavior in dogs, as well as severe fear or phobias. The standard treatment regimen involves a three-week course of treatment with a gradual increase in dosage, starting with the minimum.

One side effect of TCAs is decreased appetite or intense thirst during the first few days of treatment. These side effects are harmless and usually resolve on their own. Among the tricyclic antidepressants, dogs are prescribed Amitriptyline, Clomicalm, or Fluoxetine.

Sedatives for dogs

Muscle relaxants

These are drugs that act on the central nervous system, reducing smooth muscle tone and providing a sedative and analgesic effect. They are designed to prevent and eliminate reactions to stress factors and are also used during therapeutic procedures that cause discomfort or pain. They are available as mixtures and injection solutions. For dogs, Vetranquil or Rompun. Injections of these sedatives should be given to the animal approximately one hour before possible exposure to a negative factor; the effect lasts 6-8 hours.

Herbal remedies

Natural sedatives can be given to animals over long periods of time; they are non-addictive and have virtually no side effects. These medications are available as dietary supplements, tablets, extracts, and drops. It's best to discuss the dosage and administration schedule of herbal remedies with your veterinarian beforehand.

Veterinarians recommend using herbal sedatives if the dog doesn't exhibit pronounced aggression or phobias, as these medications are less effective than medications. Natural sedatives are also indicated for conditions that prohibit the use of synthetic medications.

The puppy is lying on the bed

Among the pharmaceutical preparations we can recommend:

  • Fitex. A water-alcohol based plant extract. The recommended course of treatment is up to 4 weeks.
  • Stop stress. A combination medication in drops containing medicinal plant extracts and the synthetic substance phenibut. The recommended course of treatment is two weeks.
  • Da-ba Relax. Calming herbal tablets. The recommended dosage for a dog weighing approximately 10 kg is one tablet three times daily.
  • Cat Bayun. Available in tablets and aqueous solutions, this medication contains medicinal herbs with a relaxing effect.
  • Hormone Balancer Drops. A preparation based on plant extracts. Effective during male dogs' heat cycles and female dogs' estrus cycles.
  • Nutri-Vet. Tablets containing herbal ingredients, including ginger, which has an antiemetic effect, vitamins, and the amino acids taurine and L-tryptophan, which normalize the functioning of the nervous system.

You can make a tincture or herbal decoction at home. These can be given to your dog for several days in a row, but the doses should be small. A veterinarian can help you calculate the correct dosage.

Herbs

The following have a relaxing and calming effect:

  • Valerian. It also acts as an antispasmodic, making it effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders caused by nervous disorders.
  • Motherwort. This plant has sedative and antispasmodic properties and is more effective than valerian.
  • Passionflower (Passionflower). One of the most powerful natural tranquilizers. Effective for dogs suffering from stress or displaying aggression.
  • Baikal skullcap. The most effective treatment for chronic stress or pain syndrome.
  • Oats. The inflorescences of this plant have a stabilizing effect on the central nervous system; oat tinctures or decoctions are effective for restoring a dog after stress or physical exhaustion.

Good to know! In some cases, when a dog's anxiety or nervousness isn't very pronounced, warm milk can help relieve it. It contains tryptophan, an aminopropionic acid that acts as a mild but effective relaxant. It's thanks to tryptophan that puppies, after drinking their mother's milk, behave calmly and sleep well.

Pheromones

These volatile substances are an external secretion of warm-blooded animals. They act as chemical signals between members of the same mammal species, regulating their behavioral responses. A synthetic analogue of the secretion produced by lactating female dogs is used to calm dogs. It has a calming effect on adult dogs and reduces anxiety. The most popular pheromone-based products for calming dogs include:

  • Adaptil;
  • Sentry GoodBehavior;
  • Help dog;
  • Quil Soothing.

These calming products come in the form of diffusers (regular, electric, or ultrasonic), sprays for treating the dog's habitat, or collars that are placed on animals before traveling or going for a walk.

You can also ask our website's staff veterinarian a question, who will answer them as quickly as possible in the comments box below.

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41 comment

  • Hello, I have an 11-year-old female Alabai dog. She's lived in a cage her whole life. For the last six months, she's torn the cage to shreds. We've changed the wire mesh about 10 times already, and she chews up the wood like dried roach. ‍♀️ As soon as she gets out of the cage, she runs away and runs around the village. Fences are no barrier for her. When you bring her home, she's a calm, happy dog, but it's impossible to keep her indoors. Could you tell me what kind of sedative I should give her?

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    • Hello! Sedatives aren't what's needed here, but the help of a dog trainer with training and discipline. If an animal has already done something unpunished once or twice, it will continue to do so. Leaving this breed unattended, especially when it's running loose in a private home, is extremely dangerous. Sooner or later, someone will call for a shooter, file a complaint with law enforcement, or the animal, while free-ranging, will be hit by a moving vehicle. Behavior modification is essential; medications won't help.

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  • Hello, I have a 5-year-old Yorkshire Terrier. I took him from his parents for temporary care because my other dog was in heat. He started eating, drinking, and sleeping, but his agitation persists. He sleeps on the bed, and the bed is covered in his fluids (not urine). Please advise what I can do to calm him down. He has sexual activity with anything that moves, and anything that doesn't.

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    • Hello! Why didn't you neuter your dog if you don't plan to breed him? This could lead to health problems in the future. You can't give him any hormonal pills, as this increases the risk of tumors. The animal's hormones are running high and aren't clearing quickly from the blood. Even after neutering, he'll remain active for several weeks until the hormone levels in his blood drop. Provide him with physical activity (long walks and playtime). I'm not sure homeopathic sedatives will provide any relief.

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  • Good afternoon! I have a problem: my Jack Russell starts barking loudly and throwing himself at the front door when we leave for work. She has lots of toys, bones, and a Samoyed friend she plays with. But she starts barking like crazy in the morning and for about two hours. What should I do? Maybe some kind of sedative?

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    • Hello! Jack Russells are a very energetic breed; they require long walks (many hours) with plenty of exercise (running, jumping). Chances are, you don't give your dog long walks in the morning; he's overly energetic, hence the barking. Toys and a "friend" in the house won't help—he needs plenty of space to run and run. I wouldn't be surprised if he also gets a bit naughty (tears up the house). Unfortunately, sedatives are unlikely to help, as the excess energy will remain. Try extending your morning walks by at least half an hour, or organize real races and active games, rather than just relieving himself.

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  • Good evening. Our 1.5-year-old Akita, weighing 30 kg, doesn't handle car travel well. He salivates constantly and occasionally, though rarely, vomits once. When we're going on a trip, we don't feed him for eight hours. Kotbayun doesn't lull him to sleep. Could you recommend a medication to calm him down? Thank you.

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    • Hello! Do you specifically need a sedative or to prevent your pet from vomiting while traveling? If it's for nausea, you can give your pet an injection of metoclopramide (available at human pharmacies, but in some countries you need a prescription) or buy serenia at a veterinary pharmacy. Perhaps there are other motion sickness and nausea medications available in your region; your local pharmacist can advise you further. Regarding sedatives, either give them regularly for a cumulative effect, which isn't ideal, or increase the dosage of your existing medications.

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  • Hello, I have a dog, 7 months old, a German Shepherd.
    She constantly chases her tail and barks, sits, looks at it, and barks playfully. This has been happening since she was three months old, day and night. During play and training, she's constantly distracted by her tail, and then barks at it again. She's been vaccinated, dewormed, and flea-treated. She has a large living area of ​​10 acres. Could I use some kind of sedative to reduce her activity?

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    • Hello! What calming words! =) She's still essentially a puppy. There's even a saying: "As stupid as a dog under one year old." The animal is still bursting with energy. She just doesn't have enough exercise to release her energy and emotions. Space is simply not enough. You need to play with her. Does she have toys? Balls, ropes, sticks, and anything else a dog can run with and play with on her own? My shepherd was going crazy until she was 11 months old, running around the house like a wounded deer, knocking everything out of her way. I had to buy her a lot of toys and move her outside (we moved her outside when she was 8 months old). There, she entertained herself with the toys, tossing them around, chasing them and barking. Within a couple of weeks, I noticed that she was running around less. Maybe I could set up an obstacle course or run with the dog, or maybe find her a playmate (neighborhood dogs on walks)? But how long ago was it that you treated the dog for fleas? Look, maybe there are some on the tip of the tail? Although, from what you described, it doesn't look like fleas, since the dog would be chewing on its tail, not just chasing it.

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  • Hello! Can I please tell me if I can give a sedative to a 3-month-old Jack Russell puppy? He's hyperactive, especially when he gets very aggressive and overexcited. I'll try to calm him down (thank you).

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    • Hello! What sedative? Are you kidding? You've got a breed that's hyperactive at any age. Jack Russells are the kind of dogs that require constant active rest, running, and playing. Otherwise, they'll tear the house apart and start causing mischief. Not because of a bad temper, but because of an excess of energy. And training is essential. And then there's the puppy, just a child exploring the world (and often testing its teeth). During play, it might overdo it and bite harder, but that's a matter of training and how you explain to the puppy that this isn't right (just don't hit or yell at the puppy, otherwise you'll make things worse). Calmly tell them that it's wrong, show them that it bothers you. And spend more time outdoors (not just 5 minutes to relieve themselves, but at least 40 minutes with active games like fetch, tag, or running around the stadium). And then no sedatives will be needed.

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  • Hello! My small dog is 11 months old and weighs 4.5 kg. During a long flight (8 hours), he howled almost constantly, only ceasing briefly. We weren't allowed to take him out of his carrier in the cabin. We have another long flight back. Should I give him a sedative (and what kind?) or should I check him into the pet hold so he doesn't disturb other passengers with his howling?

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    • Hello! It's best to start administering sedatives well in advance—at least a week beforehand, so they can build up in the animal's system, but even earlier if possible. Options include Fospasim, Stop-Stress, and KotBayun (these are recommended according to the instructions), as well as valerian and glycine (twice a day). Start administering them well in advance, and you can put them in the hold (if the dog doesn't have heart problems and isn't afraid to be alone). However, the flight itself isn't easy to handle, even for people. The pressure changes, after all, are pits. The animal is scared, hence the whining. If the dog is small, keep it with you so it doesn't panic so much.

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  • My dog ​​is 4 years old and has started attacking everything that moves. She's very aggressive. They're recommending spaying her, saying it will calm her down. I'm afraid. My cat died after she was spayed. We don't plan on breeding her and only walk her on a leash. Could you tell me what to do? Maybe give her something to drink?

    Answer

    • Hello! How long has the aggression been going on? You're unnecessarily afraid of spaying; it can help prevent serious health problems in the future. Have you tried an ultrasound to check the reproductive system (to rule out ovarian cysts and growths, which can cause hormonal imbalances and CAN trigger inappropriate behavior?)? Have you ever given hormonal medications to suppress sexual desire? I hope the dog is vaccinated against rabies... You can also give the dog Fospasim, Stop-stress, and even valerian (a week-long course). But this isn't a solution; you need to find the cause of the sudden behavioral change.

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  • Hello. I have a problem with constant barking. I live in a village with three dogs of different ages, all stray "yard terriers." They live in a yard in normal conditions. What's bothering me is their constant barking at everyone they see through the fence. I've been giving each of my 8-year-old Filya and 10-month-old Yasha a course of Stop-Stress. There's no response. Their barking can be heard throughout the village. How can I help? I'm tired...

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    • Hello! How would you expect dogs to behave? Silence? Animals protect their territory and their owner from ALL strangers. They earn their bread and water with their barking. And no amount of stress-relieving exercise will "turn this off." Any dog ​​that's protective of its home will alert its owner to the approach of strangers and scare them away. Reinforce or relocate them to the other side of the property, where they won't be able to see the street. A dog that's been homeless will work hard to earn food and shelter and avoid being fenced in again. It's instinct. The only option is training, but you're unlikely to be able to do it on your own, and experience shows that no one turns to a professional.

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  • Hello. Our dog is one year old. We adopted him from a shelter at eight months old. He was abused, which is why he is timid (shaking, wets himself, or worse) when he sees unfamiliar people and places. He is afraid of loud noises and sudden movements. Please advise what can be given to him to help him overcome this state and see that he is safe?
    Thanks in advance

    Answer

    • Hello! This process will be very long and the road won't be easy. It might take not even months, but a year or longer. Everyone is different. Some remain cowards for the rest of their lives (especially if the dog is small). Start giving calming medications to reduce stress (Phospasim, Stop-Stress, KotBayun, and similar products). Surround your pet with care and affection at home, pet and play more. Try to keep loud noises at home to a minimum. Gradually begin to acclimate him to other dogs (maybe there are dog walkers in the yard. Join them for walks). Gradually, your little one will get used to company and begin to express himself in play. When a dog is playing, he doesn't notice his fear. But just don't suddenly "join" a large group. Start by introducing one dog owner, then create a larger group. The main thing is patience and understanding. You might even need to make an appointment with a dog trainer.

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  • Hello! Trimming my Toy Terrier's nails has always been a difficult procedure. He was brought to me as an adult and is extremely distrustful and nervous. My daughter and I trimmed his nails ourselves. It was difficult, but we managed. Now I'm alone and this task is beyond me. At the veterinary clinic, they suggested general anesthesia because my dog ​​is very aggressive. Could you please recommend a short-acting sedative? My dog ​​weighs 5 kilograms and is 7 years old. He has already undergone surgery under general anesthesia once, and giving him anesthesia before every haircut is probably wrong.

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    • Hello! There are no short-acting sedatives available in veterinary medicine. Inhalational anesthesia is used if necessary. If you don't want your pet to become overly nervous, it's important to administer sedatives in advance (at least a week before the expected "manicure"). Homeopathy is plentiful: Fospasim, Stop-Stress, and, at a pinch, Valerina. In the summer, an easier solution is to let your pet run on hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt). The claws will wear down naturally during walks. If your pet only runs on soft surfaces (carpets, dirt, grass), then, of course, regular trimming will be necessary. If things get really bad and your pet struggles or bites, a small dose of a muscle relaxant MAY be used to reduce the pet's resistance (provided there is no heart condition or allergy to the active ingredients).

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  • Hello, my dog ​​is very afraid of fireworks. How can I help him during the New Year's holidays? He's a Bichon Frise. He's a coward and afraid of loud noises.

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    • Hello! Start administering sedatives now so they can build up and reduce the fear. It's impossible to completely relieve your pet's panic. Try Fospasim (100% homeopathic), glycine, or, as a last resort, valerian—twice a day for up to 7 days. Don't delay; start administering the sedatives now, and try to keep your pet away from loud noises as much as possible (don't take him out in the evening, close the windows tightly).

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  • Hello,
    There are 2 dogs at home - a male and a female, the female is in heat, what medications can be given to the male/30-35 kg to calm him down?

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    • Hello! Honestly? Well, none of the medications I've used have ever completely calmed an UNNEUTRATED male dog when he senses a female dog in heat. And here the female dog is in the same room with him, behind the wall, within easy reach of her. It's a constant irritant. So the dog will always be on edge. Instinct will take over. There are two options: either complete isolation from each other, or castration of one of the animals. The article describes medications that can be used in similar situations, but believe me, in practice, such "homeopathy" has virtually no effect in a situation where a male dog and a female dog in heat are nearby.

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  • Hello. Our dog gave birth and now she won't let anyone near her, growling and lunging. What should we do?

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    • Hello! Why are you bothering her? Does she have any health issues? If not, then leave her alone. She's a mother! And she's protecting her offspring with her behavior, even from you. While the puppies are tiny, the dog will be defensive about them and may even eat poorly. Therefore, place the food and water bowl close to her, and move away from her (preferably, out of sight of the dog so she can calmly approach and eat). Once the puppies open their eyes and start walking on their own, the dog will become calmer. Don't bother her now; don't unnecessarily irritate her.

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  • Hello, I have a problem, and it's my fault. My male Toy Terrier barks whenever I leave the house. My life simply doesn't exist. My vocal cords are cut, and it hasn't helped. Help, tell me what to do. Maybe a sedative to stop him from reacting like this? He follows me around, and when I get up, he jumps up and won't let me take a step.

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    • Hello! Find a good dog trainer or a dog "psychologist" who can retrain your dog. You missed something in the training, which is why your dog is acting this way. Miniature breeds are very capricious, and they require very strict training. You gave them a break somewhere, and that's it—the dog sensed a weakness and "sat" on your neck.

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  • Good afternoon. My Cane Corso male is 2.7 years old. He throws himself at people when leaving the garage or entering the building (basically, whenever he meets someone unexpectedly!).
    It happens that when guests come, he throws himself at them, then lies down and trembles (in short, he throws himself out of fear!)
    What medicine can be given?

    Answer

    • Hello! Take your pet to a dog trainer. Maybe someone scared him, or he doesn't trust people. He might even have mental health issues. You can't just stuff your pet with pills. You can't keep him on sedatives his whole life. You need to work with him.

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  • Good afternoon!! We have a 12-year-old female mongrel. She bit the hair at the base of her tail. Our first guess was that it was due to a peanut allergy (we foolishly gave her some). We stopped giving her nuts, but after a week and a half, she still tries to scratch her back. We suspect it might be stress, since for the last month and a half we have been constantly taking her to visit our parents on weekends, and she was occasionally left alone there.
    Should I buy her some kind of herbal sedative or will her psyche get better at home?

    Answer

    • Hello! Take your pet to the vet. Have blood drawn to rule out an allergic reaction. Start feeding your pet a normal, balanced diet, as expected for a pet. Don't give them any herbs, otherwise you risk provoking an even more severe allergic reaction. Are there fleas? If you find it difficult to properly care for your pet, feed it adequately, and devote sufficient time to it, then find a new home for it. It's not right to leave your pet alone for a few days, feed it something you don't know, and then try to treat it with herbs.

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  • My 8-year-old Caucasian Shepherd won't let me trim his nails. What sedative should I give him to make him indifferent to the procedure?

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    • Hello! At home, you can only give valerian, glycised, or fospasim. For best results, administer the medications daily for up to a week for a cumulative effect. However, if your pet isn't accustomed to this procedure, they won't be calm or indifferent. If you can't do it yourself, consult a specialist. They'll administer a sedative and trim their nails.

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  • Hello! We have a problem: our 11-year-old dachshund has started barking and howling in the apartment when left alone. After complaints from neighbors, we had to buy him an anti-bark collar. He doesn't bark with it, only howls loudly. Could you please recommend any calming medications that might help with this problem?

    Answer

    • Hello! There are no "miracle cures" that will stop your dog from howling. You can try Fospasim, Glycised, Valerian, or Neurobex for a week. They're all suitable as sedatives. But it's best to figure out why your dog's behavior has suddenly changed. Perhaps you've been spending more time away from home, maybe your dog is in pain, or maybe he's become very bored (aging animals are more emotionally unstable). Consider what triggered this behavioral change (perhaps toys were taken away, or something disappeared from the house, or your daily routine changed).

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    • We've already changed our minds, our routine hasn't changed. She's not sick, eats well, and is happy when we're home. My daughter noticed she was shaking when the neighbors were drilling, about two months ago. Apparently, it really is age-related mental instability. Thank you.

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  • Good afternoon. Is it possible to give a dog a one-time sedative before a show? My dog ​​is a young, 11-month-old German Shepherd and is very aggressive towards other dogs. Which medication is best and safest? Thank you.

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    • Hello! Aren't you worried that the sedative will make your pet sluggish or lethargic? This won't look good at a dog show. Sedatives are safe, but they need to be tailored to your pet's needs. You can try administering the medication on a different day to assess its effect. The safest sedatives for dogs are Fospasim (4 ml intramuscularly, one dose), Glycised (2 tablets orally, one dose), and Valerian (12 drops per 100 ml of water, one dose). You can administer a course of treatment for up to a week to calm your pet. Some people even use "Kot Bayun" (Bayun Cat), and it works well.

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