Trazodone and Pets
Find out if Trazodone is toxic to dogs and cats.
Think your pet ate something toxic?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 or view emergency guide
Warning: Trazodone is a prescription antidepressant used off-label in dogs and cats for anxiety and stress-related conditions, but accidental ingestion or overdose can be dangerous.
In pets, toxicity most often happens when animals chew human tablets, receive an incorrect dose, or are given trazodone along with other serotonin-active medications (such as certain antidepressants, tramadol, or MAOIs). Cats are especially sensitive to serotonin syndrome and may show signs at lower exposures.
Common signs of overdose include extreme sedation, stumbling, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, tremors, agitation, seizures, hyperthermia, and a
Is Trazodone Toxic to Dogs?
Used off-label in dogs at prescribed doses, but accidental overdose or unsupervised ingestion can cause severe sedation, low blood pressure, and serotonin syndrome.
Is Trazodone Toxic to Cats?
Occasionally used off-label in cats under veterinary supervision; overdoses or unintended ingestion can cause profound sedation, neurological signs, and serotonin syndrome.
Active Ingredients
- Trazodone hydrochloride
Common Brand Names
- Desyrel
- Oleptro
- generic trazodone
Dosage Form
tabletsextended-release tablets
Common Uses
- human depression
- anxiety
- insomnia
- veterinary off-label situational anxiety
- noise phobias
- post-operative confinement
Toxic Ingredients
- Trazodone hydrochloride
Symptoms to Watch For
- sedation
- lethargy
- ataxia
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- dilated pupils
- tremors
- seizures
- agitation
- hyperthermia
- serotonin syndrome
- low blood pressure
What If My Pet Was Exposed to Trazodone?
Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately; do not induce vomiting unless instructed. Bring the medication bottle and estimate how much was ingested.
Sources
Vet's Note
PetPilot provides general information for educational purposes. While we reference authoritative veterinary organizations, this page has not been individually reviewed by a veterinarian for your specific pet. Individual animals may react differently based on age, weight, breed, health conditions, and amount consumed. Always consult your veterinarian or a poison control center for personalized advice, especially if your pet is ill, injured, pregnant, nursing, or on medication.