Everyone knows that Trazodone is an antidepressant used to treat depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. Benadryl is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. Trazodone and Benadryl are both used for anxiety or sleep problems, but which one is better for the dog?
They are both drugs that are used to treat different conditions, so it is not surprising that there are some differences between them.
Trazodone is an antidepressant that’s frequently used in humans. It’s also used to treat anxiety disorders, sleep difficulty, and depression in dogs. Trazodone is not approved by the FDA for use in dogs, but it can be prescribed by a veterinarian for specific medical conditions.
Benadryl is a brand name for diphenhydramine, a medication that’s used to treat allergies and motion sickness in dogs. Diphenhydramine is available as an over-the-counter medication in many countries. However, it’s not approved by the FDA for use in dogs.
Although there are no studies showing that Benadryl can be effective in treating anxiety disorders in dogs, many pet owners swear by it because it helps their dog relax and fall asleep faster than usual.
Both of these medications can be used to help dogs with anxiety or sleep difficulty. However, they do not work in exactly the same way and they do not react the same way in every dog either.
When choosing between these two medications, the best thing you can do is speak with your veterinarian about what would work best for your dog based on his symptoms and needs.
Can you give Benadryl with trazodone to dogs?
Yes. There are no reports of Benadryl interacting badly with Trazodone in dogs, so it’s likely safe to give both drugs together.
The typical dose for Benadryl is 1 mg per pound of body weight every 8 or 12 hours; trazodone is usually given at a dose of 1.5 mg per pound every 12 hours.
How long does it take for Trazodone or Benadryl to work on dogs?
It takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour for it to start working, and it may take up to 4 hours before you see the full effects of these medications in your pet. The exact time varies with every animal and every dose given.
Can I sedate my dog with Benadryl?
Yes, but you may want to consider alternatives. Benadryl can be used for dogs as a sedative, but it is not ideal.
You should only do so under the guidance of a veterinarian. Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine best known for its use in treating allergies.
In dogs, Benadryl has been shown to have potentially dangerous side effects when given in large doses or for extended periods of time — up to two weeks. If you need to give your dog Benadryl for longer than that, talk to your veterinarian about whether other medications may be more appropriate.
It’s important to note that Benadryl isn’t meant to sedate dogs unless they’re having an allergic reaction.
The effectiveness of Benadryl for dogs with anxiety or aggression problems has not been proven through clinical trials, so owners should not rely on it as a cure for these behaviors. It can be helpful in some cases, however, and maybe worth trying if other treatments have failed to work.
What is the best calming medication for dogs?
The best calming medication for dogs is the one that works for your pet. There are many options available, and deciding on the right one can be confusing.
Benadryl
Benadryl is an antihistamine that helps relieve allergic reactions. It can also be used to help dogs with mild anxiety, as it is sedating. However, this is not a long-term solution and can have some side effects such as drowsiness, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Trazodone
Trazodone is a medication that works on serotonin levels in the brain. This can be helpful for dogs that are overly anxious or depressed. Trazodone can be given to dogs to help them relax, but it may also cause sleepiness and sedation.
Prozac
Prozac is another antidepressant medication that works on serotonin levels in the brain. This drug may be helpful for treating depression-related symptoms in dogs, but it does come with some side effects such as panting, vomiting and diarrhea.
Xanax
Xanax is a benzodiazepine that works as a muscle relaxant and antianxiety medication when taken at higher doses. It may be helpful for dogs that suffer from severe separation anxiety or other types of phobias where they become aggressive when they’re left alone or exposed to certain triggers (such as thunderstorms). However, Xanax is not recommended for use in pets because it can cause serious side effects if overdosed or abused by the pet owner.
Trazodone is a prescription drug used to treat depression. It is also used for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia.
Trazodone is not FDA-approved for use in dogs, but it has been shown to be safe when given to dogs at recommended doses. There are some side effects that may occur in some dogs, such as drowsiness and vomiting.
The recommended dose for a dog is 1.5 mg per pound of body weight given once or twice daily. Trazodone should be given with food to help reduce stomach upset and improve absorption into your dog’s bloodstream.
Conclusion of Benadryl vs Trazodone for Dogs
According to the experts, Trazodone is more effective than Benadryl for dogs. It’s also safer and a better option for long-term treatment.
The decision to use Benadryl or Trazodone for dogs should be based on the severity of your dog’s anxiety. If your dog is experiencing severe anxiety symptoms, it may be best to consult with your vet about using a prescription medication.
If you are looking for a non-prescription option that could be helpful in mild cases, try Benadryl first. As I mentioned above, it’s an over-the-counter antihistamine that can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with anxiety.
Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. With a degree in Animal Behaviour and over a decade of practical animal husbandry experience, Hannah's articles cover everything from pet care to wildlife conservation. When she isn't creating content for blog posts, Hannah enjoys long walks with her Rottweiler cross Senna, reading fantasy novels and breeding aquarium shrimp.
