Thunderstorm anxiety relief for dogs

[Cinder704]

Is it ok to give a dog Clonapin to relieve stress from thunderstorms and if so how much for a 60 vlb dog? Is there anything else I can do to relieve her stress when there are thunderstorms. She shakes, pants and drools.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Klonopin (Clonazepam) is only approved by the FDA for use in humans.  Using Klonopin in dogs is considered extra label use.  Please check with your vet to ask if it is suitable for your dog.  Dogs with glaucoma should not use Klonopin.  Use it with caution in dogs who have liver disease.


The dose range is 0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg of Klonopin.  Which would be 2.72mg to 13.6mg for a 60 pound dog.  

[Karen99]

Have you ever tried Benadryl?  It can have sedating effects for most people and dogs.

Ask your vet about it and try it before there is an actual thunderstorm.  If you try the Klonopin, try it before the thunderstorm too to see how your pup reacts to the meds.

I've had a couple of dogs that were so scared of fireworks that they would tremble and pant.  I would turn up the TV, turn on the radios in every room, run fans, run the dishwasher, anything that would drown out the noise coming from outside. It helped some.  

[zoe114]

what about using Valarian root?

[tug_slug]

Valerian root could have an adverse effect on the dog. Personally I like the benedryl idea but make sure to contact the vet and get the right dose. We have a Shih Tzu pup that has allergies, the vet recommended 1.25 mm which has helped her immensely.

[glow007]

I have just started my dog Tabu on Klonopin due to the anxiety and shaking , trembling from thunderstorms. I always think she is going to have a heart attack. She used to be on Prozac but it never really worked well and then she started to shake when there was not a thunderstorm. So I asked my Vet about the Klonopin he said that would be fine so I started her about 4 days ago and ahwt a difference. No more shaking and trembling. It is so great to not have her in fear. Tabu is about 35 lbs so I tarted her off with 1 mg. I only give it to her once a day so far. About 12 noon. She is alot happier too. So good luck with your baby. I hope it works as well with her. My dog is a pittbull also.Good luck

Glow

[curlydog415]

my 24 lb **** tzu/ beagle mix has his own prescription for xanax .5 mg for thunderstorm anxiety.  it was prescribed by his cardiologist and his regular vet  doses have to be 12 hrs apart as needed...