Content
- What is diazepam?
- How to administer diazepam to dogs
- Uses of diazepam for dogs
- What is the dosage of diazepam for dogs?
- Diazepam contraindications for dogs
- Diazepam Side Effects for Dogs
Diazepam is a medicine that affects the central nervous system, causing, above all, a relaxing, sedative and anticonvulsant effect. It is used in human medicine and also in veterinary medicine. So, on the occasions that we'll talk about in this PeritoAnimal article, it's possible for the veterinarian to prescribe diazepam to a dog. And, given the nature of this medication, we will only be able to administer it if that professional prescribed it for us. Giving a dog diazepam on its own can be very dangerous.
Read on to find out all about using the diazepam for dog, its main side effects and the most adequate dosage. However, we insist, it is essential that a professional guide your administration.
What is diazepam?
the diazepam belongs to the group of benzodiazepines, which are medications that act on the central nervous system. Specifically, it is a depressor of that system. Above all, it achieves a quick sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and relaxing effect on the dog. Therefore, it can be used for both physical and psychological disorders.
How to administer diazepam to dogs
O veterinarian diazepam it is available in several formats for its administration: oral or injectable. In the latter case, the veterinarian may inject it.
Uses of diazepam for dogs
One of the uses of diazepam in dogs is the treatment of disorders of psychological origin. Thus, diazepam can be given to nervous, stressed, anxious or phobic dogs. If this is the case with your dog, you should know that, in addition to this medication, it is necessary to implement environmental control measures to achieve the dog's full recovery. This is the scope of action of veterinarians specializing in canine behavior or ethologists. And always prefer to establish measurements before medicating the dog. Therefore, diazepam is reserved for very specific or severe cases.
There are also physical conditions for which diazepam is prescribed, such as seizure disorders or musculoskeletal spasms that originate in the central or peripheral nervous system. An example of diazepam use for dogs with seizures is in epilepsy.
Lastly, diazepam can be administered by the veterinarian as part of the pre-anesthetic protocol before a surgical intervention or to sedate the dog, for example, when some test is needed and it does not allow manipulation. In this case, the paradoxical reaction that could occur should be taken into account, as we will explain in more detail in the section dedicated to the side effects of this medication.
If your dog is very nervous like suffering from anxiety, we recommend that you consult these articles before administering a drug like this without the veterinarian's permission:
- How to calm a very agitated dog
- How to relax a dog with care
Likewise, we recommend that you watch this video. If your dog suffers from any illness, go to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
What is the dosage of diazepam for dogs?
It is very important that we scrupulously follow the veterinarian's instructions regarding dosage and administration guidelines. The dosage will depend, in addition to the dog's weight, on the route of administration of the medication and the pathology to be treated. To get an idea, the intravenous injectable solution to control seizure disorders is administered at a rate of 0.5 mg per kg of weight of the dog. On the other hand, in oral administration of diazepam in tablets for dogs it can be up to 2.2 mg per kg.
We go back to insisting on importance of going to the vet for him to indicate the most appropriate dosage of diazepam for dogs. Incorrect administration can have very serious consequences.
Diazepam contraindications for dogs
Regarding its contraindications, it is not recommended to give diazepam to puppies., individuals of advanced age or with liver, heart or kidney problems. It is also not recommended for epileptic, debilitated, dehydrated, anemic, shock, severely breathing or obese dogs. Evidently, it cannot be given to animals that have previously shown an allergic reaction to diazepam.
In dogs with glaucoma, the veterinarian must determine the appropriateness of the treatment, evaluating the advantages and disadvantages. The same happens in pregnant or lactating females. Likewise, if the dog is taking any medication and the veterinarian is not aware of it, we must inform him, as an interaction may occur.
Diazepam Side Effects for Dogs
Diazepam will interfere with the dog's behavior and, consequently, with its learning. Therefore, its use in behavioral problems should be timely and closely monitored by the veterinarian. In addition, it should be known that the administration of diazepam for a long time can cause dependence or even behavioral reactions similar to those you want to avoid. For example, the excitability that is intended to be decreased, on the contrary, can be increased. Likewise, disinhibition or aggressiveness could occur, which is known as paradoxical reactions. It is a rare effect that, if it occurs, is more observed in small breed dogs. It is another that highlights the importance of diazepam being administered only in cases where it has been prescribed by a professional.
Also, among the side effects of diazepam for dogs is the pressure fall, at cardiac changes Or the thrombus formation. This happens when diazepam is given too quickly intravenously. Other reported effects are incoordination, disorientation or behavior changes. In any case, if we detect any effects on our dog after diazepam administration, we must inform the veterinarian if it is convenient to modify or discontinue the treatment.
Finally, an overdose of diazepam can cause central system depression, causing confusion and even coma. It can also lower pressure and respiratory and heart rate.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.