Diazepam, sometimes known by the brand name Valium, is a drug that can be used in dogs as an anti-anxiety medication, a muscle relaxant, a treatment for seizures, and medicine for other conditions. You must always consult your veterinarian before using any medication for your dog. Here’s what you should know about the uses, dosage, and side effects of diazepam for dogs.
Uses for Diazepam in dogs
Diazepam can be used to treat a variety of conditions in dogs, though some conditions are better treated naturally to reduce the risk of side effects. Certain lifestyle changes and behavioral therapy can help treat anxiety and stress, for example.
Still, diazepam is an option in cases where natural solutions fail and works by promoting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps regulate nervous system activity. Diazepam works by boosting these neurotransmitters, causing a calming effect and reducing neuronal excitability which can contribute to fear, anxiety, or convulsions.
Here are some conditions that diazepam may treat with veterinary approval:
- Anxiety, sometimes for stressful trips to the vet
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Muscle cramping disorders
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Slipped disk
- Loss of appetite
- Conditions that require anesthesia
Dosage for Diazepam in dogs
The prescribed dosage of diazepam for dogs varies based on the weight of the dog and the condition it is being used to treat. Therefore, you must always follow the instructions of your veterinarian to determine the exact dosage.
Usually, it’s administered orally, though it can be injected intravenously in some cases. Rarely, it can be administered rectally or nasally. While you can often find guidelines on dosages, it should not replace the advice of a trained veterinarian. Only follow the instructions as prescribed.
Side effects of Diazepam in dogs
There are some common side effects of diazepam use in dogs. The risk of encountering these side effects increases with long-term use, as does the risk of withdrawal symptoms if prolonged use is abruptly stopped.
Severe symptoms such as liver damage, anemia, and bruising or bleeding can also appear with extended exposure to the drug.
Here are some of the more typical side effects you might expect if you use diazepam for your dog:
- Sedation, reduced energy, and drowsiness
- Loss of coordination
- Aggression or changes in behavior
- Increased appetite
- Slow heart rate or breathing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Diazepam can also interact poorly with other medications, including ordinary antacids, which is why your vet should always be aware of what other drugs your dog is taking.
Overdose can also lead to serious consequences such as confusion, delayed reflexes, and coma. In humans, overdose can lead to hypotension and cardiac arrest, though it is unknown how these rare cases may apply to dogs. While there is no current known threshold of consumption for dogs, signs of toxicity include involuntary muscle movement, decreased heart rate, confusion, aggression, and very low body temperature.
There’s also a risk of an allergic reaction, as with all medication. If you see the signs of allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, then you should contact your vet immediately. Diazepam should not be given to dogs who are pregnant or dogs who suffer from liver or kidney disease. Always follow your veterinarian’s guidelines.