Clomipramine for Dogs: An FDA-Approved Option to Treat Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common behavioral condition in dogs. It can lead to peeing and pooping in the home, destruction of property, and in severe cases, self-harm. Pet parents have several options for managing separation anxiety in dogs, one of which is the FDA-approved clomipramine.

Read on to learn about when clomipramine for dogs might be appropriate, potential side effects, and medication interactions.

Clomipramine for dogs at a glance

What is clomipramine for dogs, and how does it work?

Clomipramine is FDA approved for separation anxiety in dogs. Clomipramine is most effective when used in combination with a behavioral modification program.

Clomipramine may also help with noise phobias, compulsive behaviors, and other anxiety-related behaviors in dogs.

Clomipramine for dogs belongs to the class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). An example of another well-known TCA used in dogs is amitriptyline.

Clomipramine works by affecting nerve cell transmission in the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. Clomipramine blocks the reuptake of serotonin in the CNS, which means more serotonin stays in the brain and body.

Serotonin is thought of as a “feel good” hormone that’s important for mood regulation, among other functions.

What is the dosage of clomipramine for dogs, and how is it given?

The typical dosage of clomipramine for dogs is 2 mg to 4 mg per kilogram of body weight once daily or divided twice daily. Clomipramine is available as tablets or capsules for dogs.

Giving clomipramine with food may reduce the risk of vomiting.

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Clomipramine should be used with a behavioral modification program to ensure the best chance of success.

It may take 2 to 3 months to see improvement in your dog’s behaviors with clomipramine. Always consult a veterinarian before adjusting your dog’s clomipramine dose.

What should you do if your dog misses a dose of clomipramine?

What to do if you miss giving your dog a dose of clomipramine will depend on how often you give the medication to your pup.

Once a day

If you give the medication once daily and it’s within 12 hours of the missed dose, give the dose you missed as soon as you remember.

If it’s been more than 12 hours since the missed dose, skip the dose. Then give your dog their next dose at their regularly scheduled time. 

Twice a day

If your dog takes clomipramine every 12 hours and you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Then resume your dog’s usual schedule when it’s time for their next regular dose. Do not double up on a dose to account for a missed dose.

What are the common side effects of clomipramine in dogs?

The most common side effects of clomipramine in dogs are:

• Loss of appetite (anorexia)

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Dry mouth

• Sedation

• Lethargy

• Constipation

• Holding their pee

Clomipramine can also decrease the level of several thyroid hormones. This can lead to a misdiagnosis of hypothyroidism in dogs. A veterinarian can monitor your dog’s thyroid levels.

What are the most serious risks of clomipramine for dogs?

Overdoses are the most serious risk for dogs taking clomipramine. 

Clomipramine has a narrow safety margin in dogs, which means even small overdoses can have dangerous effects. Even at slightly above-prescribed doses, some dogs will develop symptoms of an overdose.

Overdoses can lead to:

• Sedation

• Changes to heart rate

• Abnormal heart rhythms

• Vomiting

• Wobbly or drunken gait (ataxia) 

If you are concerned that your dog may have taken too much clomipramine, contact a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline right away.

Dogs who take clomipramine with other antidepressants may be at risk for serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is caused by having too much serotonin. Symptoms can include: 

• Tremors

• Muscle spasms

• Seizures

• Hyperthermia (increased body temperature)

• Death

Which dogs shouldn’t take clomipramine?

Clomipramine should not be given to dogs with seizures. It should also not be given to dogs who take other medications that increase their risk for seizures. Clomipramine can increase how many seizures a dog has or how severe the seizures are.

This medication should be used with caution in dogs who have:

• Heart disease

• Glaucoma

• Urinary retention

• Reduced gastrointestinal motility

Does clomipramine interact with other dog medications?

Clomipramine can interact with many other dog medications, including:

• Acepromazine

• Albuterol

• Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, like dexmedetomidine

• Anesthetics like ketamine or propofol

• Anticholinergic agents, such as amantadine or atropine

• Certain antifungals, like itraconazole or ketoconazole

• Antihistamines, such as cetirizine or diphenhydramine

• Blood pressure medications, like amlodipine or enalapril

• Buspirone

• Levothyroxine

• Metoclopramide

• Mirtazapine

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), like selegiline

• Opioids, such as tramadol or fentanyl

• Phenobarbital

• Phenylpropanolamine (Proin)

• Trazodone 

• Other tricyclic antidepressants, like amitriptyline

This list is not all-inclusive and does not describe every potential interaction. Some interactions can lead to increased side effects. Others can cause serious risks for your pup, such as respiratory depression or serotonin syndrome.

Always consult with a veterinarian about your pet’s medications before starting clomipramine to minimize the potential for interactions.

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Written by:

Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, MPH

Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, MPH has been involved in veterinary medicine for over a decade. Her clinical practice has mostly revolved around providing care to shelter animals, low-cost services to underprivileged families, and wellness care for pet parents.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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