Key takeaways:
Clonidine is used in dogs to treat separation anxiety, thunderstorm fears, and noise phobia.
Clonidine is well tolerated by most dogs, and the most common side effects are sedation and constipation.
Many dogs will take clonidine alongside another anxiety medication. Clonidine can be taken every day or only as needed before a scary event.
Does your dog experience separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, or noise phobia? If so, your veterinarian may recommend a medication to calm their fears. There are several medications available to treat anxiety in dogs, and clonidine is one of them.
Read on to learn more about the use of clonidine in dogs.
Clonidine for dogs at a glance
Common names | Clonidine |
What it treats | Separation anxiety, other situational fears |
How it comes (forms) | Tablets |
Dosage | Depends on a dog’s weight |
Common side effects | Sedation, constipation, lack of coordination, dry mouth |
Average cost |
What is clonidine for dogs, and how does it work?
Clonidine belongs to a medication class known as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. It works by blocking the release of norepinephrine, a brain neurotransmitter that causes alertness and arousal. By decreasing norepinephrine release, clonidine has a calming effect on the brain.
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What is clonidine used for in dogs?
Clonidine is used to treat fear and anxiety in dogs. Veterinarians often recommend clonidine to treat:
Veterinarians may also use clonidine to treat other conditions associated with anxiety in dogs. Most often, dogs will take clonidine along with another anxiety medication.
What is the dosage of clonidine for dogs, and how is it given?
Your veterinarian will determine the best dosage of clonidine for your dog, based on your dog’s weight. Your veterinarian may adjust your dog’s dosage based on their response to treatment. Clonidine is given in tablet form to dogs.
Clonidine can be given on two different schedules. Depending on your dog’s needs, they may take clonidine twice a day, every day. Or they may take clonidine on an as-needed basis before a scary event, usually in combination with another antianxiety medication.
If your dog takes clonidine as needed, it works best to give them the medication 1 to 2 hours before a stressful situation. The medication’s effects usually last 4 to 6 hours.
Separation anxiety: Many dogs experience separation anxiety when their owners leave. Here are some evidence-based strategies to help your pup cope.
Coping with fears of loud noises: Read how one pup parent soothes her dog during thunderstorms and fireworks to see what might work for your pooch.
Firework prep: For anxious dogs, celebratory fireworks are no fun. If your dog is afraid of fireworks, learn what you can do to make things a little easier.
Your veterinarian will determine the best treatment plan for your dog. Some degree of trial and error is often needed to find the best dosage for a dog’s behavioral concerns.
What should you do if your dog misses a dose of clonidine?
If your dog misses a dose of clonidine, give them the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, wait the recommended amount of time before giving them their next dose.
If it’s almost time for your dog’s next dose, skip the missed one. Then, continue with their regular medication schedule.
Do not give your dog a double dose of clonidine.
What are the common side effects of clonidine in dogs?
Side effects in dogs taking clonidine are rare. When they do occur, they are typically mild. The most common side effect associated with clonidine is excessive sedation. Clonidine is given to calm the brain, and in some cases, it works a little too well.
Dogs may also experience other side effects while taking clonidine, including:
Incoordination
Dry mouth
If your dog develops signs of too much sedation or constipation while taking clonidine, contact your veterinarian.
What are the most serious risks of clonidine for dogs?
Clonidine is not associated with many serious health risks for dogs. But clonidine can occasionally prove risky for owners. Some dogs become jumpy and more reactive with clonidine. This can lead to unexpected aggression and an increased risk of dog bites.
It’s best to use caution when giving clonidine to dogs with liver disease or kidney disease. Clonidine can also impact how your dog’s heart works, so it may not be the best option if your dog has heart disease.
Does clonidine interact with any other dog medications?
Clonidine can interact with a number of other medications for dogs, including:
Epinephrine
Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, clomipramine, and doxepin
Anesthetic medications
Other sedatives
Heart medications, including digoxin, diltiazem, propranolol, and atenolol
Giving a dog one or more of these medications with clonidine will typically require a dosage adjustment for at least one medication.
Make sure your veterinarian knows about all of the medications your dog takes. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as supplements. Knowing about your dog’s medications will help your veterinarian reduce the risk of harmful interactions.
The bottom line
Clonidine can aid in the treatment of anxiety in dogs. While some dogs take clonidine on a regular basis, other dogs take clonidine only before high-stress events. It’s often prescribed alongside another anxiety medication that’s taken long term. Your veterinarian will determine the best treatment plan for your dog.
Side effects in dogs taking clonidine are relatively rare. The most common side effects are sedation and constipation. In rare cases, clonidine may lead to agitation and lowered inhibitions, which may result in aggression. Watch your dog closely for side effects, especially when you first begin using clonidine. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
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References
Ciribassi, J. J., et al (2014). Using clonidine and trazodone for anxiety-based behavior disorders in dogs. DVM360.
Landsberg, G. (2019). M is for medication: Pharmacotherapy for canine fear and aggression. World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress Proceedings.
Ogata, N., et al. (2011). The use of clonidine in the treatment of fear-based behavior problems in dogs: An open trial. Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
Ogata, N. (2015). Psychopharmacology. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings.
