When should I give each medication before a vet visit?

Give gabapentin 2-3 hours before the appointment (it takes longer to work) and trazodone 1-2 hours before. Some vets recommend giving the first dose of gabapentin the night before for maximum effect.

Is this combination safe?

Yes, this combination has an excellent safety profile and is widely used in veterinary medicine. The main side effect is sedation, which is usually the desired effect. Always follow your vet's specific dosing instructions.

Can I use this combination for thunderstorm anxiety?

Yes, but timing can be tricky with unpredictable storms. Some owners give the medications when storms are forecasted. For dogs with severe noise phobia, daily anxiety medication may be more effective during storm season.

How sedated will my dog be?

Most dogs become noticeably calmer and may be slightly wobbly, but remain responsive and able to walk. Heavy sedation doses may cause significant drowsiness. Start with lower doses to gauge your dog's response.

Veterinary+ Chart

Gabapentin and Trazodone Combo Calculator for Dogs

Calculate combined gabapentin and trazodone doses for dogs. Popular combination for vet visits, anxiety, and post-surgery sedation.

Gabapentin + Trazodone Combo

Calculate combined gabapentin and trazodone doses for dogs. Popular combination for vet visits, anxiety, and post-surgery sedation.

Dog's WeightEnter your dog's current weight

PurposeSelect the reason for using this combination

Sedation Level NeededHigher sedation for more anxious dogs or invasive procedures

Both gabapentin and trazodone require veterinary prescriptions. This combination should only be used under veterinary supervision. Give gabapentin 2-3 hours before the event and trazodone 1-2 hours before for optimal effect. Never use human liquid gabapentin (may contain xylitol).

Important Disclaimer

About This Calculator

The gabapentin and trazodone combination is one of the most commonly prescribed protocols for managing canine anxiety, particularly for vet visits, grooming appointments, and post-surgical recovery. This combination provides synergistic calming effects while maintaining a good safety profile.

How It Works

Enter your dog's weight, select the purpose, and choose the sedation level needed. The calculator provides doses for both medications. For best results, give gabapentin 2-3 hours before the event and trazodone 1-2 hours before. The medications work together to provide calm without heavy sedation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The combination works synergistically - gabapentin provides pain relief and mild sedation while trazodone targets anxiety specifically. Together, they provide better anxiety control than either medication alone, often at lower doses of each.

Clinical Review

Dr. Igor I. Bussel, MD

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist

Dr. Igor I. Bussel is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained surgeon affiliated with the University of California, Irvine (UCI), the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, and the UCI School of Medicine.

Last Updated: 2025-01-05

Sources & Guidelines

Medically Reviewed

Evidence-Based

Updated 2025-01-05

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References

Reviewed by: Veterinary Clinical Review Team (DVM, DACVB)

Last updated: 2025-01-05