It’s every dog owner’s nightmare—turning your back for a moment only to find your pup has eaten something they shouldn’t have. If your 15-pound dog ate trazodone, it’s essential to act fast and stay informed. While trazodone is sometimes prescribed for dogs, an unsupervised dose can lead to serious consequences. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from what trazodone is to the symptoms of overdose and what steps to take next.
What Is Trazodone and Why Is It Used?
Trazodone is an antidepressant primarily prescribed to humans to treat depression and anxiety. However, veterinarians also use it to treat behavioral issues in dogs, such as:
- Separation anxiety
- Noise phobias (like fireworks or thunderstorms)
- Aggression
- Insomnia in dogs
When administered correctly under a vet’s guidance, trazodone can be safe for dogs. But if your pet consumes too much—or takes it without a prescription—the results can be harmful or even life-threatening.
How Much Trazodone Is Too Much for a 15 lbs Dog?
Safe Dosage (Prescribed Use)
The recommended dose of trazodone for dogs generally ranges from 2.5 to 7 mg per pound, depending on the condition being treated. For a 15-pound dog, that’s approximately 37.5 mg to 105 mg.
When It Becomes Dangerous
If your dog consumes more than the prescribed dose, especially without veterinary supervision, there’s a risk of toxicity or overdose. For instance:
- Accidentally ingesting a full human tablet (usually 50–150 mg) may exceed the safe limit for a small dog.
- Multiple tablets can lead to severe symptoms quickly.
Symptoms of Trazodone Overdose in Dogs
If your dog has eaten trazodone, watch for the following signs of overdose:
- Lethargy or extreme drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Disorientation or wobbliness
- Increased heart rate
- Agitation or restlessness
- Tremors or seizures
- Dilated pupils
- Drooling or panting excessively
Important: Some dogs may show mild symptoms, while others may have severe reactions depending on the amount ingested.
Immediate Steps to Take If Your Dog Ate Trazodone
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Check how many pills are missing and try to determine the dosage strength. If you can, take a photo of the pill bottle or packaging to share with the vet.
2. Call a Veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline
Time is critical. Contact your vet immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Be ready to provide:
- Your dog’s weight (15 lbs)
- The dosage and amount of trazodone ingested
- Approximate time of ingestion
- Any symptoms your dog is showing
3. Don’t Try Home Remedies
Never attempt to induce vomiting or administer anything without consulting a veterinarian. Some interventions can make the situation worse.
What Will the Vet Do?
Depending on the situation, your vet may:
- Induce vomiting (if ingestion was recent)
- Administer activated charcoal to absorb the drug
- Provide IV fluids and medications to stabilize your dog
- Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and neurological signs
- Hospitalize for observation and supportive care
Recovery depends on how quickly treatment is initiated and how much trazodone was consumed.
Can Trazodone Be Fatal to Dogs?
In rare and extreme cases, trazodone overdose can be fatal, especially in small breeds. However, prompt veterinary care greatly improves the chances of recovery. Most dogs who receive immediate treatment recover without long-term effects.
How to Prevent Future Incidents
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Here are some tips to prevent medication-related accidents:
- Store medications in secure, dog-proof locations
- Never leave pills on low tables or countertops
- Educate household members about the danger of human meds for pets
- Ask your vet about proper storage and administration when your dog is prescribed trazodone
Final Thoughts: What to Remember
If your 15 lbs dog ate trazodone, it’s a serious situation—but not necessarily a fatal one. Here’s a quick recap:
- Trazodone is sometimes prescribed for dogs, but dosage must be carefully controlled.
- Overdose symptoms can range from drowsiness to seizures and should never be ignored.
- Immediate veterinary care is essential—the sooner your dog gets help, the better the outcome.
Always treat human medications as dangerous for pets unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.
Abraham Finley is a health writer passionate about providing clear, reliable information on Trazodone and mental health. He created TrazodoneSUC.com to help readers make informed decisions about their well-being.