Diazepam
Diazepam is a drug that is used in humans and animals to treat various illnesses. It belongs to the group of benzodiazepines, which have a calming, anxiolytic, muscle-relaxing and anticonvulsant effect. In this article you will learn how diazepam is used in dogs, what dosage is recommended and what side effects can occur.
When is diazepam used in dogs?
Diazepam can be used in dogs to treat a variety of conditions, depending on the desired effect. Here are some examples:
- Anxiety: diazepam can be given to nervous, stressed, anxious or phobic dogs to calm and relax them. This can be useful, for example, during a stressful visit to the vet, thunderstorms or fireworks or for behavioral problems such as separation anxiety or aggression.
- Seizures and epilepsy: Diazepam can be used as an emergency medication in dogs with epileptic seizures to reduce the duration and frequency of seizures. It can also be administered as a long-term therapy in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs.
- Muscle spasms: In dogs with muscle spasms or twitching, diazepam can help to relax the muscles and relieve pain. This can be helpful in cases of herniated discs or muscular dystrophy, for example.
- Irritablebowel syndrome: Diazepam can regulate bowel movements in dogs with irritable bowel syndrome and prevent diarrhea or constipation.
- Loss of appetite : Diazepam can stimulate food intake in dogs with loss of appetite and thus prevent weight loss or malnutrition.
- Anesthesia: Diazepam can be used as part of anesthesia in dogs to sedate them before surgery and to enhance the effects of other anesthetics.
How is diazepam dosed in dogs?
The dosage of diazepam in dogs depends on the weight of the dog and the condition in which it is being treated. Therefore, the exact dosage should always be given according to the veterinarian's instructions. It is usually administered orally, i.e. in the form of tablets or drops. In some cases, it can also be injected intravenously, i.e. directly into the vein. In rare cases, it can also be administered rectally or nasally, i.e. via the anus or nose.
The following information is a guide to the dosage that the vet may prescribe depending on the clinical picture. It is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian:
- Anxiety: 0.12 to 1 mg per kilogram of body weight once daily as needed.
- Convulsions and epilepsy: 0.23 to 0.9 mg per kilogram of body weight, usually administered rectally.
- Muscle cramps: 0.23 to 0.9 mg per kilogram of body weight every 8 hours
- Irritable bowel syndrome: 0.07 mg per kg body weight every 8 hours
- Loss of appetite: 0.07 mg per kg body weight every 8 hours
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
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