Veterinary Medicine Uses for Diazepam Diazepam commonly is administered as a sedative, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, or anti-anxiety medication for dogs and cats. Diazepam also can be used to treat behavioral problems, such as aggression, excessive grooming, territorial spraying, and terror caused by loud noises.
Can I give my dog diazepam for humans? Diazepam comes in different dosages for humans and dogs, which could cause your dog to overdose. You should never give your dog any medication that isn't prescribed by your veterinarian.
Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, or unsteadiness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Diazepam is a class II drug and is thus available by prescription only. Because of the short half-life of diazepam in dogs (2-4 hours) and the development of tolerance, diazepam should only be used for emergency management of seizures.
Adults—2 to 10 milligrams (mg) 2 to 4 times a day. Older adults—At first, 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. Children 6 months of age and older—At first, 1 to 2.5 mg 3 or 4 times per day.
Diazepam may be safe for dogs but it should never be administered without a prescription from your veterinarian. Due to its strong relaxation and tranquilizing effects, the most common side effects associated with Valium are drowsiness, poor energy, sedation, and changes in heart rate.
Overdose Indications Diazepam overdose can be hazardous to dogs. If your dog is experiencing an overdose of this drug, you might notice symptoms such as problems breathing, enhanced sedation, liver damage, stumbling and lack of coordination.
While diazepam is safe for dogs, it should never be administered without a prescription from your veterinarian. Most complications with diazepam for dogs arise from overdosing, allergic reactions, and complications caused by preexisting conditions.
Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms and to provide sedation before medical procedures. This medication works by calming the brain and nerves. Diazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Diazepam may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Doctors generally recommend the drug should be used at dosages of 2-10 mg. This amount can be taken up to four times in a 24-hour time frame. The maximum daily total use in milligrams should not exceed 40 mg. Anything above the level prescribed by your doctor could lead to an overdose.
Dosing Information of Diazepam for Dogs and Cats The typical dose administered to dogs is 0.25 to 1 mg per pound (0.5 to 2 mg/kg) and 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.5 to 1 mg/kg) in cats, intravenous as needed or as often as every six hours or as a constant rate infusion (a slow drip through the intravenous line).