Safely Sedate a Dog

Sedation is a relaxed, calm or tranquil state induced after the administration of drugs. When a dog is sedated, he becomes more docile and can easily be handled, making it less stressful for the dog when procedures like grooming and veterinary examinations are being done. Without sedation, stressful situations can lead to restlessness, and when a dog is restless it is more prone to hurt itself, not eat, hide and hurt or bite other people and animals.

Steps

Using Prescription Medications

1. Understand that you must get a prescription for sedative drugs. The drugs used to sedate a dog are very effective, so they require a prescription from a veterinarian and can only be administered by a veterinarian.
   • The two most common drugs used by veterinarians to calm dogs are acepromazine (PromAce®), and diazepam (Valium®).
   • These drugs block certain signals in the CNS or central nervous system making the animal calm or sedated.
2. Give your dog Acepromazine (PromAce®). Acepromazine is used to calm fractious or aggressive animals. It alleviates itching, and also has anti-emetic properties (prevents vomiting), making it ideal for animals that are being transported long distances.
3. Consider giving your dog Diazepam (Valium®). Diazepam is also a sedative which has muscle relaxant properties, appetite stimulating properties, and anti-convulsant properties, making it ideal for dogs with seizure and/or appetite problems.

Calming Your Dog without Medication

1. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Many experts on dog behavior recommend that a dog be exercised before travelling, or before being engaged in any activity that might get the dog restless and agitated.
   • A well exercised dog will be very inclined to rest because it has burned off its excess energy. Therefore, it's a good idea to schedule a brisk 30 minute walk before taking off.
2. Bring your dog’s favorite toys, blanket or rug when travelling. Your dog’s favorite blanket or toys contain a lot of familiar scents, and will reduce anxiety when the dog is brought to an unfamiliar place.
3. Try aromatherapy. Do this by placing a few drops of lavender oil on your hands and massaging the dog at the back of its head, or the base of the spine. Lavender oil has a calming scent and is used in spas for humans.
4. Use products that contain appeasing pheromones. Studies have shown that pheromones are present in all mammals during the nursing stage. In dogs, this is the hormone secreted by the puppies’ mother, so when the puppies smell this hormone it calms them and re-assures them that mom is around.
   • Examples of products that contain this hormone are: Adaptil ®collar and spray, Sentry ® Calming collar, and Comfort Zone ® Diffuser with Dog Appeasing Pheromone.
   • These products are very easy to use, the collars are simply placed on the dog’s neck to provide a sustained release of the pheromone which lasts for a month.
   • For products like the diffuser, it is simply plugged into a socket, and the pheromone is slowly and continuously released for a month. This type of product is ideal for rooms. Spray preparations can be used to spray cages, cars, or any carrier where the dog is placed.
5. Use melatonin supplements. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland. It is a sleeping hormone that causes the animal to have a good rest at night. It has a seasonal variation in animals and humans, increasing when there are fewer hours of daylight in winter.
   • Melatonin has sedative properties, anticonvulsant properties, regulates body rhythms and reproductive cycles. It is mainly used in the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs, and other stressful or frightening conditions like noise anxieties brought about by fireworks or thunder storms.
   • Give this drug to your dog before travelling and or before introducing your dog to a potentially frightening situation. An example of a product containing Melatonin is K9 Choice ™ Melatonin 3 mg tablets.
   • The dose is 3 mg for every 35 to 100 pounds body weight, twice a day. For smaller dogs below 35 pounds the dose is 1.5 mg of melatonin, and for larger dogs greater than 100 pounds the dose is 6 mg twice times a day.
6. Try calming herbal agents. Herbal pills and oils prepared specifically for dogs are commercially available, examples include Dorwest Herbs ™ Scullcap and Valerian tablets. This herbal medicine preparation can be used for the relief of anxiety, restlessness, excitability, and travel behavioral problems, and can even be used as a supporting supplement for epilepsy. It has been been proven effective in dogs with noise phobias, travel anxiety, and hyper activity.
   • Skullcap and Valerian Tablets are safe for long term and short term use and can be given from 2 months of age onwards. The dose for Dorwest Herbs ™ Scullcap and Valerian tablets is 1 to 2 tablets per 5 kg of body weight daily. For one off occasions, use 2 tablets per 5kg of body weight 12 hours before and again 2 hours before the desired effect is required. Note: Not recommended for pregnant or lactating females.
   • Vetzyme Stay Calm Liquid ®: this herbal oil is composed of a unique blend of Chamomile and Ginger oils. Research has shown that these two herbs posses calming, soothing, and relaxing properties. The dose is at 2.5ml of the oil mixed into the dogs food daily.
7. Prepare your own herbal concoction. Do this by mixing one teaspoon each of German Chamomile, skullcap and catnip. Place these in a cup and set aside.
   • Heat half a cup of water to boiling level, and pour this over the cup of herbs. Leave and let it steep for 6 minutes, then strain the liquid and pour three tablespoons of honey into the concoction.
   • Store it at room temperature for 24 hours before giving it to the dog.

Tips

• The most common situations that would require a dog to be calm include:
  • Restlessness caused by separation anxiety, territorial behavior, and noise phobias
  • Travel anxiety
  • Presence new people in the house
  • Presence of new pets or animals in the house
  • Visits to the veterinarian
  • Grooming
  • Loud events like celebration of New Year’s Day and storms

Sources and Citations

• Veterinary Drug Handbook 2nd Ed. by Donald C. Plumb Iowa State University Press 1995
• http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/seasonal/cesars-travel-tips Cesar’s Best Dog Travel Tips
• http://canigivemydog.com/melatonin Can I give my dog Melatonin?
• http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/behaviortraining/gr/DAP-Dog-Collar.htm Behavior Training

See also

• Determine Benadryl Dosage for Dogs
• Make Homemade Pill Pockets for Your Dog
• Administer a Vaccine to a Dog
• Administer Shots to Dogs
• Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs
• Get Your Dog to Swallow a Pill