Trazodone typically begins to work in dogs within about 1 to 2 hours when used for short-term anxiety or situational stress. If used on a daily basis for longer-term anxiety management, full maximal benefit may take a few weeks to become evident, with some gradual improvement possible sooner. The medication generally lasts several hours per dose (often 8–12 hours), and a single dose should wear off within 24 hours, though duration can be longer if the dog has been on the medication regularly or has underlying health issues.
If you’re considering trazodone for a dog or are adjusting dosing, always follow your veterinarian’s instructions and report any side effects (e.g., digestive upset, vomiting, diarrhea) or unusual sedation. Individual responses can vary based on factors like age, weight, liver/kidney function, and concurrent medications.
