Anti-Anxiety Medications

Sometimes visits to the vet are just more than a pet can handle, no matter how gentle we are or how many treats we offer. When your pet is overly stressed, visits to the vet just aren't fun, in fact they can be down right scary for your pet! Since we want your pet to stay healthy and be seen on a regular basis to maintain that health, it's important to us that we not only see your pet, but we make it the best experience possible for them when they come in. Sometimes to do that, we will prescribe anti-anxiety medications. The common medications we use are listed below.
Trazodone
This is the primary medication we prescribe to our canine friends who get stressed or scared when they come into the clinic. It may sound familiar as it was originally developed as a human medication but has found its place in the veterinary field of medicine as well. This medication is designed to reduce stress and anxiety. Typically we recommend giving it 1-2 hours prior to your pet's appointment so that it is at peak effect for when they come in. This is an oral medication.
Gabapentin
While this medication was developed as a pain medication for humans, it has been proven to be a useful sedative for cats. If you you know that your cats gets stressed coming to the clinic, please let us know so we can send this medication home with your prior so that your cat isn't as stressed when they visit the clinic. It is recommended that the medication is given 1-2 hours prior to your pet's appointment. This is an oral medication.
Trazodone
This is the primary medication we prescribe to our canine friends who get stressed or scared when they come into the clinic. It may sound familiar as it was originally developed as a human medication but has found its place in the veterinary field of medicine as well. This medication is designed to reduce stress and anxiety. Typically we recommend giving it 1-2 hours prior to your pet's appointment so that it is at peak effect for when they come in. This is an oral medication.
Gabapentin
While this medication was developed as a pain medication for humans, it has been proven to be a useful sedative for cats. If you you know that your cats gets stressed coming to the clinic, please let us know so we can send this medication home with your prior so that your cat isn't as stressed when they visit the clinic. It is recommended that the medication is given 1-2 hours prior to your pet's appointment. This is an oral medication.