What is the Trazodone for Dogs Dosage Calculator?
This calculator gives an estimated trazodone dose range for dogs based on body weight. Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) commonly prescribed by veterinarians for situational anxiety — such as thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, travel, or post-surgical confinement. A widely cited situational dosing range is roughly 3.5 to 7 mg/kg, given about 1–2 hours before the anticipated stressful event. This tool is educational only and does not replace veterinary advice.
How to use it
Enter your dog's weight and choose kilograms or pounds. The default dosing rates (3.5 and 7 mg/kg) reflect a common situational range, but you can adjust them to match your veterinarian's prescription. The result shows a low-to-high milligram range per dose, which you and your vet can round to available tablet sizes (trazodone commonly comes in 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg tablets).
The formula explained
The math is simple: weight in kilograms is multiplied by the dose rate in mg/kg.
$$\text{Dose (mg)} = \text{Weight (kg)} \times (3.5 \text{ to } 7\ \text{mg/kg})$$If you enter pounds, the calculator first converts using \(\text{kg} = \text{lb} \times 0.45359237\). With a 3.5–7 mg/kg range you get a band rather than a single number, because individual dogs respond differently and your vet may target a specific point in that band.
Worked example
A 20 kg dog at 3.5 mg/kg needs
$$20 \times 3.5 = 70 \text{ mg}$$and at 7 mg/kg needs
$$20 \times 7 = 140 \text{ mg}$$So the estimated per-dose range is 70–140 mg. A vet might start near the low end and adjust based on response.
FAQ
How often can trazodone be given? For ongoing anxiety some vets prescribe it every 8–24 hours; for situational use it's given once before the event. Follow your vet's instructions.
Can I use this number without a vet? No. Use it only to understand the ballpark range. Dose, frequency, and suitability depend on your dog's health, other medications, and the vet's judgment.
What if my dog takes other medications? Trazodone can interact with other serotonergic drugs (risk of serotonin syndrome). Always disclose all medications to your veterinarian.
