Alprazolam (Xanax) for Pets in 2025: Safe Anti‑Anxiety Use for Dogs & Cats 🐶🐱💊

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
Updated July 16, 2025

💡 Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine brand-name Xanax®, is used safely in dogs and cats to treat noise phobias, manage seizures, support training periods, and reduce situational anxiety. This 2025 guide covers best practices, safety precautions, and monitoring tips for optimal care.

📌 Key Uses

• Noise phobias (fireworks, storms): 30–60 min before event; short-term use.
• Bridge until other meds work: Helps pets tolerate long-term anxiety meds.
• Seizure support: Adjunct therapy when phenobarbital alone isn’t enough.
• Cats with elimination anxiety: Can ease stress, used cautiously.

📅 Timing & Administration

• Onset: 1–2 hours
• Give with or without food
• Storage: Room temperature, away from light
• Missed doses: Don’t double; follow vet instructions if extra doses needed

⚠️ Important Safety & Interactions

• Antacids: Delay onset—space by ≥2 hrs.
• Drug interactions: Risk with diuretics, hypotensive meds, theophylline, cimetidine, itraconazole, cyclosporine, digoxin.
• Disinhibition risk: Pets may become unexpectedly aggressive or excited. Always supervise first dose.
• Use cautiously in: Liver/kidney disease—slower metabolism may prolong sedation.
• Pregnancy/nursing: Contraindicated—avoid use.

🩺 Side Effects & Reversal

• Common: Sedation, increased hunger, mild lethargy.
• Training interference: Temporary learning slowdown is possible.
• Paradoxical excitement/aggression: Rare but reported—monitor behavior.
• Reversal: Flumazenil can be used in emergencies.

📋 Discontinuation Tips

• Do not stop abruptly after long-term use—withdraw gradually over 1–2 weeks.

🔍 Monitoring Recommendations

• Observe changes in behavior, appetite, or lethargy.
• Monitor for unusual aggression or excitability.
• Keep detailed notes to discuss with your veterinarian.

📱 Ask A Vet App

Need help managing alprazolam use, spacing doses, or switching between anxiety meds? The Ask A Vet app provides:

• ⚕️ Direct access to licensed veterinarians
• 📅 Personalized tapering plans
• 🚨 Emergency guidance for drug interactions or reactions

➡️ Download the app to ensure safe, effective anti-anxiety care in 2025. Visit AskAVet.com.

✅ Final Tips from Dr Duncan Houston

• Effective for acute anxiety and seizure support—use short-term.
• Interactions and disinhibition risks exist—always supervise.
• Medical history, drug interactions, and monitoring plans are essential.
• Gradual taper is key after long-term use.

💚 Alprazolam can be a safe, effective tool in your pet’s care plan—used thoughtfully under veterinary guidance. Always prioritize safety with careful monitoring and professional input.