🐾💊 Clomipramine for Dogs and Cats: Vet Behavior Treatment Guide for 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Pets suffer from behavioral and emotional disorders just like people do. For dogs and cats with separation anxiety, compulsive behaviors, or noise phobias, one medication frequently used is Clomipramine. 🧠🐶🐱

In this 2025 guide, I’ll explain what Clomipramine is, how it works, what behaviors it treats, possible side effects, and the importance of proper weaning and monitoring. 📘🩺

🔬 What Is Clomipramine?

Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It’s FDA-approved for treating separation anxiety in dogs and is also used off-label for generalized anxiety, storm phobia, noise phobia, and compulsive disorders in both dogs and cats. 🌩️🐾

Brand names include:

• 💊 Anafranil® (human formulation)
• 🐶 Clomicalm® (chewable veterinary formulation by Virbac)
• 🧪 CaniQuell®

💡 How It Works

Clomipramine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This increases levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, helping regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and control obsessive behaviors. 🧠✨

It also has some antihistaminic and anticholinergic effects, which can contribute to both therapeutic and side effects. It’s more serotonin-specific than other TCAs but less selective than SSRIs (like fluoxetine). ⚖️

📦 Available Forms

Clomipramine is available as:

• Capsules: 25 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg
• Chewable veterinary tablets (Clomicalm): 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg

📅 How It’s Administered

Clomipramine is typically given once or twice daily and should be given with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. 🍽️

⏳ Gradual Onset of Effect

It may take 2–4 weeks to see full therapeutic effects. Patience and consistent behavior modification support are key. ⏰🐾

🧠 Behavioral Conditions Treated

• 🐶 Separation anxiety
• 🌩️ Noise and storm phobias
• 🧼 Compulsive behaviors (e.g., licking, tail chasing, pacing)
• 🚽 Urine spraying in cats (up to 90% reduction shown in studies)
• 💬 Generalized anxiety

Clomipramine is most effective when combined with behavior modification and consistent training routines. 📈

⚠️ Side Effects

Clomipramine is generally well tolerated, but side effects can occur, especially at higher doses:

• 😴 Sedation or lethargy
• 💩 Constipation or diarrhea
• 🥩 Decreased appetite
• 💧 Urinary retention
• ❤️ Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
• 📉 Changes in blood pressure

🔬 Less Common But Serious Side Effects

• 🧠 Seizures in predisposed pets
• 📉 Thyroid suppression
• ⚠️ Testicular hypoplasia in breeding males

💊 Drug Interactions

Clomipramine can interact with several medications, and care must be taken to avoid dangerous combinations:

• 🚫 MAOIs (e.g., selegiline) – Do not use concurrently; may cause serotonin syndrome
• ⚠️ Other serotonin-enhancing drugs – Use with caution to avoid serotonin overload
• 📈 Phenobarbital – May increase clomipramine levels

Always inform your vet of any medications or supplements your pet is taking. 🧾

🚫 Contraindications and Cautions

Clomipramine should be used with caution or avoided in pets with:

• ❤️ Heart disease
• 🧠 Seizure disorders
• 👁️ Glaucoma
• 🚽 Urinary or fecal retention issues

Not recommended in:

• 🤰 Pregnant or nursing animals
• 🐕 Breeding males (due to testicular effects)

📉 Tapering Off Clomipramine

Do not stop this medication abruptly. Pets should be weaned gradually to avoid:

• ⚡ Return of behavior problems
• ⚠️ Withdrawal side effects

Follow your vet’s tapering protocol over several weeks. ⏳📋

🧪 Monitoring During Treatment

Your vet may recommend periodic blood tests to monitor:

• 🧬 Thyroid hormone levels
• 🩺 Heart rate and rhythm
• 🧪 Liver and kidney function

This is especially important during long-term treatment or when multiple drugs are used. 🧾

📞 When to Contact Your Vet

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences:

• 💥 Seizures or collapse
• 💉 Sudden urinary retention
• ❌ Loss of appetite for over 48 hours
• 😵 Lethargy or significant behavior changes

📲 Ask A Vet for Behavior Support

Need help managing your pet’s anxiety or medication plan? Download the Ask A Vet app for instant, 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians. 🐶💬🐱

Whether it’s weaning support, behavior plans, or drug side effects, Ask A Vet is here to guide you. 📱🩺

✅ Final Thoughts

Clomipramine offers a powerful, research-backed option for managing anxiety, OCD, and other behavior disorders in pets. 🧠🐾

Combined with training, consistency, and vet guidance, it can dramatically improve your pet’s quality of life—and your peace of mind. 💖

– Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

💡Need help managing your pet’s behavior? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app now!