Vet Guide to Clomipramine (Clomicalm®) in 2025 🐾

Hi, I’m Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc—founder of Ask A Vet. In this detailed 2025 guide, we explore clomipramine hydrochloride—a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) licensed under brand name Clomicalm® for separation anxiety in dogs. It’s also used off-label for compulsive behaviors in dogs and urine spraying in cats. Learn how it works, dosing strategies, safety considerations, side effects, and how to monitor your pet while using it. 🐶🐱

📘 What Is Clomipramine?

Clomipramine is a potent TCA that increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, helping reduce anxiety and repetitive behaviors in pets :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. It also has antihistamine and anticholinergic effects, which contribute to its calming effect in animals.

✅ When & Why Vets Prescribe It

• Separation anxiety in dogs: excessive barking, pacing, destruction, house soiling :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Compulsive disorders: tail chasing, shadow-chasing in dogs :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Urine spraying in cats: reduces marking behavior in up to 75% of affected cats :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Noise phobia & similar: used off-label alongside behavior modification :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Always use clomipramine in conjunction with behavior training for best results :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

📐 Dosing Guidelines in 2025

🐶 Dogs (Clomicalm® label):

• 2–4 mg/kg/day (0.9–1.8 mg/lb), either once daily or divided BID based on response :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Typically starts at 1–2 mg/kg once daily with food, increasing as needed

🐱 Cats (off-label):

• 0.25–1 mg/kg once daily, often around 5 mg per cat :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• May extend dosing interval based on sensitivity and signs

Always give with a small amount of food to reduce GI upset :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

⏱️ How It Works & Timeline

Clomipramine's calming influence builds over days to weeks, with behavioral improvements typically seen within 4–6 weeks :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}. Consistency and pairing with training are important.

⚠️ Side Effects & Safety

Common (usually mild):

• Sleepiness, lethargy, dry mouth, constipation, urinary hesitancy :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst or heart rate :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Serious (rare):

• Cardiac arrhythmias—avoid or use caution in pets with heart disease :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Urinary retention or exacerbation of glaucoma :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Seizures—use with extreme caution in epileptic patients :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

If any serious effects are seen, contact your vet immediately.

🔗 Drug Interactions & Contraindications

• Many drug interactions: SSRIs/SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, anticholinergics, heart meds—always disclose all medications :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Not for use in pets under 6 months or < 1.25 kg—safety not established :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Avoid in glaucoma, urinary retention, heart disease, epilepsy unless monitored closely :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

🩺 Monitoring & Follow‑Up

• Track behavior, energy, appetite, bathroom habits weekly
• Adjust dose based on effectiveness and tolerance
• In long-term use, consider periodic cardiac evaluation, blood work, and training refreshers

⏳ Missed Dose & Discontinuation

• If a dose is missed, give next scheduled dose; do not double up
• Wean gradually over at least 2 weeks to avoid withdrawal signs :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

🏡 Case Examples

🐶 Dog with Separation Anxiety

• Start 2 mg/kg once daily with breakfast; add behavior training and environment enrichment
• If still anxious after 2 weeks, increase to 3–4 mg/kg/day switched to BID dosing

🐱 Cat with Urine Spraying

• Administer 5 mg once daily and reduce stressors (e.g. extra litter boxes, pheromone diffusers)
• Monitor marking behavior, adjust after 4 weeks if needed

❓ FAQs

Is clomipramine better than fluoxetine?

Both can be effective; choice depends on individual response, side effects, and cost :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

When will I see improvement?

Behavioral changes can start within 2–4 weeks; best results seen after 6–8 weeks with consistent use and training.

Is it safe long‑term?

Yes under vet supervision, with regular monitoring and possible periodic breaks.

Can I use human clomipramine?

Only if prescribed by a vet—dosage and formulation may differ from veterinary-approved Clomicalm®.

📌 Final Takeaways

• Clomipramine is a proven TCA for canine separation anxiety and feline spraying, often used off-label for compulsive behaviors.
• Dosing: dogs 2–4 mg/kg/day; cats ~0.25–1 mg/kg/day—always with food, and paired with behavior training.
• Monitor for sedation, GI signs, urinary or cardiac effects; many drug interactions to consider.
• Gradual weaning is essential—never stop abruptly.
• Consult your vet before combining medications or if concerns arise.

Thinking clomipramine might help your pet’s anxiety or behavior? Download the Ask A Vet app for tailored dosing schedules, behavior tracking tools, and 24/7 veterinary support. Together, we’ll help your pet feel calmer and happier! 🐾❤️