Can humans take dog valium

Valium (diazepam) has many applications in dogs and is a commonly used medication. Diazepam is a regulated benzodiazepine drug that provides a calming effect on many body systems as it targets many different centers in the brain and central nervous system. No matter the reason a dog is given diazepam, it should only be given under the direct advisement of a licensed veterinarian.

Valium (Diazepam) Usages in Dogs

Valium (diazepam) is commonly used as an anxiolytic and muscle relaxant though it can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Diazepam is frequently used in the veterinary hospital as part of the pre-anesthetic protocol as well. In many cases, it is administered intravenously at the veterinary hospital or even rectally by the dog's owner at home before transport to an emergency or surgical facility.

These are some disorders in dogs related to musculature relaxation that diazepam can help treat:

  • Certain toxicities that result in tremors, seizures, or other abnormal muscle contractions
  • Muscle cramping disorders, such as "Scottie cramp," a metabolic disease of Scottish terriers.

Diazepam is known to be an appetite stimulant. However, the additional sedative effects of diazepam often negate any appetite stimulation. There may be other medications that are more appropriately used as an appetite stimulant.

Diazepam is also used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Examples include dogs that urinate inside the house as a result of stress in the environment and dogs that suffer from fear of thunderstorms, fireworks, or other over-stimulating situations.

Diazepam is also sometimes used to control seizures and epilepsy. It is used to control status epilepticus (a non-ending seizure) or cluster seizures which are two or more seizures that occur in a short time, not allowing the dog time to recover between seizures.

Considerations for Using Diazepam in Dogs

Unfortunately, diazepam can interact with many different medications, including:

  • Antacids such as cimetidine
  • Heart medications such as propranolol and digoxin
  • Antifungal medications such as ketoconazole

If diazepam needs to be used in conjunction with these medications, the dosage may need to be altered. Always make your veterinarian aware of any other medications your dog is receiving.

Warning

Diazepam should not be used in pregnant or nursing females. The drug may adversely affect the unborn fetuses or the nursing puppies.

Side Effects of Diazepam

As diazepam affects most muscle groups in the body, systemic (whole-body) side effects of diazepam may include:

  • Incoordination
  • Lethargy or depression
  • Cardiovascular depression
  • Respiratory depression

If your dog has been receiving diazepam, it is not a good idea to suddenly stop giving the medication. This may lead to withdrawal symptoms. If you have skipped a dose, do not give two doses at once.

Diazepam should be used cautiously in aggressive dogs, as it can sometimes cause a reverse reaction in which the animal instead becomes more excitable and difficult to manage.

If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.

Table of Contents

  • 1 Is diazepam the same for dogs and humans?
  • 2 Does human diazepam work on dogs?
  • 3 How do you give a dog Diazepam?
  • 4 Can dogs have diazepam for anxiety?
  • 5 How long does diazepam for dogs last?
  • 6 When should you give your dog diazepam?
  • 7 How is diazepam used in humans and animals?
  • 8 How many brands of diazepam are there in the world?

Is diazepam the same for dogs and humans?

Diazepam comes in different dosages for humans and dogs, which could cause your dog to overdose. You should never give your dog any medication that isn’t prescribed by your veterinarian.

Does human diazepam work on dogs?

Diazepam, sometimes known by the brand name Valium, is a drug that can be used in dogs as an anti-anxiety medication, a muscle relaxant, a treatment for seizures, and medicine for other conditions.

Are dog pills the same as human pills?

Absolutely. Dogs, cats, horses, and sheep regularly take the same medicines as wounded bipedals. Many, and perhaps most, antibiotics are approved for use in humans and animals. Versions of some of our anti-anxiety medications and painkillers are approved for other species as well.

What happens if you give a dog Diazepam?

Diazepam may be safe for dogs but it should never be administered without a prescription from your veterinarian. Due to its strong relaxation and tranquilizing effects, the most common side effects associated with Valium are drowsiness, poor energy, sedation, and changes in heart rate.

How do you give a dog Diazepam?

Insert lubed syringe into rectum of your pet as far as comfortably possible (1-2 inches) and then depress syringe plunger. This can repeated after two more seizures (3 total per 24 hours), but wait at least 10 minutes between doses to avoid excessive sedation.

Can dogs have diazepam for anxiety?

In veterinary medicine, diazepam can be prescribed for dogs, cats, reptiles, sheep, horses, and goatscan alter the form of the drug for oral, intravenous, or rectal administration. Diazepam commonly is administered as a sedative, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, or anti-anxiety medication for dogs and cats.

Is animal medicine and human medicine the same?

Traditionally, human medicine and veterinary medicine tend to be viewed separately. Doctors treat people, and vets look after animals. Of course differences exist between the two types of patients and options for treatment.

Is dog tramadol the same as human Tramadol?

Dog Tramadol is one of the few drugs that share nearly the exact same chemical composition as a human medication. The pain meds your pup takes will be very similar to the ones you might have experience with at home, apart from minor alterations in their chemical structure to make them safer for the animal’s organs.

How long does diazepam for dogs last?

Because of the short half-life of diazepam in dogs (2-4 hours) and the development of tolerance, diazepam should only be used for emergency management of seizures.

When should you give your dog diazepam?

Veterinary Medicine Uses for Diazepam Diazepam commonly is administered as a sedative, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, or anti-anxiety medication for dogs and cats. Diazepam also can be used to treat behavioral problems, such as aggression, excessive grooming, territorial spraying, and terror caused by loud noises.

Will diazepam make my dog sleep?

Treatment with more than one drug at a time will often improve a dog’s response to sedation. Possible oral sedative combinations include: acepromazine and Telazol powder (an anesthetic) acepromazine and diazepam (an anti-anxiety drug)

Can you give diazepam orally to a dog?

Diazepam for dogs is available in various formats for administration: oral or injectable. In the either case, the veterinarian will decide depending on your dog’s condition. As diazepam is also used for humans, many people wonder if they can give human diazepam to their dog. The answer is no.

How is diazepam used in humans and animals?

Human formulations: Valium® (Roche) and other generic names. In animals, diazepam is given as a sedative, to treat convulsions, to manage excitement or as a muscle relaxant. Diazepam is often used with other drugs to ease an animal in and out of anesthesia.

How many brands of diazepam are there in the world?

Diazepam is marketed in over 500 brands throughout the world. It is supplied in oral, injectable, inhalation, and rectal forms. The United States military employs a specialized diazepam preparation known as Convulsive Antidote, Nerve Agent (CANA), which contains diazepam.

Is the dose of Valium higher for dogs than for humans?

Valium is Valium, regardless of whether it’s prescribed for animals or humans. Im sorry but you imagine wrong. The dose of valium for a dog is higher than prescribed for humans. As a dog has a lower absorption rate than humans.

Are dog and human diazepam the same?

Can I give my dog diazepam for humans? Diazepam comes in different dosages for humans and dogs, which could cause your dog to overdose. You should never give your dog any medication that isn't prescribed by your veterinarian.

Does dog valium work on humans?

Diazepam is a medicine that affects the central nervous system. It mainly causes a relaxing, sedative and anticonvulsant effect. It is used in human medicine and also in veterinary medicine.

Can I take my dogs diazepam?

In veterinary medicine, diazepam can be prescribed for dogs, cats, reptiles, sheep, horses, and goatscan alter the form of the drug for oral, intravenous, or rectal administration. Diazepam commonly is administered as a sedative, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, or anti-anxiety medication for dogs and cats.

Can a human take a dog pill?

Absolutely. Dogs, cats, horses, and sheep regularly take the same medicines as wounded bipedals. Many, and perhaps most, antibiotics are approved for use in humans and animals. Versions of some of our anti-anxiety medications and painkillers are approved for other species as well.