If you own a dog, there is a good chance that he/she is terrified of loud noises. From thunder, to gun shots, to fireworks, any loud sound can have your dog running around like a maniac. Most of the time, you cannot control the noises, so you are only left with giving your dog something to calm them down and reduce their anxiety. Today, we are going to talk about the drug xanax, and whether it is a good thing to give your dog when there are fireworks.

Xanax for dogs

Xanax, also known by its scientific name alprazolam, is a prescription drug given to people who struggle with anxiety and high stress. Xanax is also given to people who suffer from panic attacks. Xanax works in dogs by slowing down neuron traffic to the brain. In turn, this slows down brain activity and has a very calming effect on the dog.

Can you give a dog xanax for fireworks

Yes, you can give a dog xanax for fireworks. Since your dog is most likely suffering from intense anxiety and stress from the fireworks, xanax does an excellent job of calming your dog down and reducing anxiety. While dogs can certainly take xanax for fireworks and other loud sounds, you should alway contact your vet to make sure your dog is healthy enough to take xanax. Xanax can be very dangerous for dogs that are taking other medications or suffer from other health problems. A vet will also help you determine the correct dosage of xanax for your dog based on its medical history, age, and size. 

How much xanax should you give a dog?

As you probably expect, the xanax dosage for dogs is much lower than the dosage for humans. While you should always contact your vet beforehand, you generally give a dog 0.03 mg of xanax per pound. While you can give your dog xanax every 5 hours as needed, you should never give your dog more than 3.5 mg per day.

How to give a dog xanax?

There are many different ways you can give a dog xanax. You can put the pill directly in their mouth, put it in their food, or sneak it into a treat. You should be able to see the xanax taking effect in a matter of minutes. 

Side effects of xanax in dogs:

Side effects of xanax in dogs include hunger, sleepiness, diarrhea, and stumbling around.