Branch practice at:
86 Mellstock Avenue
Dorchester
Dorset DT1 2BH
Telephone: 01305 251632
All replies to:
176-178 Chickerell Road
Weymouth
Dorset DT4 0QR
Telephone: 01305 784197
Fax: 01305 771446
Using Alprazolam
Introduction
A small number of dogs given Alprazolam will show side effects. These are temporary
and not dangerous, but to be confident about using Alprazolam we must first check that
it is suitable for your dog by giving a test dose.
Testing the effects of the drug
Choose a quiet day when you do not anticipate any fireworks or loud noises, and when
you can keep your dog supervised and inside for at least 3-4 hours until the effects of
the drug have worn off. Keep your dog in a part of the house that is comfortable and
within easy reach of water and access to the garden.
The test dose is a very low dose.
We will have calculated the test dose for you.
The effects of the drug last several hours and you should see very little effect on your
dog’s behaviour.
Look for the following side effects:
1.Agitation
If your dog begins to pace, pant and appear restless and anxious then the drug must not
be given again. These side effects will pass. Supervise your dog until the side effects pass
and contact us to arrange to try a different drug.
2.Drunkenness
If your dog staggers or wobbles around and seems drunk then you must not give this
drug again. Supervise your dog until the side effects pass, and prevent him or her from
going near stairs or other areas where coordination and balance are important.
If you see either of these side effects then contact us to arrange to try a different
drug.
Using the drug when fireworks are expected
If the test has gone well you will know that your dog appears virtually unaffected by the
drug and can walk and behave normally when it is given at a low dose. Now we need to
think about how to use the drug to help when fireworks are expected.
 If
you anticipate fireworks, try to give the drug an hour before they are expected and
keep your dog somewhere safe and as far away from the noises as possible.
 First,
prepare a den for your dog [see separate instruction sheet].
 Install
a dog appeasing pheromone [ADAPTIL] diffuser ahead of the event so that your
dog is as relaxed as possible. This is important because Alprazolam works better
when he or she is already calm, and lower doses are needed if ADAPTIL is in use.
 We
will have calculated and told you the dose of Alprazolam required for when
fireworks are anticipated.
 Give
the first dose of Alprazolam about an hour before the fireworks are expected to
begin.
 (If,
however, your dog anticipates the start of the fireworks and begin to get anxious as
soon as it starts to become dark then start giving Alprazolam one hour before you
expect your dog to start getting anxious, i.e. in the early evening before it gets dark.)
 You
may give a repeat dose if, after 3 hours, your dog begins to shows signs of anxiety
again.
Note:- The response to Alprazolam is very individual.
Some dogs show no reduction in anxiety on the calculated dose, and you may want to
give a higher dose. Wait for about 90 minutes to see the effect of the dose you have given
and if your dog is still anxious you may give an additional dose.
Some dogs react more strongly to Alprazolam and you may want to give a lower dose if
your dog seems very sedated.
We will have calculated and told you the maximum number of tablets that you can give
in an evening. Never give more than this number of tablets.
*This is the benefit of using Alprazolam; you can choose the amount to give in order to
achieve the level of relief you want.*
Other safety pointers
When they are frightened or distressed, dogs may behave in a self-defensive manner,
growling or snapping if cornered or threatened. It is very important not to get angry with
your dog when he or she is fearful, and you must avoid interfering with your dog’s
attempts to hide. This is doubly important when a dog is treated with a tranquilliser or
sedative like the one you are giving because these drugs reduce the dog’s inhibitions.
Summary
 Build
 Use
a den
an Adaptil collar or Adaptil diffuser (details available at the surgery)
 Where
possible, give Alprazolam one hour before fireworks are expected, because the
effects are more reliable.
 Give
top-up doses about every three hours throughout the evening, according to your
dog’s level of anxiety.
 If
your dog appears more sedated then you expected after a top-up dose then leave a
longer gap between top-up doses in the future.
 Do
not punish or challenge your dog when he or she is under the influence of the drugs
and do not interfere with his or her attempts to hide.
If you are in doubt about the dose of the drug you should use in any circumstance, or
you are concerned about the effects that the drug is having on your dog, please contact
us for advice.