Medical Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimated dosage ranges for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Dosages can vary wildly depending on your dog's age, medical history, liver/kidney function, and the reason for the medication. Never administer human liquid medications to your dog without consulting your vet, as they often contain Xylitol, which is highly toxic and fatal to dogs. Always get a prescription and dosing schedule tailored to your pet.
Why Are These Medications Used Together?
Veterinarians frequently prescribe the combination of Gabapentin and Trazodone (sometimes referred to as the "Chill Protocol") to manage severe situational anxiety in dogs. This is commonly used for stressful events like fireworks, thunderstorms, or veterinary visits.
While Trazodone acts as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) to reduce anxiety, Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and analgesic that effectively targets nerve pain and has mild sedative properties. Together, they can synergistically calm a highly stressed dog.
Standard Dosage Ranges
The dosages calculated above are based on common veterinary guidelines:
- Gabapentin: Typically dosed at 10 to 40 mg per kg of body weight. Your vet may start at the lower end to assess how sleepy your dog gets.
- Trazodone: Typically dosed at 4 to 10 mg per kg of body weight. Doses rarely exceed 300 mg per administration, regardless of the dog's size.
The "Trial Run"
Because these medications can cause sedation, wobbliness (ataxia), or uncoordinated movement, veterinarians often recommend doing a "trial run" on a calm day at home. This allows you to safely observe how your dog reacts to the combined medication before the stressful event actually occurs.