Klonopin for Canines

Clonazepam, marketed under the trade name Klonopin, is prescribed for people suffering from seizure disorders. Although not approved for veterinary use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, veterinarians can prescribe Klonopin for their patients as an "extra-label" medication -- a legal use of a drug outside of the description on the label. Klonopin falls into the benzodiazepine class of drugs, which include anti-anxiety medications such as alprazolam, marketed as Xanax. Your vet might prescribe Klonopin for dogs with anxiety or those diagnosed with epilepsy.

Klonopin usually works well when used for relieving canine anxiety, such as fireworks phobia, when administered before the scary event occurs. While it calms most dogs down, it can have the opposite effect on certain canines, making them aggressive and hyperactive. Pregnant and nursing dogs, or those with glaucoma or liver disease, should not receive Klonopin. If your dog receives long-term Klonopin treatment, cessation of drug use should taper down over time rather than end abruptly.