Low (0.01 mg/lb – Mild Anxiety)
Standard (0.025 mg/lb – Moderate Anxiety)
High (0.05 mg/lb – Severe Panic/Phobia)
Calculated Total Dose: mg
Note: This is an estimate. Always follow your veterinarian's specific prescription.
WARNING: Alprazolam (Xanax) is a potent medication. Overdose can lead to extreme sedation, respiratory depression, and collapse. This calculator is for educational purposes only. Do NOT administer any medication to your pet without a direct prescription and guidance from a licensed veterinarian.
function calculateAlprazolam() {
var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("dogWeight").value);
var unit = document.getElementById("weightUnit").value;
var intensity = parseFloat(document.getElementById("dosageLevel").value);
var resultArea = document.getElementById("resultArea");
var mgResult = document.getElementById("mgResult");
var pillBreakdown = document.getElementById("pillBreakdown");
if (isNaN(weight) || weight <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid weight for your dog.");
return;
}
// Convert all to lbs for standard calculation (using 0.01 to 0.05 mg/lb range)
var weightInLbs = (unit === "kg") ? weight * 2.20462 : weight;
// Calculation: weight * intensity
var totalMg = weightInLbs * intensity;
var roundedMg = totalMg.toFixed(3);
mgResult.innerHTML = roundedMg;
// Provide pill context (Alprazolam usually comes in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg tabs)
var suggestion = "";
if (totalMg = 0.125 && totalMg = 0.375 && totalMg < 0.75) {
suggestion = "Equivalent to roughly 1/2 of a 1mg tablet or one 0.5mg tablet.";
} else {
suggestion = "Consult your vet for the exact number of tablets based on their prescribed tablet strength.";
}
pillBreakdown.innerHTML = "Estimated Administration: " + suggestion;
resultArea.style.display = "block";
}
Alprazolam for Dogs: Dosage Chart & Veterinary Guide
Alprazolam, commonly known by the brand name Xanax, is a benzodiazepine medication used in veterinary medicine to treat situational anxiety and panic disorders in dogs. Whether it is thunderstorm phobias, separation anxiety, or fear of fireworks, understanding the correct dosage is critical for safety and efficacy.
Alprazolam Dosage Chart for Dogs (General Guidelines)
Veterinary dosages for alprazolam typically range from 0.01 mg/lb to 0.05 mg/lb. The following chart provides a general reference for the "Standard" dose (0.025 mg/lb).
Dog Weight (lbs)
Low Dose (0.01 mg/lb)
Standard Dose (0.025 mg/lb)
High Dose (0.05 mg/lb)
10 lbs
0.1 mg
0.25 mg
0.5 mg
20 lbs
0.2 mg
0.5 mg
1.0 mg
40 lbs
0.4 mg
1.0 mg
2.0 mg
60 lbs
0.6 mg
1.5 mg
3.0 mg
80 lbs
0.8 mg
2.0 mg
4.0 mg
How Alprazolam Works in Canines
Alprazolam works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps calm the central nervous system. In dogs, this results in a rapid reduction of fear and anxiety. Unlike some daily anxiety medications (like Prozac/Fluoxetine), Alprazolam is fast-acting and is usually given 30 to 60 minutes before an expected stressful event.
Common Uses
Noise Phobias: Fireworks, thunder, or construction sounds.
Situational Stress: Vet visits, grooming, or travel.
Separation Anxiety: Used as a short-term bridge while behavior modification is implemented.
Nighttime Restlessness: In senior dogs with cognitive dysfunction.
Potential Side Effects
While effective, Alprazolam can cause several side effects in dogs. Monitoring your pet after the first dose is essential.
Sedation: The most common effect; the dog may seem sleepy or uncoordinated (ataxia).
Increased Appetite: Many dogs become significantly hungrier after a dose.
Paradoxical Excitement: In rare cases, some dogs become hyperactive or aggressive instead of calm.
Liver Issues: Long-term use or high doses can impact liver enzymes; vets often recommend periodic blood work.
Safety and Precautions
Never give your dog alprazolam that contains xylitol (a rare sweetener in some human versions) or combine it with other sedatives without veterinary approval. It should be used with extreme caution in dogs with liver or kidney disease, pregnant dogs, or working dogs that require full coordination. Always perform a "test run" dose on a calm day to see how your dog reacts before using it during a major stress event like a thunderstorm.