What do vets use to sedate cats

Additionally, some medications have pain relief effects, while others do not. And some are best for short-term stressful situations like fireworks or a vet visit , while others are used for long-term anxiety issues.

Benadryl Diphenhydramine is not technically a sedative. However, sedation is a very common side effect. Benadryl is an over-the-counter cat sedative option with a good safety margin. Side effects include dry mouth, increased heart rate, and urine retention.

Cats with certain medical conditions such as glaucoma, high blood pressure, or certain urinary problems should avoid Benadryl. Acepromazine causes sedation and some anxiety relief. It may be given as an injection in the veterinary clinic, or acepromazine pills may be sent home.

Acepromazine is often used as a cat sedative for travel, or given minutes prior to a veterinary visit. Gabapentin is a medication that can be used for several purposes, including seizure control, anxiety relief, sedation, and pain management.

Gabapentin is generally considered safe in healthy pets, with minimal side effects. Trazodone offers both sedative effects and anxiety relief. This makes it a good choice for many situations, including grooming, vet visits, travel, storms, or fireworks. Trazodone must be used with caution in pets with certain conditions such as a heart problem, and it must not be combined with certain other types of anxiety medications SSRIs. This medication can help cats with anxiety during short-term stressful events like fireworks and storms.

Alprazolam may also be used for grooming, vet visits, etc. In some pets especially younger animals , alprazolam can cause excitement rather than tranquilization. Some kitties — such as those with severe or chronic anxiety, or those who suffer from stress-related cystitis — may need to take daily medications for a longer period of time.

Common medication categories include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants. Popular options include fluoxetine and amitriptyline. These kitties may need injectable sedation administered by a veterinarian during a checkup, toenail trim, x-rays, or other procedure.

Sometimes, confusion arises when discussing sedation and anesthesia. Sedation is usually administered by mouth or via an injection. Unlike a real anesthetic, which makes a pet extraordinarily sleepy and unresponsive, a sedative makes an animal slightly drowsy and calm while still allowing them to be aware of, and interact with, their environment. Sedatives are cheap, easy to give, and reduce stress on you, the veterinary team, and most importantly, your pet. Sedatives also protect the veterinary team from bites and scratches from a panicked animal.

They are in the form of liquid or a pill, and unlike full anesthesia, they can be given to your pet the morning of the exam. Sedatives calm animals down, help them stay still and keep them from getting scared. Sedatives allow us, the veterinary team, to be faster and quieter about a procedure.

While sedatives do cost money, require that you watch your pet for a few hours after the sedative is administered, and need a bit more planning most sedatives are administered 2 hours before a visit many animals can benefit from getting a sedative. Either the veterinary team recommended a sedative, or you think your pet could benefit from one — call your vet clinic a few days before your appointment and pick up your sedative.

Give it, for food if needed, to your pet hours before you load them into the car to drive to the clinic. It will make your pet relaxed and tired, so they will likely sleep after it kicks in 30 minutes to 1 hours after administration.

They will probably be tired and relaxed for a few hours after the visit most pets sleep it off then become more alert as it gradually wears off.

This is a pain medication used in humans and animals for nerve pain. At higher than usual doses used for pain, it causes relaxation and drowsiness. Usually dosed at mg per cat depending on body weight it can be given in pill or liquid form.

Safe for almost any cat, it is useful, safe on the body organs, and useful for both old and young cats. Once very popular, this drug is falling out of favour with some vets like me!

My sedative of choice for fearful stressed, or anxious dogs. Gentle on the liver, kidneys and GI tract, Trazodone relaxes dogs and decreases anxiety. Safe for use in both old and young dogs and comes in scored tablets for easy dosing. The same medication used in cats can be used in dogs. Phone: Email: metrovetchicago gmail. Skip to main content. Email Us Call Us: Why Would Your Cat Need Sedation or Anesthesia Cat sedation or cat anesthesia is used for any type of procedure when a patient needs to be immobilized or during any type of diagnostic test, procedure or surgery where the cat would otherwise feel pain or stress.

Risks Associated With Giving Cats Anesthesia There are always risks that come with any surgery, but the risks are very low thanks to the experienced veterinary team here at Metropolitan Veterinary Center. What To Expect The Day Your Cat Receives Veterinary Anesthesia You will receive a specific set of instructions from your veterinarian before your cat receives cat anesthesia or undergoes any surgical procedure. Here are some things to keep in mind as you arrive with your cat for the surgery: Fasting is recommended the night before any cat sedatives or anesthesia are administered.

Follow any specific directions given to you by Metropolitan Veterinary Center. Depending on the type of procedure, our veterinarians may recommend additional prescription medications while your cat recovers Ask any questions you may have and our veterinary staff will provide answers and help to ease your mind before or after the cat surgery is performed Monitoring Anesthetized Cats Our veterinary surgical team will monitor your cat carefully before, during and after your cat's procedure.

We create and provide a sedation or anesthetic plan specific for your pet. This plan is based on the patient's breed, age and health status. Service Category:. Share this Content. About Visit our office to get the latest in top-quality veterinary care along with unparalleled service.