Mirtazapine for dogs is an appetite stimulant that actually comes from human medicine.
It is an antidepressant that is occasionally used in animals.
What exactly is it with Mirtazapine for dogs is explained in the following guide – together with the correct application and dosage as well as possible side effects.
Mirtazapine for dogs: what it is and what it is used for
Mirtazapine for dogs is a so-called tetracyclic antidepressant.
In dogs, it is mainly used when there is a lack of appetite and the associated weight loss.
It is originally a drug from human medicine that is prescribed for depression.
Due to the appetite-stimulating effect, it found its way into veterinary medicine some time ago, where it is also used to treat anorexia in dogs.
In addition, it is also given as an antiemetic in dogs. As such, mirtazapine is intended to suppress nausea and vomiting in dogs.
Important
Never give your dog mirtazapine on your own, but only after consultation with the veterinarian!
Proper use and dosage of mirtazapine in dogs
The correct dosage of mirtazapine in the dog lies at 0.5 mg to 0.6 mg mirtazapine per kilogram body weight of the four-legged friend.
Really accurate dosing is recommended to avoid surprising side effects.
Mirtazapine can be administered to the dog at any time of the day. Ideal for him to eat, but the gift in the morning.
How fast does mirtazapine work in dogs?
The effect of mirtazapine continues in many dogs after just a few minutes a. It usually lasts one to 3 days, after which another dose of mirtazapine can be given.
In some cases, however, it can also be administered daily. Discuss the frequency of use with your vet beforehand.
Long-term use is not effective because it only treats the symptoms and not the reason for the dog’s loss of appetite.
What side effects can mirtazapine cause in dogs?
One of the most common side effects of mirtazapine in dogs is one remarkably cheerful mood – not to say: the dog can get high from mirtazapine.
This can happen even with a minimal overdose.
The overdose is again primarily due to the fact that the tablets are extremely small and therefore very difficult to divide.
This side effect can occur especially in a dog that is relatively small and light.
Mirtazapine can also cause the opposite side effect of hyperexcitement in dogs, namely drowsiness.
These side effects usually subside after a short time, but they can also last for several days.
Discuss the side effects in advance with the treating veterinarian so that you are not at a loss about your dog’s behavior later.
Side effects that occur as a result of mirtazapine administration in dogs should always be carefully monitored.
This applies even more to side effects that are not listed on any package insert.
When should I not use mirtazapine in dogs?
If your dog has reacted to mirtazapine with a clear improvement in mood, you should better refrain from giving it another dose.
Do you have an assistance dog? Then a dose of mirtazapine may be a bad idea.
Because the active ingredient impairs both attention and the ability to concentrate the fur nose.
Note that long-term treatment with mirtazapine is associated with a slow taper towards the end of treatment.
To a certain extent, the active ingredient can be addictive. Cold turkey can then trigger irritability, aggression and depression in the dog.
Where is mirtazapine for dogs available?
Mirtazapine for dogs is only available from pharmacies. Because the drug is prescription and therefore subject to prescription.
Mirtazapine comes in tablet form. The available concentrations are 7.5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg mirtazapine.
What alternatives are there to mirtazapine for dogs?
Alternatives to mirtazapine for dogs can natural appetite stimulants such as beef fat powder be.
Note, however, that long-term use of the dog-palatable powder can hit your hips and cause obesity.
Are you looking for a pharmaceutical alternative because your dog has had a bad experience with mirtazapine?
Then cyproroheptadine can be an alternative. However, the effect does not have to be as efficient as with mirtazapine.
More important than a possible alternative to mirtazapine for dogs, however, is finding the reason for your dog’s loss of appetite or vomiting.
As a last alternative, which strictly speaking should be the first, we mention a visit to the veterinarian, who should find the trigger through various examinations.
Has your dog ever been given mirtazapine? Has it worked, has he had good experiences with it? We would be happy if you share them with us in the comments.