There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to travelling with pets. Some may love a car ride while others feel the opposite. The latter category may require extra help to relax—like one golden retriever who recently went viral on TikTok.
The June 27 footage shared by owner Angela (@angellaarosa16) shows how calm her dog is while on a road trip. But this tranquil state was only achieved with the help of Trazodone, a serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor (SARI) antidepressant that is used to treat behavioural disorders, especially anxiety- or phobia-related, in dogs.
Racking up 3.3 million views, the montage of clips shows the dog sitting up in the backseat but can barely open his eyes. The scene then skips to the dog passed out on his back.
The clip captioned, “This is within three years of road trips we don’t drug him that often,” has accumulated over 511,000 likes.
Two screenshots of the golden retriever in the car after taking the medication. He appears to be drowsy.
TikTok/@angellaarosa16
What Is Trazodone?
Dr. Anna Foreman, a U.K.-based veterinarian, told Newsweek: “Trazadone is a prescription only medication. It is prescribed by a vet for use in short term situations to manage anxiety associated with stressful events, and in the long term for behavioural issues related to anxiety (for example, separation or fear anxiety) alongside behavioural modification and under the guidance of a behaviourist.”
Foreman, who works for Everypaw Pet Insurance in the U.K. said that the drug works through action on serotonin receptors—serotonin is a hormone that affects mood and cognition.
How Is Trazodone Given?
It is usually given by mouth in the form of a tablet, states the VCA Animal Hospitals website. It takes around one to two hours to kick in as a short-term stress relief. The side effects can include lethargy and sedation, as seen in the video. But there are also unpleasant ones such as vomiting, and inflammation of the colon.
Trust Veterinary Advice Over Social Media for Your Pet’s Safety
Newsweek discussed the clip with David D’Angelow, who is a pet nutritionist based in Australia.
D’Angelow, the founder of Petfood Reviews, said: “Trazodone can be helpful for managing anxiety in pets, especially during stressful events like thunderstorms or vet visits. It can also help with some behavioral issues. However, it’s not without risks. Side effects can include drowsiness, upset stomach, and changes in appetite. It’s also important to note that not all pets react the same way to trazodone.
“As a pet health advocate, I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to consult a veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet, including trazodone. Your vet can determine the right dosage based on your pet’s specific needs and health status. They’ll also monitor for any side effects and adjust the treatment if needed.
“While we all want to help our furry friends feel better, it’s always best to rely on professional veterinary advice rather than social media trends when it comes to pet medication. Your pet’s safety and well-being should always come first.”
In the comments, Angela has confirmed she got the medication from the vet.
TikTok Reacts
So far, the video has almost 2,000 comments, with many from users sharing their pets experiences.
“Call the Pawlice,” joked one user and another laughed at “the glazed over eyes.”
“I give mine trazzy dazzy [trazodone] before the vet, haircuts, and travel lmao she’s an anxious bean,” said a third commenter.
“My one dog literally goes to another planet when the trazzy hits… my other .. who really needs it.. is barely phased,” said a fourth user.
Newsweek is waiting for @angellaarosa16 to provide a comment.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
