How To Safely Sedate A Dog: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes

Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Safely Sedate a Dog

Download Article Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 References

Download Article

Using Prescription Medications

Calming Your Dog without Medication

Video

Expert Q&A

Tips

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 298,107 times.

Sedation is a relaxed, calm or tranquil state induced after the administration of drugs. When a dog is sedated, it becomes more docile and can easily be handled, making it less stressful for the dog when procedures like grooming and veterinary examinations are being done. Without sedation, stressful situations can lead to restlessness, and when a dog is restless it is more prone to hurt itself, not eat, hide, or hurt or bite other people and animals.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Using Prescription Medications

Download Article

1 Understand that you must get a prescription for sedative drugs. The drugs used to sedate a dog are very effective, so they require a prescription from a veterinarian and can only be administered by a veterinarian.
- The 3 most common drugs used by veterinarians to calm dogs are acepromazine (PromAce®), diazepam (Valium®), and dexmedetomidine (Sileo).[1]
- These drugs block certain signals in the central nervous system (CNS), making the animal calm or sedated.
- Sileo is a gel that can be applied to the inside of a dog’s cheek or to its gums. It is approved by the FDA to treat anxiety or phobias in dogs caused by loud noises (such as fireworks).
2 Give your dog Acepromazine (PromAce®).[2] Acepromazine is used to calm fractious or aggressive animals. It alleviates itching, and also has anti-emetic properties (prevents vomiting), making it ideal for animals that are being transported long distances.
3 Consider giving your dog Diazepam (Valium®). Diazepam is also a sedative which has muscle relaxant properties, appetite stimulating properties, and anti-convulsant properties, making it ideal for dogs with seizure and/or appetite problems.[3]

Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Calming Your Dog without Medication

Download Article

1 Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Many experts on dog behavior recommend that a dog be exercised before travelling, or before being engaged in any activity that might get the dog restless and agitated.[4] X Research source
- A well-exercised dog will be very inclined to rest because it has burned off its excess energy. Therefore, it's a good idea to schedule a brisk 30-minute walk before taking off.
2 Bring your dog’s favorite toys, blanket or rug when travelling. Your dog’s favorite blanket or toys contain a lot of familiar scents, and will reduce anxiety when the dog is brought to an unfamiliar place.[5]
3 Try aromatherapy. Do this by placing a few drops of lavender oil on your hands and massaging the dog at the back of its head, or the base of the spine. Lavender oil has a calming scent and is used in spas for humans.[6]
4 Offer your dog a casein supplement. Supplements containing casein, a protein found in milk, may be calming for some dogs. Try a supplement such as Zylkene if you want to try a gentle, natural approach to soothing anxiety.
- These supplements come in a variety of forms, such as capsules and chews.
5 Use products that contain appeasing pheromones. Studies have shown that pheromones are present in all mammals during the nursing stage. In dogs, this is the hormone secreted by the puppies’ mother, so when the puppies smell this hormone it calms them and reassures them that mom is around.[7] X Research source
- Examples of products that contain this hormone are: Adaptil® collar and spray, Sentry® Calming collar, and Comfort Zone® Diffuser with Dog Appeasing Pheromone.
- These products are very easy to use. The collars are simply placed on the dog’s neck to provide a sustained release of the pheromone which lasts for a month.
- Diffusers are simply plugged into a socket, and the pheromone is slowly and continuously released for a month. This type of product is ideal for rooms. Spray preparations can be used to spray cages, cars, or any carrier where the dog is placed.
6 Use melatonin supplements. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland. It is a sleeping hormone that causes the animal to have a good rest at night. It has a seasonal variation in animals and humans, increasing when there are fewer hours of daylight in winter.[8] X Research source
- Melatonin has sedative and anticonvulsant properties, and it regulates body rhythms and reproductive cycles. It is mainly used in the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs, and other stressful or frightening conditions like noise anxieties brought about by fireworks or thunder storms.
- Give this drug to your dog before travelling and/or before introducing your dog to a potentially frightening situation. An example of a product containing Melatonin is K9 Choice ™ Melatonin 3 mg tablets.
- The dose is 3 mg for every 35–100 pounds (16–45 kg) body weight, twice a day. For smaller dogs below 35 pounds (16 kg), the dose is 1.5 mg of melatonin, and for larger dogs greater than 100 pounds (45 kg), the dose is 6 mg twice times a day.[9]
7 Try calming herbal agents. Herbal pills and oils prepared specifically for dogs are commercially available. Examples include Dorwest Herbs™ Scullcap and Valerian tablets. This herbal medicine preparation can be used for the relief of anxiety, restlessness, excitability, and travel behavioral problems, and can even be used as a supporting supplement for epilepsy. It has been proven effective in dogs with noise phobias, travel anxiety, and hyperactivity.[10] X Research source
- Skullcap and Valerian Tablets are safe for long term and short term use and can be given from 2 months of age onwards. The dose for Dorwest Herbs™ Scullcap and Valerian tablets is 1 to 2 tablets per 5 kilograms (11 lb) of body weight daily. For one off occasions, use 2 tablets per 5 kilograms (11 lb) of body weight 12 hours before and again 2 hours before the desired effect is required.
- Skullcap and valerian are not recommended for pregnant or lactating females.
- Vetzyme Stay Calm Liquid®: this herbal oil is composed of a unique blend of chamomile and ginger oils. Research has shown that these 2 herbs possess calming, soothing, and relaxing properties. The dose is 2.5 millilitres (0.51 tsp) of the oil mixed into the dog’s food daily.[11]
8 Prepare your own herbal concoction. Do this by mixing 1 teaspoon each of German chamomile, skullcap and catnip. Place these in a cup and set aside.
- Heat .5 cups (120 mL) of water to boiling and pour this over the cup of herbs. Leave and let it steep for 6 minutes, then strain the liquid and pour 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of honey into the concoction.
- Store the mixture at room temperature for 24 hours before giving it to the dog.

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question

Question How do I sedate an abused dog? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer This requires careful assessment by a vet. Diazepam works well, but inhibits learning; thus if you are trying to retrain the dog, diazepam can slow things up. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4
Question How do I calm down a Pomeranian that is in heat and it causes my hound mix to cry and bark when they are separated? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer There's no easy answer to this since it's the female hormones which are over exciting the other dog. Even neutered males will become over-excited when near a female in heat. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5

Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit

Video

Tips

The most common situations that would require a dog to be calm include:
- Restlessness caused by separation anxiety, territorial behavior, and noise phobias
- Travel anxiety
- Presence of new people in the house
- Presence of new pets or animals in the house
- Visits to the veterinarian
- Grooming
- Loud events like celebration of New Year’s Day and storms
Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

How toSafely Sedate a Dog at Home

How toGroom a Difficult Dog

How toSedate a Cat

How toCalm a Cat

How toDrive Long Distance With a Cat Prepare Your Dog for a Flight in Cabin

15 Tips to Prepare Your Dog for a Comfortable Flight In-Cabin

Does Catnip Work on Dogs? Learn Its Effects on Canines

How toHandle a Dog's Nightmares

How toGet Your Dog to Sleep

How toDetermine Benadryl Dosage for Dogs

How toCalm Your Cat with Aromatherapy Give a Dog Benadryl

How to Safely Use Benadryl on Your Dog Help Your Depressed Cat

How to Tell if Your Cat is Depressed (and What to Do About It)

How toTrain Your Dog to Be Calm

References

↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/sedatives-dogs-how-and-when-use-them-safely
↑ https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/acepromazine
↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-health/53719-diazepam-dogs-uses-dosage-side-effects
↑ https://www.petmd.com/8-ways-calm-your-dog-naturally
↑ https://www.petmd.com/news/view/how-relieve-pet-travel-anxiety-37157
↑ https://www.petmd.com/8-ways-calm-your-dog-naturally
↑ https://www.petmd.com/8-ways-calm-your-dog-naturally
↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/melatonin-dogs-it-safe
↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-health/59583-melatonin-dogs-uses-dosage-side-effects

More References (2)

↑ http://www.vetuk.co.uk/dog-behaviour-pet-stress-supplements-c-837_150/dorwest-scullcap-and-valerian-tablets-p-342
↑ http://www.vetuk.co.uk/dog-behaviour-pet-stress-supplements-c-837_150/vetzyme-stay-calm-liquid-150ml-p-3381

About This Article

Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed 298,107 times. 6 votes - 100% Co-authors: 11 Updated: October 14, 2025 Views: 298,107 Categories: Dog Medication Article SummaryX

If you're traveling and want to safely sedate your dog without prescription medication, take it out for a brisk, 30-minute walk. You can also reduce your dog’s anxiety by taking along its favorite blanket or toy, which will have a familiar scent. To help your pup get deeper sleep, consider giving it a melatonin supplement. Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland that has sedative and anticonvulsant properties. Make sure to check in with your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements so they can help you figure out the correct dosage. For more help from our Veterinary co-author, including how to calm your dog with aromatherapy, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish French German Indonesian Portuguese Italian Dutch Arabic

Print
Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 298,107 times.

Reader Success Stories

Anonymous

Apr 18, 2018
"I will now speak to my vet to see if any medication is suitable to relax our very elderly dog, who now gets upset..." more

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Co-authors: 11 Updated: October 14, 2025 Views: 298,107 100% of readers found this article helpful. 6 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote

Anonymous

Apr 18, 2018

"I will now speak to my vet to see if any medication is suitable to relax our very elderly dog, who now gets upset..." more

Anonymous

Jul 13, 2017

"Skullcap and Valerian were what worked for us. Very gentle but got results."