Date of Defense

12-5-2025

Date of Graduation

5-2026

Department

Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Anthony DeFulio

Second Advisor

Kathryn Sweeney

Keywords

Trazodone, canine anxiety disorders, systematic review, behavior

Abstract

Trazodone is an oral medication commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat anxiety disorders, such as separation anxiety, phobias, specific stimuli anxiety, or general anxiety, in canines (Gruen & Sherman, 2008). Although trazodone is commonly prescribed, the evidence surrounding its efficacy in treating anxiety or stress behaviors is weak (Dillon, 2023). The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the current research on how trazodone affects canine behavior, and to analyze how – and by whom – behavior is being measured. A specific set of search strings were used across three databases; PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO to locate papers related to the effects of trazodone on canine behavior. A total of five articles met the inclusion criteria. Four of them supported the use of trazodone for facilitating anxious behaviors in canines. Although trazodone appears to be useful in reducing stress-related behaviors, there are inconsistencies and gaps in the research. The studies varied in design and quality. Notably, behavioral improvements were most frequently reported via owner surveys and observational scoring. Only two randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled studies could be found and their findings conflicted. More randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial studies need to be conducted, and there is a need for direct observation of behavioral improvements from trained observers (as opposed to rating scales completed by owners, who may be biased). Although trazodone remains widely prescribed in clinical practice, a clearer understanding of its true efficacy will require more standardized research and explore its use alongside behavioral treatment plans.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Restricted

Restricted to Campus until

6-24-2027

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Available for download on Thursday, June 24, 2027

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