Risks, Side Effects, and Dosage of Diazepam (Valium®) in Dogs

Quick Take

• Diazepam can actually make some dogs more aggressive, and for dogs that already have territorial tendencies, the risk is higher than you'd expect. Aggression risk explained →
• Vets frequently prescribe Valium for conditions most pet owners would never associate with it, and the off-label uses are likely to surprise you. See all approved uses →
• Diazepam seems like a go-to seizure solution, but it has a critical limitation that makes long-term use a problem. Many dog owners don't discover this limitation until it's too late. Why long-term use fails →
• Certain everyday medications your dog is already taking could turn a safe diazepam dose into a dangerous one, and the list of culprits includes some you would least expect. Check the drug interactions →

If your vet has prescribed diazepam (Valium®) for your dog, you probably have questions. Diazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine family and is commonly prescribed for anxiety and seizure disorders. However, your vet may also prescribe diazepam for pain relief associated with muscle stiffness, injuries, or intervertebral disc disease, or to address inflammatory bowel disease and anorexia caused by underlying health conditions. Veterinarians often use diazepam off-label, meaning they prescribe it for conditions outside its officially approved uses. Continue reading to learn about the risks, side effects, and dosage of diazepam in dogs.

How Is Diazepam Given to Dogs?

Diazepam comes in multiple forms, including pills, liquid, gel, and and injectable forms, each with its own concentration.

Your vet may prescribe diazepam to be given:

• Orally in pill or liquid form
• Rectally in gel or liquid form
• IV in liquid form in a veterinary setting

Your veterinarian should give you detailed instructions on how to give your dog their dose of diazepam.

Are There Side Effects?

As a benzodiazepine, diazepam can cause disorienting or sedating side effects. Some of the most common side effects in dogs include:

• Unsteady gait
• Drowsiness
• Disorientation
• Appearing dazed
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Increased appetite
• Agitation
• Aggression

Keep in mind that while these side effects are possible, they are most common in dogs receiving large doses of diazepam. If your vet has prescribed diazepam for long-term use, the dose will typically be low enough that it does not significantly affect your dog’s quality of life.

Note that if your dog struggles with territorial or aggressive behaviors, these behaviors may be amplified while taking diazepam.

Recommended Dose of Diazepam for Dogs

The standard oral dose of diazepam for dogs varies depending on the condition being addressed. Because dogs metabolize medications individually, incorrect weight-based calculations can cause dangerous central nervous system depression or extreme sedation. Diazepam is heavily processed by the liver, and unauthorized administration can trigger complications in dogs with underlying health conditions, making it essential to always verify your specific pet’s treatment plan directly with a physical prescription label provided by your veterinarian.

Risks, Drug Interactions, and Other Complications

Diazepam is typically safe for dogs, but there are some risks worth noting. First, diazepam may not be ideal for dogs with liver or kidney disease. These dogs may struggle to metabolize the medication, so your vet will need to take extra care when determining an appropriate dosage.

Another risk is drug interactions. Always let your vet know if your dog is currently taking any of the following medications, as these may worsen diazepam’s side effects or reduce its effectiveness:

• Antacids
• Antidepressant medications
• Antifungal medications
• Cancer treatments
• Cardiac (heart) medication
• Sleep aids
• Vitamins or supplements

Can Diazepam Work Long-Term for Seizure Control?

Diazepam is commonly used as an acute treatment for seizures because it can stop an active seizure quickly. However, it is not ideal for long-term seizure control. It is best reserved as an emergency treatment for dogs with epilepsy or frequent seizures.

Diazepam is not suitable for long-term seizure control because its duration of action is too short, making it appropriate only for acute emergencies when a seizure is actively occurring. Your vet can prescribe other medications that are much more effective for managing epilepsy long-term.