Diazepam for Dogs with Seizures: Emergency Use, Dosage and Safety
- Natascha Hedegaard
- Mar 27, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Natascha Hedegaard BVetMed MRCVS
Dr. Natascha Hedegaard BVetMed MRCVS graduated as a veterinary surgeon from the Royal Veterinary College, London, in 2018. She is passionate about optimising canine health through a holistic approach to veterinary medicine while considering the individual patient. She is currently undertaking her Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Medicine with the aim of becoming an Advanced Practitioner.
What Is Diazepam for Dogs?
Diazepam is a medication commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat seizures, anxiety, muscle spasms and certain medical emergencies in dogs.
It belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which act on the brain's neurotransmitters to produce calming, anti-seizure and muscle-relaxing effects.
In dogs with epilepsy, diazepam is most often used as an emergency medication to stop active seizures or cluster seizures. It acts quickly to reduce abnormal electrical activity in the brain and prevent seizures from continuing.
If your dog experiences seizures, it is also important to understand dog seizure first aid and what to do during a seizure.
How Diazepam Works in Dogs
Diazepam works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
GABA helps slow down nerve activity in the central nervous system. By increasing its effect, diazepam:
reduces excessive electrical activity in the brain
helps stop seizures
produces calming or sedative effects
relaxes skeletal muscles
Because diazepam acts rapidly, it is frequently used in emergency seizure management.
When Is Diazepam Used in Dogs?
Veterinarians may prescribe diazepam for several medical reasons.
Seizures and epilepsy
Diazepam is most commonly used to stop active seizures in dogs. It can be particularly helpful during:
cluster seizures
prolonged seizures
status epilepticus (continuous seizures)
Owners of epileptic dogs are sometimes provided with rectal diazepam to administer at home during seizure emergencies.
You can read more about emergency seizure situations in cluster seizures and status epilepticus in dogs.
Diazepam is typically used alongside long-term seizure medications such as phenobarbital or levetiracetam. If your dog has recently started treatment, you may find it helpful to read starting phenobarbital for dogs with epilepsy.
Sedation for medical procedures
Diazepam may be used to provide sedation before certain procedures such as:
diagnostic imaging
minor surgical procedures
stressful veterinary examinations
Its calming effect helps reduce anxiety and makes handling safer for both the dog and the veterinary team.
Anxiety and behavioural issues
In some cases, diazepam may be prescribed short-term to help manage anxiety.
Situations where this may be used include:
fireworks or thunderstorm anxiety
travel stress
severe separation anxiety
Because diazepam can cause sedation and tolerance may develop, it is usually not the first choice for long-term behavioural management.
Muscle relaxation
Diazepam can help relieve muscle spasms or muscle tension, particularly in dogs with musculoskeletal injuries or neurological conditions.
Appetite stimulation
Occasionally diazepam may be used to stimulate appetite in dogs that are not eating due to illness or stress. However, this is less common today due to the availability of other medications.
How Diazepam Is Administered to Dogs
Diazepam can be given in several forms depending on the medical situation.
Rectal diazepam for seizures
Rectal administration is commonly used in emergency seizure management because the medication is absorbed quickly through the rectal mucosa.
Veterinarians may prescribe rectal diazepam for owners to administer at home if their dog has epilepsy.
If your veterinarian has recommended this, you may also find our guide helpful:how to administer rectal diazepam for dogs
Injectable diazepam
Injectable diazepam is typically administered by veterinarians in a clinical setting, particularly in emergency situations such as status epilepticus.
Oral diazepam tablets
Diazepam tablets may occasionally be prescribed for short-term treatment of anxiety or muscle spasms.
Tablets can usually be given with or without food, but owners should always follow their veterinarian's instructions carefully.
Side Effects of Diazepam in Dogs
Like all medications, diazepam may cause side effects in some dogs.
Common side effects include:
sedation or drowsiness
unsteadiness or poor coordination
increased appetite
behavioural changes
Rarely, diazepam may cause paradoxical excitement, where a dog becomes more restless rather than calm.
If your dog experiences unusual symptoms after receiving diazepam, contact your veterinarian for advice.
Important Safety Considerations
Diazepam should always be used under veterinary supervision.
Important safety points include:
do not exceed the prescribed dose
only administer during seizure emergencies if instructed by your veterinarian
monitor your dog closely after administration
seek veterinary care if seizures continue
Emergency veterinary attention is required if:
a seizure lasts longer than five minutes
multiple seizures occur in a short period
your dog does not recover normally after a seizure
You can learn more about recognising emergencies in when to go to the vet or ER for a dog seizure.
Supporting Dogs With Epilepsy
If your dog has epilepsy, medication is only one part of managing the condition.
Lifestyle factors, seizure triggers and diet may also influence seizure frequency in some dogs.
Many owners explore dietary strategies such as medium chain triglyceride (MCT) supplementation or ketogenic-style feeding.
To learn more, see:
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does diazepam work in dogs?
Diazepam works quickly. When administered rectally or intravenously, it can begin stopping seizure activity within minutes.
Can owners give diazepam at home?
Some owners of epileptic dogs are prescribed rectal diazepam to use during seizure emergencies. This should only be used under veterinary instruction.
Is diazepam safe for dogs?
When used appropriately and under veterinary guidance, diazepam is generally safe. However, it should only be used according to your veterinarian's instructions.
Can diazepam stop seizures completely?
Diazepam is used to stop active seizures, but it is not usually used as a long-term seizure prevention medication.
Conclusion: Diazepam for Dogs
Diazepam is an important medication in veterinary medicine and plays a critical role in managing seizure emergencies in dogs with epilepsy.
By understanding how diazepam works and when it should be used, dog owners can respond more confidently during seizure events and work closely with their veterinarian to ensure their dog receives the best possible care.
If your dog has epilepsy, developing a clear seizure management plan with your veterinarian can make a significant difference in your dog's safety and quality of life.
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