Ultimate Guide to Clomicalm
Meet the Canine Behavioral Conditioner: Clomicalm!
Clomicalm is an FDA-approved, veterinarian-recommended, prescription
anti-depressant for dogs. Clomicalm is intended to treat separation
anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and other undesirable
behavioral conditions in dogs. Use Clomicalm as a behavior
modification tool to calm your dog in stressful situations.
How does Clomicalm work?
Clomicalm is a medication with one active ingredient - Clomipramine
Hydrochloride.
Clomipramine Hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant that works by
restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain,
including the happy chemical or feel good hormone serotonin.
Clomipramine for dogs is the first FDA-approved generic substance
that treats separation anxiety and any behavioral condition in dogs.
The prescription drug Clomicalm, a generic alternative for Anafranil,
eliminates certain undesirable behavioral issues in dogs, including
separation anxiety, OCD, excessive barking, aggressive or destructive
behavior, and eliminating (urination or defecation) at inappropriate
times. Most importantly, Clomicalm aids your dog in stressful
situations.
How is Clomicalm administered?
Clomicalm is administered twice daily with food and lots of water.
Your licensed veterinarian will prescribe the exact dosage and other
specifications prescribed by your veterinarian. The usual dosage is with
one to two mg per pound. Clomicalm are oral, beef flavored tablets and
capsules of the active ingredient Clomipramine Hydrochloride.
The tablets come in 20 mg (blue), 40 mg (purple), and Clomicalm 80
mg (green) of Clomipramine Hydrochloride, and the dog is administered
which tablet depending on their bodyweight. See the dosage chart below.
Body Weight
|
20 mg
|
40 mg
|
80 mg
|
11 - 22 lbs.
|
One
|
|
|
22.1 - 44 lbs.
|
|
One
|
|
44.1 - 88 lbs.
|
|
|
One
|
88.1 - 176 lbs.
|
|
|
Two
|
What are Clomicalm side effects of which you should be aware?
Clomicalm may cause drowsiness.
Stop giving the medication Clomicalm and contact your vet if the pet
experiences difficulty breathing, hives, irregular heartbeat, difficulty
urinating, seizures, fever with increased panting, muscle stiffness or
weakness, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clomicalm used for in dogs?
Clomicalm is used to calm dogs that are feeling stressed due to some reason. It is somewhat of a behavior modification tool that can help your pet dog calm down.
Clomicalm tablets are used to treat separation anxiety in dogs. This particular medication is also used to treat behavior disorders in dogs. Be it anxiety-related, or destructive behavior in general, Clomicalm tablets can help your dog regain composure and calmness.
What does Clomicalm do for a dog?
Clomicalm relieves anxiety in dogs by restoring hormonal balance in their brains.
Clomipramine hydrochloride is a key component in Clomicalm. The name Clomicalm comes from the words clomipramine and calm meaning that it is a medicine for calming down dogs. Clomipramine hydrochloride is an antidepressant that helps promote the secretion of serotonin in the brain. This serotonin is a happy or feel-good chemical. It helps to get rid of the anxiety and calm your dog.
Clomicalm does the following things for your dog
- Helps get rid of undesirable behavioral problems or characteristics like OCD or separation anxiety
- Stops them from barking excessively
- Makes them less aggressive
- Calms them down whenever they are stressed
How long does it take for Clomicalm to work in dogs?
It can take almost eight weeks to understand whether or not Clomicalm is working for your dogs.
The impact of some medications cannot be understood instantaneously. Clomicalm is one of those medications. Unlike painkillers, you cannot see them at work right away. It needs a few weeks before you can determine whether or not your dog's anxiety or stress-related problems have been solved or not.
Can I use Clomicalm for a dog being scared of thunder?
Yes, you can use Clomicalm for a dog that is scared of thunder or fireworks.
Dogs being afraid of loud noises is a natural thing. Loud noises trigger their nervous system, and they end up feeling anxious or afraid. So to tackle this anxiety, you have to administer the Clomicalm tablets to your dogs. That way, they can remain calm even in stressful situations like a thunderstorm.
Apart from the medicine, you also need to ensure the safety of your dog during a storm. When the rumbling of the thunder grows stronger, try to suppress it with sounds from the TV or music.
Is Clomicalm the same as Prozac?
Yes, Clomicalm is the same as Prozac.
Prozac is used to treat anxiety. It does so by making sure that the brain does not reabsorb the naturally produced serotonin. As a result, the serotonin stays and ensures that the individual is in a good mood. Prozac is somewhat of a mood regulator as it helps maintain a serotonin balance in the brain, which in turn results in a less anxious mind.
Clomicalm does the same thing, except it enables the secretion of serotonin to maintain balance.
Does Clomicalm cause drowsiness?
Yes, Clomicalm does cause drowsiness. It is one of the few side effects this prescription medication has on dogs.
It is natural for prescription drugs to have side effects. Clomicalm is not an exception to this rule. It too, like many other dog medications, has certain side effects. When you keep giving your dog Clomicalm, see if it feels drowsy all the time or not. You can notice it by observing how active your dog has been lately. It will not be sleeping all the time, but will simply appear a bit fatigued.
Although it is not a concern, you can still consult with your vet to make sure everything is okay.
Can you stop Clomicalm?
Yes, you can stop Clomicalm, but not abruptly. Consult with your vet, and ask them to handle the stoppage. They will lower the dosage in an organized manner making it easier for you to gradually cut off the Clomicalm administration. It is as if you were releasing fish in a water tank; you cannot just release them in the water. You need to do so gradually.
You should stop giving your dog Clomicalm if it is having difficulty in breathing, has an irregular heartbeat, seizures, fever, weakness, swelling of the face, or muscle stiffness. Immediately consult your veterinarian for further advice afterward.
Does Clomicalm work for cats?
Yes, Clomicalm will work for cats.
However, do not give it to them without seeing a vet first. Since it is a prescription drug, you need to maintain every bit of caution necessary when it comes to using it.
Is Clomicalm a TCA?
Yes, Clomicalm is a TCA tricyclic antidepressant. It is used to handle issues related to stress, anxiety, and destructive behaviors in dogs. TCAs work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain.
Can traZODone be taken with Clomicalm?
No, traZODone should not be taken with Clomicalm unless specifically prescribed by the vet.
Using the two medications together can lead to serotonin syndrome, where the dog may suffer from confusion, seizure, hallucinations, etc. So it is best to avoid using these two together.
Can a dog overdose on Clomicalm?
Yes, dogs can overdose on Clomicalm.
A Clomicalm overdose can lead to a decrease in activity. Your dog will start trembling. Under extreme overdose conditions, their eyes might become droopy.
Concluding Thoughts
The most important thing that you should know about Clomicalm is its
power to be effective treatment for undesirable behavioral issues in your
dogs, such as separation anxiety, aggressive and destructive behavior, and
other anxiety-related issues. Clomicalm is the advocate to calm your
dogs in stressful situations.
DISCLAIMER: FDA law restricts Clomicalm only on order or prescription
of a licensed veterinarian for the best pet health care advice. Ask your
veterinarian or consult with one of our pet care specialists at
1-800-844-1427. This informative article is not meant to substitute for
the diagnosis, treatment, and professional advice from your veterinarian
or other qualified professionals regarding a medical condition. Ask your
veterinarian whether Clomicalm is suitable for your dog. Ask your
licensed veterinarian to prescribe an exact dosage and other
specifications prescribed for your dog.
Clomicalm 40mg has been discontinued by the manufacturer. Please speak to your Veterinarian about a different dosage.
Clomicalm is the Generic Alternative to Anafranil.