Clomicalm for Dogs (Clomipramine)

PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet. 

What Is Clomicalm Used for in Dogs?

Clomicalm (active ingredient clomipramine) is an FDA-approved medication that helps treat separation anxiety in dogs as part of a comprehensive behavioral management program.  

Separation anxiety can result in behavior problems, including: 

• Excessive barking 

• Destructive behavior 

• House soiling (urination or defecation) 

• Excessive salivation (drooling) 

Clomicalm does not act as a sedative but helps reduce the anxiety associated with separation, allowing your dog to more effectively benefit from behavior training.  

Clomicalm is available as an oral tablet and is approved for dogs older than 6 months.  

Proper recognition of clinical signs, including a complete patient history and assessment of the patient’s household environment, is essential to accurately diagnose and treat separation anxiety. 

Speak with your veterinarian about whether Clomicalm is right for your dog. 

Extra-Label Use of Clomicalm 

Clomicalm is not recommended for aggression, as studies have shown that it is not effective.  

However, Clomicalm is sometimes prescribed for other types of anxiety in dogs, such as noise phobia and repetitive behaviors, like tail chasing, circling, and excessive licking, as shown in clinical studies. 

The use of Clomicalm for other types of anxiety is considered extra-label use.  

The term off- or extra-label use means that a medication can be used in a way or in a particular animal that is not specified on the medication label. Veterinarians can legally prescribe medications for extra-label use in certain circumstances. Your veterinarian will determine whether this medication is right for your dog. 

Clomipramine is also available as an FDA-approved medication for human use under the brand name Anafranil. It’s frequently dosed differently from those prescribed for your pet by a veterinarian. 

Compounded Clomicalm (Clomipramine) for Dogs 

In certain circumstances, your vet may recommend a compounded formulation of clomipramine.  

Compounded medications are prescribed, for example, if:  

• There’s a specific reason your pet’s health can’t be managed by an FDA-approved drug, such as if your pet has trouble taking pills in capsule form 

• The dosage strength is not commercially available 

• The pet is allergic to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication 

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are formulated by your veterinarian and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist or veterinarian on an individual basis to best suit a patient’s particular needs.  

Your veterinarian will determine whether a compounded medication is right for your pet. 

How Clomicalm Works in Dogs

Clomipramine, the active ingredient in Clomicalm, is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) medication that works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, thereby affecting mood balance.  

Clomicalm Considerations in Dogs

Clomicalm should not be used in dogs with known hypersensitivity to clomipramine or other TCA medications or in dogs with a history of seizures.

Clomicalm should not be used in male breeding dogs, as it may cause decreased testicular size (hypoplasia).

Clomicalm should be used with caution in dogs with heart disease, a certain type of glaucoma, urinary retention, reduced gastrointestinal motility, or liver disease. 

Studies had not been performed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Clomicalm in pregnant or nursing dogs at the time of this publication. 

Giving Clomicalm with certain medications, like a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as Selegiline HCL (Anipryl), can result in health risks to your dog, so it is important to discuss your dog’s medications, including vitamins and supplements, and medical conditions with your veterinarian. 

Clomicalm for Dogs Directions

Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian. 

• It’s best to give Clomicalm at the same time every day. 

• Your veterinarian will instruct you to give the medication once a day or divide the daily dose into two separate doses, depending on how your dog is doing on the medication. 

• Clomicalm is best absorbed when given with a small amount of food. This can help decrease the risk of digestive upset and reduce the incidence of vomiting. 

• If your veterinarian recommends that you discontinue this medication for any reason, it’s important to closely follow your veterinarian’s recommendations on how to wean your dog off this medication. 

Missed a Dose? 

Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if you forget to give a dose of Clomicalm.  

If a dose is missed, it’s recommended by the manufacturer to administer the next dose at the next scheduled dosing time. 

Do not give extra or double doses.  

Possible Side Effects of Clomicalm in Dogs

Lethargy, or fatigue, is commonly observed in dogs when they first start taking this medication.  

It generally occurs temporarily while their body gets used to it. However, if your dog is severely lethargic, immediately contact your veterinarian. 

Additional side effects may include, but are not limited to: 

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhea 

• Elevated liver levels 

• Seizures 

• Changes in heart rate (elevated or decreased) 

• Grogginess 

• Increased thirst 

• Confusion 

Human Side Effects

Clomicalm is a veterinary medication not intended for use in humans. 

Clomicalm or clomipramine are specifically approved for use in dogs only. Accidental ingestion by humans is regarded as serious, and medical attention should be sought immediately. There is no specific antidote for clomipramine ingestion by humans and overdosing causes serious systemic effects.  

Humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a human’s use. 

If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, contact your physician immediately and call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.  

When To Call Your Vet 

Call your veterinarian if any of the following apply: 

• Severe side effects are seen (see above) 

• Your dog’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment 

• You see or suspect an overdose   

• You have additional questions or concerns about the use of Clomicalm 

Clomicalm Overdose Concerns in Dogs

Overdoses of Clomicalm can be life-threatening. Symptoms of an overdose may include:  

• Vomiting 

• Lethargy/depression 

• Weakness and loss of balance (incoordination) 

• Dilated pupils 

• Vocalization 

If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian, seek emergency veterinary care, or call an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply. 

• Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 

How To Store Clomicalm for Dogs

Keep the following storage tips in mind:  

• Clomicalm should be stored in a dry place at controlled room temperatures between 59–77 F (15–25 C).  

• Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture and light. 

• Always confirm storage requirements by reading the prescription label. 

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.