Antisedan (atipamezole hydrochloride)
Antisedan is the definitive alpha-2 antagonist used to reverse sedative effects of dexmedetomidine and medetomidine in dogs, which makes it an indispensable market leader for safety and recovery management. Unlike the agonists listed, Antisedan's value is technical and economic: prompt reversal shortens recovery time, reduces monitoring costs and enhances procedural throughput in clinics, and it is routinely paired with all injectable and many oromucosal regimens. Its ability to reliably reverse alpha-2 sedation differentiates it from the sedatives on this list and underpins many veterinarians' choice of agonist therapies.
Rapid reversal
Predictable recovery
Rapid reversal
Predictable recovery
Review Summary
"Highly regarded reversal agent that reliably and rapidly restores mentation and cardiovascular function after alpha-2 sedation; transient agitation or tachycardia can occur but serious complications are rare."
Instant wake-up
Atipamezole injectable specific antagonist that rapidly reverses alpha-2 agonist sedation.
Instant wake-up
Atipamezole injectable specific antagonist that rapidly reverses alpha-2 agonist sedation.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Antisedan is the definitive alpha-2 antagonist used to reverse sedative effects of dexmedetomidine and medetomidine in dogs, which makes it an indispensable market leader for safety and recovery management. Unlike the agonists listed, Antisedan's value is technical and economic: prompt reversal shortens recovery time, reduces monitoring costs and enhances procedural throughput in clinics, and it is routinely paired with all injectable and many oromucosal regimens. Its ability to reliably reverse alpha-2 sedation differentiates it from the sedatives on this list and underpins many veterinarians' choice of agonist therapies.
Rapid reversal
Predictable recovery
Instant wake-up
Atipamezole injectable specific antagonist that rapidly reverses alpha-2 agonist sedation.
Restores mentation and cardiovascular parameters after procedures when reversal is indicated.
Rapid reversal
Predictable recovery
Instant wake-up
Atipamezole injectable specific antagonist that rapidly reverses alpha-2 agonist sedation.
Restores mentation and cardiovascular parameters after procedures when reversal is indicated.
$70-160 CAD
Acevet Tablets differentiate themselves by focusing on palatability and owner-friendly tablet design for dogs, improving compliance compared with standard generic tablets; this formulation advantage can reduce dosing errors in outpatient settings. Financially it sits between low-cost generics and premium branded products, offering a balance of improved administration (flavored or scored tablets) with moderate pricing.
Gentle sedation touch
Grooming-day hero
Gentle sedation touch
Grooming-day hero
Review Summary
"Acevet tablets are praised for affordability and comparable effect to brand options, with users reporting predictable sedation though occasional dose adjustments are needed."
Easy-pill admin
Generic acepromazine tablets offering a cost-effective oral sedation choice for dogs
Easy-pill admin
Generic acepromazine tablets offering a cost-effective oral sedation choice for dogs
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Acevet Tablets differentiate themselves by focusing on palatability and owner-friendly tablet design for dogs, improving compliance compared with standard generic tablets; this formulation advantage can reduce dosing errors in outpatient settings. Financially it sits between low-cost generics and premium branded products, offering a balance of improved administration (flavored or scored tablets) with moderate pricing.
Gentle sedation touch
Grooming-day hero
Easy-pill admin
Generic acepromazine tablets offering a cost-effective oral sedation choice for dogs
Common tablet strengths simplify weight-based dosing regimens
Gentle sedation touch
Grooming-day hero
Easy-pill admin
Generic acepromazine tablets offering a cost-effective oral sedation choice for dogs
Common tablet strengths simplify weight-based dosing regimens
$25-70 CAD
APO-Diazepam is positioned as a practical, cost-conscious option for veterinary practitioners seeking a long-acting benzodiazepine profile for dogs; its generic availability from Apotex makes it competitively priced relative to branded alternatives. Compared with the short-acting Sandoz midazolam injection and the higher-potency clonazepam from TEVA, diazepam offers a longer duration of sedation and broad formulation options (oral/rectal/IV), which can simplify inventory and reduce per-use cost in clinics.
Rapid seizure stop
Smooth muscle relax
Rapid seizure stop
Smooth muscle relax
Review Summary
"Owners and veterinarians report APO-Diazepam is an effective, fast-acting option for acute anxiety and seizures in dogs, though some note variable response and sedation with extended use or concerns with liver-compromised pets."
Old-school calm charm
Rapid-onset benzodiazepine commonly used IV or rectally for acute seizure control and sedation in dogs
Old-school calm charm
Rapid-onset benzodiazepine commonly used IV or rectally for acute seizure control and sedation in dogs
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
APO-Diazepam is positioned as a practical, cost-conscious option for veterinary practitioners seeking a long-acting benzodiazepine profile for dogs; its generic availability from Apotex makes it competitively priced relative to branded alternatives. Compared with the short-acting Sandoz midazolam injection and the higher-potency clonazepam from TEVA, diazepam offers a longer duration of sedation and broad formulation options (oral/rectal/IV), which can simplify inventory and reduce per-use cost in clinics.
Rapid seizure stop
Smooth muscle relax
Old-school calm charm
Rapid-onset benzodiazepine commonly used IV or rectally for acute seizure control and sedation in dogs
Available as oral tablets and injectable solution as a widely accessible generic formulation
Rapid seizure stop
Smooth muscle relax
Old-school calm charm
Rapid-onset benzodiazepine commonly used IV or rectally for acute seizure control and sedation in dogs
Available as oral tablets and injectable solution as a widely accessible generic formulation
$10-40 CAD
Alfaxan Multidose (alfaxalone) is an ultrashort-acting injectable anaesthetic that also performs well as a sedative premed in dogs when titrated, offering rapid induction and smooth, predictable recoveries without the cumulative cardiorespiratory depression seen with some alpha-2 agonists. Compared with Telazol, Alfaxan typically gives cleaner recoveries and, versus Dexdomitor, does not provide analgesia so it is frequently paired with opioids like Dolorex; the multidose presentation can also offer cost efficiencies in high-volume practices.
Smooth induction
Rapid recovery
Smooth induction
Rapid recovery
Review Summary
"Delivers smooth inductions and recoveries with favorable cardiovascular stability; requires careful dosing and slow IV administration to reduce the risk of transient apnea in some dogs. Widely regarded as a modern, reliable induction/sedation option."
Clear-headed wakeup
Alfaxalone formulation offering smooth injectable induction and light to moderate sedation.
Clear-headed wakeup
Alfaxalone formulation offering smooth injectable induction and light to moderate sedation.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Alfaxan Multidose (alfaxalone) is an ultrashort-acting injectable anaesthetic that also performs well as a sedative premed in dogs when titrated, offering rapid induction and smooth, predictable recoveries without the cumulative cardiorespiratory depression seen with some alpha-2 agonists. Compared with Telazol, Alfaxan typically gives cleaner recoveries and, versus Dexdomitor, does not provide analgesia so it is frequently paired with opioids like Dolorex; the multidose presentation can also offer cost efficiencies in high-volume practices.
Smooth induction
Rapid recovery
Clear-headed wakeup
Alfaxalone formulation offering smooth injectable induction and light to moderate sedation.
Multidose vial suitable for repeated dosing with rapid onset and relatively short duration.
Smooth induction
Rapid recovery
Clear-headed wakeup
Alfaxalone formulation offering smooth injectable induction and light to moderate sedation.
Multidose vial suitable for repeated dosing with rapid onset and relatively short duration.
$180-300 CAD
Sileo is the market-leading transmucosal dexmedetomidine gel designed specifically for rapid, situational sedation in dogs and stands out for its mucosal absorption and fast onset compared with oral tablet options. For the oral and transmucosal sedative use case it offers predictable, short-duration effects ideal for noise or situational anxiety, though it is typically priced higher than generic oral agents and is used more for acute events than chronic management.
Rapid calm onset
Easy buccal dosing
Rapid calm onset
Easy buccal dosing
Review Summary
"Sileo oromucosal gel is widely praised for reliably reducing noise-phobia and situational anxiety in dogs with quick onset and easy administration, though some pets experience mild to moderate sedation, drooling or vomiting. Owners appreciate the targeted, veterinarian-prescribed formulation but note cost and need for supervision after dosing."
Fireworks whisperer
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist gel formulated for oromucosal administration to rapidly reduce noise-related anxiety in dogs.
Fireworks whisperer
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist gel formulated for oromucosal administration to rapidly reduce noise-related anxiety in dogs.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Sileo is the market-leading transmucosal dexmedetomidine gel designed specifically for rapid, situational sedation in dogs and stands out for its mucosal absorption and fast onset compared with oral tablet options. For the oral and transmucosal sedative use case it offers predictable, short-duration effects ideal for noise or situational anxiety, though it is typically priced higher than generic oral agents and is used more for acute events than chronic management.
Rapid calm onset
Easy buccal dosing
Fireworks whisperer
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist gel formulated for oromucosal administration to rapidly reduce noise-related anxiety in dogs.
Fast onset (often within 10–30 minutes) and relatively short duration suitable for acute events like fireworks or thunderstorms.
Rapid calm onset
Easy buccal dosing
Fireworks whisperer
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist gel formulated for oromucosal administration to rapidly reduce noise-related anxiety in dogs.
Fast onset (often within 10–30 minutes) and relatively short duration suitable for acute events like fireworks or thunderstorms.
$60-150 CAD
VetriScience Composure Calming Chews for Dogs
VetriScience Composure calming chews combine multiple nutraceutical ingredients into a tasty, fast-acting chew that is easy to administer and useful as an adjunct in combination premedication regimens where rapid owner compliance is needed. While often less expensive per dose than clinic-only products and more readily accepted by dogs than some capsules, Composure is most effective when paired with environmental tools like Adaptil or reserved prescription options like Anxitane for cases that need stronger anxiolysis.
Multi-ingredient chew
Treat-like flavor
Multi-ingredient chew
Treat-like flavor
Review Summary
"Popular for taste and ease of administration with many owners reporting quick, noticeable calming for situational stress; less effective for chronic or severe anxiety without additional treatment."
Training-friendly calm — high five!
Palatable soft chew with a multi-ingredient calming blend (amino acids and botanical extracts) to support relaxation.
Training-friendly calm — high five!
Palatable soft chew with a multi-ingredient calming blend (amino acids and botanical extracts) to support relaxation.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
VetriScience Composure calming chews combine multiple nutraceutical ingredients into a tasty, fast-acting chew that is easy to administer and useful as an adjunct in combination premedication regimens where rapid owner compliance is needed. While often less expensive per dose than clinic-only products and more readily accepted by dogs than some capsules, Composure is most effective when paired with environmental tools like Adaptil or reserved prescription options like Anxitane for cases that need stronger anxiolysis.
Multi-ingredient chew
Treat-like flavor
Training-friendly calm — high five!
Palatable soft chew with a multi-ingredient calming blend (amino acids and botanical extracts) to support relaxation.
Designed for relatively fast onset to be given shortly before veterinary handling or procedures.
Multi-ingredient chew
Treat-like flavor
Training-friendly calm — high five!
Palatable soft chew with a multi-ingredient calming blend (amino acids and botanical extracts) to support relaxation.
Designed for relatively fast onset to be given shortly before veterinary handling or procedures.
$40-80 CAD