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Acepromazine for Dogs & Cats: What Pet Parents Need to Know
Published on March 20th, 2024
Updated on June 18th, 2026
Acepromazine for cats and dogs is a sedative that helps keep pets calm and still before a medical procedure or during travel. It does not control pain. Acepromazine is the generic name of the medication, and it is often referred to as “ace.” Brand names include PromAce and Aceprotabs. It is available by prescription only for cats and dogs as well as some livestock, including goats, horses, sheep, cattle and pigs.
If you have a prescription for acepromazine, our dog pharmacy or cat pharmacy fulfilled by Vetsource can ship it directly to your door.
What is acepromazine used for?
When your pet needs a procedure or operation that requires anesthesia, they may be given the dopamine antagonist acepromazine. It works as a tranquilizer for cats and dogs.
Making sure your pet is still and calm during the administration of anesthesia is vital since providing just the right dose is critical.
The use of acepromazine before vetservices that require anesthesia is common. It may also be prescribed to treat your pet’s symptoms if they are exposed to drugs that are toxic or to prevent car sickness when traveling since acepromazine is also an antiemetic.
How does acepromazine work?
The nervous system is responsible for sending out messages via neurotransmitters in the body. Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters that help control motor function.
It is believed that the cat and dog medication acepromazine works by temporarily blocking dopamine receptors or inhibiting dopamine activity in other ways, which helps limit your pet’s motor function and aids sedation. It’s not designed to relieve anxiety or pain, so your pet might be given acepromazine alongside other medications. Acepromazine works to calm your pet’s movements and help ensure a medical procedure can be done effectively.
How is acepromazine given?
If the medication is being used prior to anesthesia or in a vet setting, it will likely be given as an injectable solution. Other forms include oral tablets, including ace 10 mg for dogs and cats and acepromazine 25 mg for dogs and cats. Consult your veterinarian about the appropriate form for your pet. Acepromazine is a powerful tranquilizer, so be sure to follow instructions carefully. If you miss a dose, never try to make up for it by giving two doses at once.
How much acepromazine should I give my pet?
Feline and canine dosages of acepromazine vary depending on existing health conditions, what’s being treated, age, breed, species and any other medications your pet may be taking. It’s only available by prescription and should only be used for the pet it is prescribed for.
Are there any safety concerns when using the cat and dog sedative acepromazine?
Certain dog breeds that are prone to an MDR1 ABCB1 mutation may be more sensitive to this medication. Use with caution. Brachycephalic dogs as well as giant dog breeds may also have an increased risk of side effects. Greyhounds, Whippets and Boxers may also have a sensitivity. Acepromazine should be used with severe caution in pets with kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease or low blood pressure. The acepromazine dosage for dogs of these breeds may have to be lowered, or another tranquilizer may be given altogether.
If your pet receives an overdose of the medication, side effects may include low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, decreased tear product in cats, pain at injection site and urine discoloration. If you suspect your pet has overdosed or they experience any of these symptoms, contact your vet or emergency vet clinic immediately—overdoses can be fatal.
Other acepromazine side effects in dogs and pets can include hyperactivity, aggression, difficulty controlling their body temperature, sexual arousal, prolonged erections in male horses and exposure of the third eyelid in cats and dogs.
Always consult your veterinarian about your pet’s full medical history before starting them on acepromazine. It can counteract with other medications like antacids and other tranquilizers or sedatives, including over-the-counter medications like the antidiarrheal drug Kaopectate. Your vet should also know if your pet has been exposed to organophosphorus insecticides.
Always store medication according to the instructions on the product’s label. Keep out of reach of children and other pets. Consult your vet if your pet experiences any side effects or you have questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is acepromazine safe for all dogs? Acepromazine is a prescription-only tranquilizer, and it is not appropriate for every dog. Breeds with an MDR1/ABCB1 gene mutation (such as Collies and Australian Shepherds), brachycephalic breeds, giant breeds, Greyhounds, Whippets and Boxers may face a higher risk of adverse effects. Dogs with kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease or low blood pressure require severe caution. Always share your dog's full medical history with your veterinarian before this medication is used.
What are the most common side effects of acepromazine in dogs? Side effects can range from mild to serious. They may include low blood pressure, difficulty regulating body temperature, hyperactivity, aggression, exposure of the third eyelid and, in cases of overdose, cardiovascular collapse or urine discoloration. If you notice any of these signs after your dog receives acepromazine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away. For suspected poisoning or toxic reactions, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is also a resource. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Does acepromazine relieve pain or anxiety in dogs? No — this is an important distinction. Acepromazine is a tranquilizer that limits motor function by blocking dopamine receptors. It does not control pain and is not designed to relieve anxiety. Your veterinarian may prescribe it alongside other medications — such as analgesics or true anxiolytics — to address pain or fear separately. Never assume your pet is comfortable simply because he appears calm or sedated.
How long does acepromazine last in dogs? The duration of sedation varies depending on your dog's size, age, overall health, the dose administered and the route of delivery (injection versus oral tablet). Your veterinarian is the right person to give you a realistic timeframe for your individual pet, since factors like liver function and breed sensitivity can meaningfully affect how long the medication remains active.
Can I give my dog acepromazine at home? Acepromazine is available by prescription only, and oral tablet forms may be prescribed for use outside a clinic setting — for example, to help manage motion sickness during travel. However, it must only be used exactly as directed by your veterinarian, only for the pet it was prescribed for and never at a doubled dose if a dose is missed. Because it is a powerful tranquilizer with serious potential side effects, home use should always follow explicit veterinary guidance.
Can acepromazine interact with other medications my dog takes? Yes. Acepromazine is known to interact with antacids, other tranquilizers or sedatives and over-the-counter medications such as the antidiarrheal Kaopectate. Prior exposure to organophosphorus insecticides is also a concern your veterinarian needs to know about. Always provide your vet with a complete list of every medication, supplement and product your dog receives before acepromazine is administered.
Acepromazine at a Glance: Key Considerations by Patient Type
The table below summarizes what your veterinarian will weigh when deciding whether acepromazine is appropriate for your dog or cat — and how the two species differ in important ways. This is a reference for informed conversations with your vet, not a substitute for professional guidance.
| Consideration | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Pre-anesthetic sedation; motion sickness prevention | Pre-anesthetic sedation; antiemetic support |
| How it's given | Injectable (clinic) or oral tablet | Injectable (clinic) or oral tablet |
| What it does NOT do | Relieve pain or anxiety | Relieve pain or anxiety |
| Onset (general) | Approximately 15–30 minutes (oral); faster with injection | Approximately 15–30 minutes (oral); faster with injection |
| Duration (general) | 4–8 hours depending on dose and individual patient | 4–8 hours depending on dose and individual patient |
| Breeds requiring extra caution | MDR1/ABCB1-mutation breeds (e.g., Collies, Australian Shepherds); brachycephalic breeds; giant breeds; Greyhounds; Whippets; Boxers | Generally fewer breed-specific flags, but individual sensitivity varies — always discuss with your vet |
| Known species-specific side effect | Prolonged sedation in sensitive breeds; cardiovascular effects | Third eyelid (nictitating membrane) exposure; decreased tear production with overdose |
| Key health contraindications | Kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, low blood pressure | Kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, low blood pressure |
| Drug interactions to flag | Antacids, other sedatives/tranquilizers, organophosphorus insecticide exposure, Kaopectate | Antacids, other sedatives/tranquilizers, organophosphorus insecticide exposure, Kaopectate |
| Overdose warning signs | Low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, urine discoloration, injection-site pain | Low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, decreased tear production, urine discoloration |
| Prescription required? | Yes — never use without a valid prescription | Yes — never use without a valid prescription |
Always consult your veterinarian before acepromazine is used for your pet. Dosage, form and suitability depend on your individual pet's age, weight, breed, health history and any other medications he or she is taking. If you suspect an overdose or a severe reaction, contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately. You can also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for guidance. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acepromazine used for in dogs and cats? Acepromazine is a prescription sedative used primarily to calm dogs and cats before anesthesia or a veterinary procedure, and it may also be used to prevent motion sickness during travel. It is not a pain reliever or an anxiety medication — your veterinarian may pair it with other medications to address those needs.
Does acepromazine relieve my pet's pain or anxiety? No. Acepromazine works by temporarily blocking dopamine receptors to limit motor activity and promote sedation, but it does not treat pain or anxiety. If your pet needs pain management or anxiety support, your veterinarian will discuss additional or alternative medications.
Are certain dog breeds more sensitive to acepromazine? Yes. Dogs with an MDR1/ABCB1 gene mutation — common in herding breeds such as Collies and Australian Shepherds — can be more sensitive to acepromazine. Brachycephalic breeds, giant breeds, Greyhounds, Whippets and Boxers may also face a higher risk of side effects. Always share your dog's full breed history with your veterinarian before any sedative is prescribed.
What are the most important acepromazine side effects to watch for? Potential side effects include low blood pressure, cardiovascular changes, third eyelid exposure (especially in cats), decreased tear production, urine discoloration and, in cases of overdose, cardiovascular collapse. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away if you notice any of these signs. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is also a resource in urgent situations. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Can acepromazine interact with other medications my pet takes? Yes. Acepromazine can interact with antacids, other sedatives or tranquilizers, and over-the-counter products such as Kaopectate. Pets recently exposed to organophosphorus insecticides may also be at greater risk. Give your veterinarian a complete list of every medication, supplement and product your pet uses before acepromazine is prescribed.
Where can I fill an acepromazine prescription for my pet? Acepromazine is available by prescription only. If your veterinarian has issued a prescription, Petco's dog pharmacy or cat pharmacy — fulfilled by Vetsource — can ship it directly to your door. Never use acepromazine prescribed for one pet on another pet, and always store it according to the label instructions, out of reach of children and other pets.
This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.
Additional FAQs About Acepromazine
Most likely, yes. Tranquilizers such as acepromazine primarily act as a chemical restraint to help to keep pets still. This will encourage sleep.
Some pets metabolize medication differently than others, but in general, acepromazine takes around 45 minutes to take effect and will last up to 24 hours. This medication’s effects may last longer in pets with liver or kidney disease. If you’re using acepromazine to keep your pet calm during travel, talk to your vet about having a trial run before the trip to make sure there are no negative reactions.
Seizures are a rare side effect of this medication. If they occur, contact your vet or an emergency vet immediately. When obtaining a prescription for tranquilizers or sedatives, always discuss any previous issues regarding seizures with your vet and let them know if your pet is currently on medication to control epilepsy.
When your dog is given acepromazine, they will usually appear to be more relaxed. The medication will reduce their vocalization, and they may lay down and become quiet. They may also appear a little woozy and unsteady—this is a common occurrence with tranquilizers. They’ll most likely become tired and sleep.