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Buspirone

Prescription

Anxiolytic (Azapirone / 5-HT1A Partial Agonist)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

1 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors that reduces anxiety without sedation, muscle relaxation, or anticonvulsant effects. No dependence or withdrawal.

At a glance

Class

Anxiolytic (Azapirone / 5-HT1A Partial Agonist)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for generalized anxiety, noise phobias, and fear-based aggression

Dose

1–2 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q8–12h

🐈

Cat

Excellent for feline urine marking/spraying, intercat aggression, and anxiety

Dose

0.5–1 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q12h

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from light

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Behavioral response at 2–4 weeksUrine marking frequency (cats)

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Selegiline (L-Deprenyl)

moderate

Buspirone (5-HT1A partial agonist) + selegiline (MAO-B inhibitor): theoretical serotonin accumulation risk. Clinical significance in veterinary patients is unclear.

Management: Use with caution. Monitor for serotonin syndrome signs. Generally considered lower risk than SSRI + MAOI combinations.

Fluoxetine

moderate

Fluoxetine inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of buspirone, potentially increasing buspirone levels. Both serotonergic but different mechanisms.

Management: Monitor for increased buspirone effects (dizziness, GI upset). Usually well-tolerated combination at standard doses.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

BuSpar

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Buspirone?

Buspirone is a anxiolytic (azapirone / 5-ht1a partial agonist) used in pets. Partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors that reduces anxiety without sedation, muscle relaxation, or anticonvulsant effects. No dependence or withdrawal.

›What is Buspirone used for in pets?

Buspirone is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for generalized anxiety, noise phobias, and fear-based aggression; Excellent for feline urine marking/spraying, intercat aggression, and anxiety.

›What is the Buspirone dose for dogs?

For dogs, Buspirone is typically dosed as follows — Used for generalized anxiety, noise phobias, and fear-based aggression: 1–2 mg/kg PO q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Buspirone dose for cats?

For cats, Buspirone is typically dosed as follows — Excellent for feline urine marking/spraying, intercat aggression, and anxiety: 0.5–1 mg/kg PO q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Buspirone need a prescription?

Yes. Buspirone is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database