Prozac for dogs side effects: Prozac for dogs: The pros, cons, side effects and more

Prozac for dogs: The pros, cons, side effects and more

You love your dog with all your heart, but canine “issues” like separation anxiety, obsessive behaviors or thunderstorm phobia can be real heartbreakers. All these things can take a toll on your dog and your household, and if your veterinarian has suggested Prozac as a remedy, you have a decision to make.

Medication like Prozac can help with dog behavior problems that have been medically diagnosed, says Dr. Denise Petryk, a technical services veterinarian in Canada. It can help treat behavior issues that arise from bad life experiences, like abandonment or abuse, but it’s important to know that Prozac is not a magic wand.

The antidepressant doesn’t work overnight, and it won’t change behaviors that simply annoy you, like dogs jumping on things they shouldn’t or snagging food off a table. “Prozac for dogs is not for problem behaviors or those things your dog does that bug you,” Petryk says.

“Prozac for dogs is not for problem behaviors or those things your dog does that bug you. ”

Dr. Denise Petryk, veterinarian

To help you decide whether Prozac is right for your dog, we asked experts to explain how it works, the pros and cons of giving it to canines, potential side effects and more.

What is Prozac?

Fluoxetine, the generic name for Prozac, is in the class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are used in people to treat a wide range of anxiety disorders. Over the past several years, it has been used more and more on companion animals to alleviate their anxiety and decrease their destructive, anxiety-related behaviors. The psychotropic medication can change your dog’s brain action by manipulating its neurotransmitters in a particular way.

How does Prozac work?

As Tufts Professor Emeritus Nicholas Dodman explains it, Prozac delays the body’s reuptake of serotonin — a monoamine neurotransmitter thought to stabilize mood and contribute to feelings of well-being and happiness — resulting in serotonin persisting longer when it is released. In other words, it’s a serotonin enhancer. This process can thereby help combat things that trouble your dog, like anxiety and depression.

What is Prozac prescribed for?

Costing about $4 a month for a medium-sized dog, Prozac can be used to treat the following:

• Aggression.
• Separation anxiety.
• Thunderstorm phobia.
• People phobia.
• Generalized anxiety.
• Compulsive disorders.
• Urine marking.

Most commonly, Prozac is prescribed for dogs with separation anxiety — the sometimes debilitating or destructive anxiety a dog experiences when they are separated from their owner for periods of time. If your dog suffers from this condition, it’s important to seek help.

“Dogs with separation anxiety can suffer from significantly decreased quality of life due to severe stress, in addition to causing physical harm to themselves and their surroundings,” says Dr. Allyson Corr, a veterinarian at Helping Hands in Richmond, Virginia.

“Dogs with separation anxiety can suffer from significantly decreased quality of life due to severe stress, in addition to causing physical harm to themselves and their surroundings.”

Dr. Allyson Corr, veterinarian

It’s important to note that Prozac doesn’t work for every dog. “Prozac usually produces improvement, but sometimes the improvement is not all that is desired,” Dodman says. “In that case, augmentation strategies with other compatible medications can achieve the desired effect. That said, given time and the correct dose, the improvement can be spectacular.”

What are the pros of Prozac for dogs?

Dog owners can see a number of benefits when their pooch is diagnosed and prescribed the drug. 

Prozac can help: 

• Reduce aggression
• Alleviate fear and anxiety conditions, like separation anxiety or thunderstorm phobia.
• Effectively treat obsessive-compulsive behaviors (OCD).
• Shut down urine-marking behaviors in the home.

For the unfamiliar, Dodman explains that OCD behaviors are bizarre, repetitive behaviors that appear to serve no useful function. “The most famous is so-called acral lick, in which mostly large-breed dogs lick repetitively at the wrists or hocks to the point of causing soreness, ulceration and a tissue reaction called granuloma,” Dodman says. “Other canine compulsive disorders include light or shadow-chasing, tail-chasing, rock-chewing, compulsive digging and even compulsive swimming. And there are others. They are all species-typical behaviors that are performed excessively and out of context.”

What are the cons of Prozac for dogs?

Any dog owner who is considering giving their dog this drug should also know the potential downsides.

Drawbacks of using Prozac: 

• Takes about four to six weeks to work.
• May cause side effects in some dogs (more on these below).
• Can come with a stigma associated with giving Prozac to pets.
• Could theoretically carry the risk of overdose (although extremely unlikely, according to Dodman).

“[Prozac] is a very safe drug, far safer than a lot of other medications that people take without qualms,” Dodman says. “It is true, though, that if you take two serotonin medications together at high doses, the so-called serotonin syndrome theoretically could be triggered.”

Serotonin syndrome is the accumulation of too much of the serotonin chemical in the body, and symptoms include fever, muscle twitching, convulsions and more.

“I have never seen it, and I’ve never heard of it being reported in the vet literature, but it is a theoretical possibility,” Dodman says.

Something else to keep in mind: If you tell someone your dog is taking Prozac, it’s not uncommon to get a raised eyebrow, experts say.

“The stigma is that many people think it’s unconscionable to give human psychoactive medication to a dog,” Dodman says. “They clearly do not understand that it can be life-saving. The same people may shun that kind of medicine themselves, again, for no good reason. ”

What are the potential Prozac side effects in dogs?

Dodman, who has used Prozac on animals for more than 25 years, says dogs given the drug could experience the following side effects:

• Reduced appetite.
• Lack of energy.
• Pruritus (itch).
• Anxiety, tremors, restlessness or panting, if given too high a dose. 

What are the important first steps with Prozac?

Before going the Prozac route, Petryk says it’s important to build a relationship with a veterinarian you trust, who knows both you and your dog. “There are many factors that need to be considered before reaching for a pill,” she says, all of which can be talked through with your veterinarian.

Petryk stresses that medications for behavior problems are not a one-stop solution.

“It is important to be aware that this medication may take several weeks to take full effect, and that drug therapy alone is not sufficient to control anxiety in the majority of cases without the addition of a strict behavioral modification program that may include training, desensitization or other methods appropriate for the particular pet,” Corr says.

“Be aware that this medication may take several weeks to take full effect, and that drug therapy alone is not sufficient to control anxiety in the majority of cases without the addition of a strict behavioral modification program that may include training, desensitization or other methods appropriate for the particular pet.”

— Dr. Allyson Corr, veterinarian

It’s recommended that you talk with your vet about the benefits of different types of training and behavior modification techniques so you can have a full understanding of all options available to you and your dog. It’s also important for you and your vet make sure your furry friend is not currently on any medications that might have a bad reaction to the introduction of this new pill.

Fluoxetine | VCA Animal Hospital

What is fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine (brand names: Prozac®, Reconcile®, Sarafem®) is an SSRI antidepressant used to treat a variety of behavioral disorders in dogs and cats. The FDA approved form for dogs is labeled to treat separation anxiety.

Its use in cats, dogs, and birds to treat certain behavioral conditions is ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.

How is fluoxetine given?

Fluoxetine is given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid. It may be given with or without food, but if your pet vomits when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with a meal or a treat. Measure liquid forms of this medication carefully. Do not stop this medication abruptly unless instructed by your veterinarian. Do not give this medication in conjunction with flea/tick collar use. Do not give aged cheeses to your pet while using this medication.

This medication can take up to a few weeks before full effects are noted, and at times improvement may not be visibly obvious. Laboratory tests may be needed to evaluate this medication’s effectiveness.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give it at the next scheduled time, and return to the regular dosing schedule. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses.

Are there any potential side effects?

The most common side effects include sleepiness and decreased appetite. Other side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, restlessness, panting, whining/vocalization, incoordination, hypersalivation, and weight loss. Serious/severe side effects include seizures, aggression, and excessive/persistent vomiting. In cats, behavior changes such as anxiety, irritability, lack of appetite, diarrhea, and changes in sleep and bathroom use.

This moderate-acting medication should stop working in a few days, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

Fluoxetine should not be used in pets with a history of seizures or in pets that are on medications that lower the seizure threshold. It should not be used in pets that are allergic to it, pets taking MAOIs, pets younger than 6 months of age, or aggressive pets. Use cautiously in pets with diabetes mellitus, severe liver disease, or in pregnant or lactating pets.

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

The following medications should be used with caution when given with fluoxetine: anticoagulants, aspirin, buspirone, cyproheptadine, diazepam, alprazolam, diuretics, flea/tick collars, insulin, isoniazid, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), methadone, NSAIDs, pentazocine, phenytoin, propranolol, metoprolol, St. John’s wort, tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), or trazodone.

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.

Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this medication?

There is no specific monitoring that needs to be done while your pet is taking this medication. Your veterinarian may monitor your pet to be sure that the medication is working. Monitor your pet for serious/severe side effects.

How do I store fluoxetine?

Store this medication in a tightly closed container at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Protect from moisture and light. For compounded forms of this medication, follow the directions on the label.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.

Prozac for dogs: what you need to know about treating your pet – Pets

Home >> Pets >> What you need to know about taking Prozac for your dog

Pets

There is a lot of stress in America and your pets are not protected. That’s right, your puppy may be worried. In severe cases, medication may be needed, such as Prozac for dogs. According to Dr. Amy Pike, a Northern Virginia veterinary behaviorist and self-proclaimed psychiatrist of the canine world, the number of alarming diagnoses in dogs has increased over the past few decades.

In the US, 45 million homes have at least one dog. This is the highest rate of dog owners since the American Veterinary Medical Association first began measuring in 1982. There haven’t been any good studies on the prevalence of anxiety in dogs in general, but Dr. Pike says noise aversion studies show that 60-70% of dogs have noise phobia. This may include behaviors such as being afraid of garbage trucks and panicking during thunderstorms.

To help their pets, some owners turn to antidepressants such as Prozac (fluoxetine). The 2017 National Market Survey suggests that nearly 10% of dog owners give their pet anxiety medication.

What is Prozac for dogs (fluoxetine)?

When veterinarians give dogs Prozac (generic fluoxetine), it’s the same medicine you would get from your doctor for a similar problem, just in a different dosage. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), meaning it blocks the reabsorption of serotonin in your body. When levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain are higher, it is thought to improve mood. Does your dog need medication for anxiety?

The veterinarian must rule out a medical cause before prescribing a sedative medication. Dog anxiety can be caused by internal problems such as irritability caused by allergies or even pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Once an underlying condition has been ruled out, your veterinary behaviorist will evaluate your dog’s social and environmental history, as well as episodes of anxiety. Dr. Pike says it’s really not always about figuring out “why” but about how to move forward. Diagnosis—for example, fear-based aggression toward humans and dogs—is accompanied by a prognosis. A treatment plan will also be drawn up, including medications and behavior modification.

For dogs with mild anxiety Dr. Pike recommends natural calming pheromones and supplements. These include Adaptil pheromone spray or collar and Anxitane S, an L-theanine supplement that comes as a chewable treat.

For dogs with more severe anxiety: she recommends Prozac (fluoxetine). Lexapro or Zoloft are other widely used brand name psychotropic drugs. There is also an FDA-approved version of fluoxetine specifically for dogs called Reconcile. Dr. Pike likes this version because it comes in a flavored chewable tablet that most dogs will take as a treat.

(And, yes, you can use your SingleCare card to pay for any medications your veterinarian prescribes that can also be prescribed to humans, such as Prozac, Lexapro, for up to 80% savings).

Get a SingleCare discount card

How long does Prozac work on dogs?

According to Dr. Pike, after four weeks the medicine will work [and] begin to make the changes we need in the brain. About 30% of dogs will need to be switched to another medication such as Lexapro or Zoloft if Prozac does not work.

What are the side effects of Prozac for dogs?

Any side effects, usually gastrointestinal—vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia—which Dr. Pike says only last a day or two in psychopharmaceutical-positive dogs.

What should you do besides medication?

Dr. Pike warns that drugs are not magic bullets that can cure the underlying disease. To change the underlying emotion that drives a dog’s behavior, therapy is key. Dr. Pike says that without behavior modification, a dog is unlikely to ever go off medication.

Research confirms this. Daniel Mills, Professor of Veterinary Behavioral Medicine at Lincoln University, UK, wrote in the 2015 Prozac and Pet Study that medications and a behavior change program were important for effective treatment.

Dr. Pike, who is one of less than 70 certified veterinary behaviorists in North America, uses drugs to make change easier. The drug reduces the intensity of fear and arousal that govern behavior; So, once the dog’s fear threshold is lowered, the trainer can teach the dog alternative coping skills. Pike says a lot of the work she does is also teaching owners how to deal with their dog’s behavior.

The treatment schedule depends on how long the dog has been suffering. Dr. Pike reports that no matter how many years this behavior continues, that’s equal to the number of months the treatment is expected to take.

If you are ready to put your dog on a treatment plan, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation from a veterinary behaviorist. And above all, Dr. Pike warns that you should never self-medicate your dogs with your own prescriptions for anxiety.

Effective sedatives for dogs and cats – an article on the treatment of animals IVC MVA

Earlier we dealt with the main clinical manifestations and causes of stress in cats and dogs. Now it is necessary to understand how stress in animals can be prevented and treated.

The main prevention and treatment is to eliminate the source of stress or to minimize the animal’s exposure to the new phenomenon. To make contact and interaction with new living conditions softer and calmer, it can help to prescribe adequate sedative therapy to the pet with an individual selection of medicines.

There are several varieties that differ in active ingredients and the degree of effect on the animal. These are common medicines with chemical ingredients, natural herbal remedies and herbs. The release forms are different – drops, tablets, collars, shampoos, repellents and other types.

The dosage of the drug should be selected by the doctor after examining the pet, based on the weight, breed and individual health characteristics of the pet.

The table provides a summary of the most effective sedative drugs for use in cats and dogs, and describes how the drugs work on the animal’s body.

Dose and regimen must be selected individually. Many of these drugs are available only by prescription and are sold in the ordinary human pharmacy. There are also veterinary drugs that can be purchased at a pet store or veterinary pharmacy without a prescription.

In rare cases, the use of drugs may cause drowsiness and incoordination, which go away on their own and do not require medical intervention. When using certain drugs with a significant overdose, vomiting, drowsiness, lowering blood pressure, and impaired function of the gastrointestinal tract can be observed. In such cases, you must immediately contact the clinic.

In addition to all the above drugs, there are many non-drug remedies that can also have a positive effect on the pet’s body, but everything is strictly individual, sometimes the reaction can be unpredictable.