Doggie Prozac ? ! Yep , this antidepressant is n’t just for people . It can be used as a tool to help dogs cope with fright , anxiety , and occupy .
It ’s hard to ascertain yourdog experiencing anxiety . It can be even bad if your dog ’s anxiety is manifest through chewed - up shoes and grave holes in door . But there ’s estimable news : Some medication can help , such as fluoxetine .
Many of us might be reluctant to give our pets antidepressants for fear of do damaging side effects — I sure enough had concerns when I started my own dog on fluoxetine . But medicament such as Sarafem for dogs can help oneself oversee certain behavioral concerns in our pups .
Photo: Jason Donnelly
To better understand how fluoxetine can help dogs , we spoke withLeslie Sinn , DVM , DACVB , and a member of theDaily Paws Advisory Board . She says she uses fluoxetine hydrocholoride every day in her deportment practice and has had a lot of success . Here ’s what you should do it about fluoxetine for dogs .
What Is Fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine , often known by the firebrand name Prozac , is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor ( SSRI ) used to do by anxiety and depression disorders in humans . Butfluoxetine is used in frankfurter , too , for reducing anxiety and the undesirable behaviors that come with it .
5-hydroxytryptamine is a neurotransmitter ( chemical courier ) that play an significant role in many bodily functions , including humour and behaviour , digestion , slumber , and pain perception . SSRI such as fluoxetine act on serotonin sensory receptor in the mental capacity , retard the reuptake of serotonin , thus allowing serotonin to remain in the head longer . It ’s believe that 5-hydroxytryptamine promotes a ecumenical sense of well - being and happiness , so drugs that enhance serotonin often combat feelings of anxiety and natural depression .
When it was first introduced in the late 1980s , fluoxetine immediately became known as a breakthrough drug for depression in masses . Its utilization speedily amplify to treat other conditions , such as anxiousness , and it was n’t long beforeveterinarians began to prescribe it for dogs . In 2007 , the FDA approvedReconcile , a veterinary blade of fluoxetine hydrocholoride , for the treatment ofseparation anxiety in frump .
What Is Fluoxetine Used for in Dogs?
Sinn tells Daily Paws that fluoxetine has been proven effective to care for detachment anxiousness , but veterinary have successfully used the drug " off - label " to treat anxiousness and compulsive disorders in blackguard .
" It ’s been on the market so long that , even though we may not have an official FDA approval for these alternative manipulation , there ’s enough 2nd - tier up info out there to justify its function — case reports , case study , retrospective cogitation , " Sinn explains . " There ’s a variety of site where it would be appropriate to apply … everything from fear - based aggression to make noise predisposition and phobias . "
There ’s plenty of evidence that fluoxetine help human being , and people taking Prozac can communicate their experiences and whether the medication has helped . But with dogs , we must observe their behaviors because pups ca n’t tell us how they palpate . So , if your veterinary surgeon recommend fluoxetine for your weenie , it ’s important to work closely as a team during intervention .
Is Fluoxetine Right for Your Dog?
If your dog is lose from anxiety , your vet may urge a test of Sarafem — a concept that makes some pet parent hesitate . " Most people come into our drill with strong reserve about ' drugging ' their detent , " Sinn read . " There ’s still a middling strong stigma about using medication . "
But what some people may not clear is that anxiety , fear , and interest all lower a dog ’s threshold for other stimuli . This explains why getting your domestic dog ’s care is difficult when he ’s extremely dying . The same is reliable for people — if you ’re try on to do a project while deal with mental emphasis , that undertaking is give-up the ghost to be much more challenging . So , it ’s hard to teach a dog with austere detachment anxiousness that there ’s nothing to fear when he ’s leave alone .
Sinn stresses that the purpose of medications like fluoxetine isnotto sedate the dog or modify their personality . Rather , the goal is to :
" That allows you to get your fundament in the doorway so thatbehavior modificationis effective , " Sinn says . And behavior modification is the paint to ultimately helping your dog — fluoxetine alone will not stop unwanted behaviors . As Sinn explains , " anybody who expects us to be able-bodied to lot a over-embellished pill and as if by magic fix everything is engaging in wishful thinking . "
It also takes time for fluoxetine to start work ( about six to eight weeks ) , so patience is a must . Sinn add that , in her experience , the alteration continue over quite a time , sometimes years . After give fluoxetine for about two months , pet parents can begin specific conduct modification as urge by a veterinary behaviorist orcertified fauna behavior advisor .
Fluoxetine Dosage for Dogs
Each dog responds differently to fluoxetine and will have different dosing pauperism . The generally commend dosage chain is between 1–2 milligram per kilogram of body mass , once day by day . In rescript to avoid side effect and instal the best alterative dose , Sinn state she starts patient role on a low dose of fluoxetine and gradually increases it .
Fluoxetine is typicallygiven by mouth as a pillor liquidness , but transdermic applications may be available for dogs who do n’t take medications well . You will need a prescription from your veterinary surgeon to buy fluoxetine , which should be available at most pharmacies .
Fluoxetine Side Effects in Dogs
When my own dog start taking Prozac , she became lethargic and stopped eating within a few twenty-four hours , and we break treatment . I ’ve heard exchangeable stories about this chance with other dogs , but it turn out that these puppy may have been on dose that were a bit too high . That ’s why Sinn recommends start off low and slow and seeing how the preferent responds to the medication .
Side upshot of Prozac in wiener are somewhat minimum , Sinn says , but can admit :
" Every now and again , you will run into an somebody that reacts very strongly to the medicine and has return , " she says . " They may get jittery or they may blockade eating only , even on a really low Venus’s curse . Then obviously , that special medication is not right for the pet . "
touch your vet if your dog is go through any side consequence from fluoxetine . The dose may need to be adjusted under your vet ’s supervision .
Precautions and Warnings
Before come out a new medicine , your veterinarian may recommend science laboratory work to assess your dog ’s overall wellness and bet for any underlying condition . The first finish is to rule out physical status that are causing behavioral business organisation , such as pain ( which is known to exacerbate anxiety ) . Lab tests may also reveal a condition that could be worsen by the medication . For illustration , fluoxetine hydrocholoride is metabolized by the liver , so this medication should be used with caution indogs with liver disease .
Sinn says that certain medication should be used cautiously in conjunction with fluoxetine , including tramadol , trazodone , and fungicidal drugs . Be indisputable to differentiate your veterinary surgeon about all medicament and supplements that your domestic dog gets .
Sinn also warn of a condition calledserotonin syndromethat is associated with SSRI discourse . While this is more coarse in dog after an accidental overdose , it can technically pass off even when the drug is dosed properly . This is yet another reason why it ’s so crucial to stay in touch with your vet about your dog ’s advance while taking fluoxetine .
