How Long Can Dog Be On Prozac?

Dosage instructions. Fluoxetine for dogs is administered orally once a day over a long period of time. This medication works slowly, and results may not be seen for 3 to 4 weeks, and often for

up to 8 weeks

.

How do I know if Prozac is working for my dog?

How long does it take Prozac to work in dogs?

At the four-week mark, the medicine will “kick in [and] will begin making the changes we need in the brain

,” Dr. Pike says. About 30% of dogs will need to be switched to a different medicine, such as Lexapro or Zoloft, if Prozac doesn’t work.

Will Prozac hurt a dog?

It is also used in veterinary practice to treat a wide range of behavioral issues. However,

fluoxetine can be toxic to your pet if ingested in significant quantities

. It is important to realize that, even at therapeutic doses, your pet may show signs of fatigue, excitation, nervousness, or loss of appetite.

Can Prozac make anxiety worse in dogs?

While the majority of aggression in dogs is fear-based,

fluoxetine can paradoxically make aggression worse

. SSRI’s can cause a “disinhibition” of aggression; by increasing serotonin levels, this can remove the remaining “censor” that a dog has, thereby making them more aggressive.

How do I wean my dog off of Prozac?

Weaning a dog off Prozac

requires you to do so slowly

as quickly taking your dog off of this medication can end up making their symptoms worse and sometimes even make them more anxious and irritated.

What time of day should I give my dog Prozac?

Most behaviour textbooks recommend

once a day dosing without specifying AM or PM

. There is a need for more research and understanding of the use of fluoxetine and other behaviour modifying drugs in veterinary medicine.

Can Prozac cause liver damage in dogs?

Common side effects of Prozac include: vomiting, loss of appetite, (uncommonly) aggressive behavior, seizures, itching, and/or diarrhea in dogs.

It may also cause damage to the liver

and insomnia in your pet.

Can Prozac help aggressive dogs?

Overall, our data suggest that

fluoxetine at the dose of 1.5 mg/kg/day associated with behavior treatment is effective and safe for long-term control of canine aggression directed toward owners

.

Does Prozac help dogs with separation anxiety?

Two pharmacological interventions

clomipramine (Clomicalm

^®

) and fluoxetine (Prozac

^®

) are approved in the United States for the treatment of canine separation anxiety

. These are antidepressant drugs used for humans to treat the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

How much Prozac should a dog take?

Dosage Of Fluoxetine For Dogs

Typically the drug is given in a dosage of

0.5 to 0.9 mg per pound orally once per day

. So, for example, a 30-pound dog would probably get somewhere between 15 and 27 mg per day. Fluoxetine usually comes in 10 mg or 20 mg tablets, and your vet will let you know how to give a precise dose.

Can I stop Prozac a week?

Tapering usually lasts 4 weeks, but a doctor may suggest tapering the medication over 6–8 weeks to reduce the risk or severity of symptoms

. Due to the long half-life of Prozac, some people may not need to taper off and can simply stop taking it. However, a person should only do this under the guidance of a doctor.

How long does it take for fluoxetine to work in dogs?

Takes about

four to six weeks

to work.

Does Prozac cause dogs to lose their appetite?

of What Side Effects Can Be Seen With Its Use? Fluoxetine can cause tiredness, stomach upset, anxiety, irritability and restlessness in some animals.

The most common side effect in dogs is loss of appetite

.

What is the best calming medication for dogs?

How do I know if my dog needs anxiety medication?

1. Sudden unexplained aggression.
2. Extreme fear of being left alone that may manifest in the form of destructiveness or escape attempts.
3. Constant barking, growling, or whining.
4. Obsessive behavior, such as constant licking even when your dog doesn’t have fleas or a wound.
5. Unexplained fear.