Can Dogs Take Prozac For Anxiety?

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

.

How quickly does Prozac work for anxiety in dogs?

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.

How much Prozac Can I give my dog?

For dogs, the dose of fluoxetine is

0.5 to 1 mg per pound (1 to 2 mg/kg) given every 24 hours, orally

. For cats, the dose is 2 to 5 mg per cat once daily.

Can Prozac make a dog more anxious?

Side Effects of Prozac

The most common side effects are diarrhea, panting, and

increased anxiety

. This “new” anxiety can present as pacing, excitability, or excessive panting. Since Prozac is prescribed to combat these symptoms, many owners think this is an indication of the drug not working.

Will Prozac change my dog’s personality?

Used properly, a daily medication like Prozac can help your anxious or reactive dog in three ways. First, you should notice that

it takes a bit “more” to cause an anxious or aggressive response than before

– essentially, the dog has a longer fuse. Second, if there is a reaction, it should be less intense.

When should you give your dog Prozac?

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.

What medicine will calm a dog down?

Antidepressants — such as amitriptyline or fluoxetine (Prozac)

— can be prescribed for dogs with severe anxiety. Sometimes vets will prescribe sedatives for dogs who experience situational anxiety. This would be anxiety related to thunderstorms, fireworks, or a trip to the vet’s office.

What can I give my dog for anxiety?

Is 20mg fluoxetine a lot for dogs?

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.

Does 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

.

Will Prozac make my dog sleepy?

Prozac for anxiety can make dogs feel sleepy

, so it’s important to make sure dosages are handled well, and that you ask your vet when the best time for your dog to take Prozac is, as well as what to do when stopping Prozac.

Should I put my dog on anxiety meds?

Although humans and dogs share similar medications for anxiety and other conditions,

you should never give your dog a human-prescribed drug without your veterinarian’s approval

.

What time of day should Prozac be taken?

Adults—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) once a day

in the morning

. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. If you are taking more than 20 mg per day, you may take the capsule once a day in the morning or 2 times a day (eg, morning and noon).

Is dog Prozac the same as human Prozac?

Fluoxetine is the generic name for the human anti-depressant medication, Prozac

. It is used in dogs, cats, and birds for behavior problems such as separation anxiety, aggression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and inappropriate elimination. Fluoxetine is FDA approved for use in separation anxiety in dogs.

What are the side effects of Prozac in a dog?

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.

How do I know my dog has anxiety?

Common signs of anxiety in dogs include:

Barking or howling when owner isn’t home

. Panting and pacing (even when it’s not hot) Shivering. Running away and/or cowering in the corner of a house.

Do you have to wean a dog off Prozac?

Fluoxetine should not be discontinued abruptly

. If you wish to discontinue this medication, ask your veterinarian for a tapering schedule. Fluoxetine should be stored at room temperature away from light.

Can dogs have human fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI), is commonly prescribed to treat depression in human medical practice. 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

.

How can I calm my dogs anxiety at night?

1. The use of scents for dogs. Essential oils used in a diffuser can calm your dog at times of stress and help them go to sleep. …
2. A bedtime treat. You may yourself have a snack or drink at night as a way to wind down. …
3. Music therapy. …
4. Introduce a cuddle toy. …
5. Providing a secure place to sleep.

Does Benadryl help dogs with anxiety?

It’s true that Benadryl may alleviate symptoms for some dogs, but the sedative effects are mild and not nearly as pronounced in dogs as they are in people. So overall,

Benadryl is not commonly helpful for dogs struggling with anxiety or phobias

.

What is the best natural calming aid for dogs?

L-theanine and L-tryptophan supplements

are also commonly recommended by veterinarians to help with mild to moderate anxiety, says Dr. Coates. Zylkene, a derivative of a milk protein, can aid in calming your pet naturally. It is often used effectively in senior dogs with new, age-related anxiety.

Can I give my dog melatonin for anxiety?

Melatonin can be an excellent supplement for your dog

. The sedative qualities in melatonin make it effective in calming down and soothing anxious dogs.