How Much Fluoxetine Should I Give My Dog?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

How much fluoxetine 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.

Is 20 mg of fluoxetine a lot?

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). However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mg per day.

How long does it take for fluoxetine to work 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.

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.

What time of day should I give my dog fluoxetine?

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 fluoxetine make dogs more anxious?

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.

What is fluoxetine used for in dogs?

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

.

What will 40mg of fluoxetine do?

FLUOXETINE (floo OX e teen) belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It

helps to treat mood problems such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic attacks

. It can also treat certain eating disorders.

Is 20mg of fluoxetine low?

Patients who discontinued fluoxetine tended to have panic disorder in addition to depression. Conclusion: We conclude that

starting fluoxetine at doses lower than 20 mg is a useful strategy

because of the substantial fraction of patients who cannot tolerate a 20-mg dose but appear to benefit from lower doses.

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.

Does Prozac calm dogs down?

How Prozac works for dogs. Prozac is the brand name for the drug Fluoxetine, which belongs to the group of antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Fluoxetine slows down your dog’s metabolism of serotonin

, which means that this “feel-good chemical” lingers in your dog’s brain.

What is the best calming medication for dogs?

The best dog anxiety medication
Prozac (fluoxetine)


Rx

Learn more
Trazodone Rx Learn more Xanax (alprazolam) Rx Learn more Clomipramine (anafranil) Rx Learn more

Is dog fluoxetine same as human?


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.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.