Fluoxetine for dogs
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Has your dog been an absolute nightmare when you’re gone? Or perhaps he’s been obsessively licking or chewing on himself with no end in sight? These are behavioral problems that can sometimes be tough to deal with.
In most cases, you will see significant results from a consistent behavior modification program. However if this program is not stuck to it may fail – or it may just be that your dog can’t shake off whatever his problem may be.
If you are having issues like these, or if your dog seems depressed then you may have come across Fluoxetine before today. If you’re considering talking to your vet about this medication then keep reading for some important, need to know information.
What is Fluoxetine and what is it for?
Basically, Fluoxetine is a generic version of Prosaic for dogs. It is a generic SSRI and works pretty much the same in dogs as it does in humans. In most cases it is prescribed on a short-term basis of 3-6 months during an aggressive behavior modification program.
Once the dog has started to show significant progress in his behavior, the dog will slowly be taken off of the medication. Unfortunately, like all prescription medications, there is a chance the dog will become dependent on this medication.
Though in most cases, the short-term prescription is just enough to get a dog going in the right direction. It can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks after starting this medication to see results, so do not quit giving this to your dog too soon due to lack of results!
How Much Should I Give My Dog?
Fluoxetine is a prescription medication and there is no one right amount for any dog. Most medications go by the weight of the dog and with this it is similar.
On the other hand, prescribing this medication also needs to take into account other conditions such as depression or anxiety. These factors will help your vet decide how much to give your dog. Often they will start with a very small amount and work it up into your dog’s system.
This is because it can be dangerous to suddenly increase or decrease this medication. It should be gradually introduced in the beginning and gradually reduced after you’ve achieved behavior changes.
Video: Clancy on dog prozac (reconsile) and a benadryl!
Since it is so easy to overdose a dog on a medication like this one your vet will start with close to the bare minimum for their weight. Likely the prescription strength will increase over time. This is why it is so important to follow the vet’s instructions with medications like this one!
How Can I get My Dog to Take a Pill?
Does anyone out there have a dog who willingly takes a pill? If you do, I want video proof! Seriously though, getting your dog to take a pill can be one of the most difficult tasks facing dog owners.
They are always learning. If they find the treat in that piece of lunch meat once, they’re going to inspect every piece you give them from now on! This can become a problem when trying to figure out what you can hide a pill in today.
Turn medication time into treat time once again – but this time with a treat actually meant for the job. Pill pockets are awesome dog treats with a hollowed out middle to hold a pill. In most cases, your dog never notices the medicine as he munches down on his daily treats!
Should You Ask Your Vet About Fluoxetine?
If your dog is having issues such as constant chewing or licking of himself, obsessive tail chasing, separation anxiety or has been diagnosed as depressed then you may want to talk to your vet about Fluoxetine.
This medication is the dog generic equivalent to Prosaic, which is a well-known and trusted drug in the human treatment of depression and anxiety. Your vet will be able to help you understand why this medication may or may not be a good idea for your dog.
Never give your dog a prescription that is not meant for him! Say your friend used this medication on their dog for three months and saw improvement. They stopped using it after the behavior changes and they want to give you the rest of their supply to try it out.
This is one of the worst things you can possibly do. Always, always, always consult with a vet. Pets can easily become ill and/or die due to overdose. What worked for your neighbors 27lb Beagle may not work quite the same for your 15lb toy poodle-mix.
So please, always ask your vet for a prescription. They will be able to give it to you if your dog truly needs it and only they can decide on a proper and safe dosage for your dog.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Most of the time, side effects in medications like this are rare. There has been a long time to refine the medication to avoid as many of these side effects as possible. The most common side effects of this medication are dizziness, drowsiness, runny nose, nausea and diarrhea.
Other possible side effects include changes in appetite, weight changes and dry mouth. Some of the more worrisome side effects include tremors, shivering, peeling skin rash, seizure, fast heartbeat and muscle stiffness among other things.
Common FAQs about Fluoxetine
How Long Does Fluoxetine Take to Work?
It takes roughly 4-6 weeks for Fluoxetine to start working to its full capability. Most people report a significant improvement in behavior within 2 months of starting their dog on this (or similar) medications.
Video: BOXER DOG without his PROZAC
Can Fluoxetine Help Minimize Aggression?
Yes, it is possible to use Fluoxetine to help treat aggression in dogs. However this will not cure aggression alone and needs to be followed up with by a behavior modification program of some sort.
Click Here to get your pet started on Fluoxetine today!