Did You Know fluoxetine could help?
A dog suffering from anxiety can be super heartbreaking and frustrating for a pet parent and can be equally difficult for the dog. There is a spectrum of anxiety based behaviors; OCD, fear, separation anxiety, storm phobias, and reactivity are just a few of them. A common anti-depressant called Fluoxetine is beneficial for a broad range of behavioral issues and works by increasing the effectiveness of serotonin in the brain which aids in the management of anxiety.
We recommend consulting with a veterinarian behaviorist or your vet to help determine if medication is appropriate for your dog. With their expertise, they can help you craft a plan based on your dog’s health and your unique situation.
Fluoxetine can be so helpful when used as part of a comprehensive holistic approach. Your dog’s journey to becoming a more confident resilient animal can be markedly improved by such drugs but understand, a pill is not a panacea. A training plan, diet, play-time, enrichment, and exercise are also essential in helping your dog thrive. Seeking help from an experienced positive force-free trainer will help you to build a customized behavior modification program for your dog’s specific symptoms.
-American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Other things to consider:
Fluoxetine does not work immediately. There is about a 2-3 week period for the medication to take effect.
Common, but not serious side effects include drowsiness, lack of energy, reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, shivering, tremors, restlessness, or panting.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a veterinarian.
