My 7 yr. old Ridgeback has been having skin issues that were linked to an underactive thyroid. This past September my apartment building burnt down and my two dogs were inside for over 3 1/2 hours. Thankfully the room that they were in had the doors closed and they were able to be rescued without any actual physical harm. For the first month or so, they didn't want me leaving, they would cry and bark and understandably so. They seem ok now, for the most part and they don't carry on like they used to but my vet is linking his skin condition to possible anxiety and wants me to put him on Prozac. I don't have a very good opinion of the drug because I was once on it and I had awful side effects. I understand that the way that my body and my dogs body work are obviously different, but does it really make sense to put him on an anti-anxiety/depression drug?
2007-01-16 06:38:41 · 6 answers · asked by me n' mona 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The thing with antidepressants is that they are supposed to be temporary to help you resolve conflicts going on with you. I would allow your pet to start off with a very low dose until you reach a dose that works. Once he is on it for about two months slowly very slowly start cutting it back till he is off of it. I would not go in and decide to keep themon it forever. You want to use the drug to fix the problem not hide it and ignore it.
2007-01-16 06:46:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prozac, like all anti-anxiety drugs, must be given regularly in order to maintain correct chemical balances in the dog's brain. Don't let these other people bug you or make you feel bad about giving drugs. Training is sometimes not enough for every dog - especially when separation anxiety (which is a phobia) is the issue. Your vet hopefully has explained that it may be necessary to tinker with the dosage or try a different medication if what you are giving now doesn't have the desired affect.
2016-05-25 01:47:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
So thankful they were saved!! And yes there could be anxiety from that. Actually, there is a med now FDA approved for anxiety in dogs. it is not Prozac! Clomipramine hydochloride has been approved. I am working with a dog with serious issues. We had to medicate in order to safely work with the dog. It may cost a bit more but I feel is safer option.
The dosage is slowly increased to a maintenance level that works without sedating the dog. It has done wonders for this dog that had to be muzzled for safety, fear of strangers and everything. Obviously, the meds are used in conjunction with hands on retraining of dog. With more time he may settle and not need. Nerves can translate into skin problems for dogs.
I appreciate your concern with this issue. Ask your vet about the other med. I too am not favorable about Prozac for anyone!
2007-01-16 06:58:21 · answer #3 · answered by pets4lifelady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, but that was you. You owe it to your friend to give it a try - it might be the best thinking for him! I had a German shepherd with anxiety - induced eczema in the early 1990s, and I only wish someone could have prescribed it for him then! I would have tried everything - but there was no Internet, and no Prozac. and it might be better than a lifetime of steroids, so I say try it
2007-01-16 06:45:44 · answer #4 · answered by rose_merrick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It did wonders for my dog that had separation anxiety. Prozac and the crate were the only way I could leave the house!
2007-01-16 06:44:03 · answer #5 · answered by Yo LO! 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have actually seen it work wonders for some dogs AND cats. Some have gotten no benefit at all.
2007-01-16 06:42:52 · answer #6 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋