Use of prozac for nervous dog
 

I've had Brodie for a little over two years and I'm the 4th owner so I don't know what his background is. A while back I posted regarding how he would bite me and poop/pee when I tried to pick him up after he had been left alone for a while. I've learned to just let him get over being mad which sometimes takes several hours and then he's ok. However, he will still run from me (never comes when called) and when I hold him and then put him down, he acts scared and bolts away as soon as he hits the ground. If I don't put him down quick enough he will flail around and scratch me--acts terrified. He can hardly wait at night for me to shower and get ready to watch tv for the evening and is right by my side as soon as I sit down. It seems it has to be on his terms. I was wondering if anyone had a nervous dog and had tried prozac. I've actually purchased some from the vet but don't really like the idea of using it. I would just love to see him calmer and able to enjoy life more without the fear and anxiety. I give him a lot of attention and love so he has no reason to be afraid of me.

Prozac is a drug that has been used for a long time in the human world. It is very well researched and is one of the most commonly prescribed SSRI, and has good results. It has been used for dogs for a number of years, again with good results. Sounds like your pup really needs patience and pharmamcological help. Bless you for taking this pup into your life! Vets have become very competent with prescribing Prozac for pups like yours with good results.

Good luck to you and your baby!

I do not have personal experience to offer here but I second the above quote. I remember reading about the challenges you have with your pup previously (maybe from quite a while ago?) and his situation definitely sounds like a reasonable time to apply medication for his benefit. He is lucky to have you. I wish you both the best of luck.

I would try a trainer or animal behaviorist before medicine. For me medicine is always the last opinion. I don't disagree with it, mine even had to go on it for a few months.

How SSRIs work


SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and affects naturally occurring chemical messengers (neurotransmitters), which are used to communicate between brain cells. Specifically, SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Sometimes, our brains do not allow serotonin to be released to it's intended destination. It just never makes it across the gaps so it goes back home. Lazy, like me. Changing the balance of serotonin seems to help brain cells send and receive chemical messages, which in turn boosts mood. SSRIs are called selective because they seem to primarily affect serotonin, not other neurotransmitters. This is why they can be so effective.


However, the medicine can only chemically alter the state of the brain whilst it is in use. This means that a setback can occur in behavior, for example, should the drug be discontinued. Also, it is common for the drug to reduce in efficacy when used in isolation as the brain has a remarkable ability to adapt to/overcome chemical intervention.


Therefore, the above suggestion that an animal behaviorist/psychologist is consulted is excellent. The medicine can allow for chemical change so that the dog is receptive to training and training will then allow for a permanent change in the mind.


I would suggest talking to your vet, at length, about how to incorporate training and medicine and possibly agree on a time limit for improvement before alternate treatment is considered. It is my understanding that meds like these are usually given on a temp basis due the aforementioned reasons + most of the issues with behavior are not due to disorder in brain functioning but lack of training etc This would make sense for your dog given the sporadic lack of stability in homing.

In some cases (like yours) I would not hesitate for one second in using a med for the very reasons you stated and I bolded above. Use it, give it a chance...give your kiddo a chance to be calm and happier. :)

Our PBGV mix takes Prozac for anxiety. His is more related to chewing and hyperactivity though. The drug does nothing for his protective/aggressive problems (he is a rescue). I would absolutely try it.

I have a foster who is on Prozac. I, like you, hesitated to use it; but finally I decided to try and it has helped him. I still have to work with him to get him over some of his out of control behavior. Prior to him taking this medication, there was no working with him. He would get so out of control, that nothing reached him. He would be frantic and not listen to me at all. The Prozac has not changed him much....it has just made it easier for me to work with him. I may, at some point, try to take him off of it...time will tell; but the medication is not as bad as I had thought it would be.

I'm glad to see that so many are not adverse to medicine. However, it is also good to see that we are all rightly cautious.


I may have to consider something similar for Teddy when I am away from home more so it's nice to know that it does often work.


It is too hard for me to go to work all day and worry about Teddy's racing mind. If meds give him peace, then great.

Whatever it takes...
 

I had a difficult little dog many years ago before Prozac was even invented. Dudley was the result of poor mixed breeding, sold off way too soon at 6 weeks, and coming to me, at the time a totally inexperienced dog parent. We fumbled through 18 trying years together before he finally died of old age. I made all kinds of crazy accomodations to keep this difficult little dog with me those years. If anyone had ever recommended Prozac, I would have purchased it by the barrel!:)
I still love you, Dudley. Do you still love me?:)
Remembering Dudley still makes me cry.

If it might improve his quality of life, what harm to just try it? What a kind person you are to have so much patience and care for him when he's been through so much.

Awwww, what a sweet post!


I just posted about my Persian cat, Kayla, in another thread.


Animals...gotta love them.