Prozac for dogs?
 

Many people have suggested that I try prozac for my rescue Yorkie who still won't let anyone care for him except me. If anyone else in our house tries to walk him, he begins to panic and poop on the spot, or worse, he will snap at my daughter out of fear. It has not really improved in the three months we've had him. We know he came from a puppy mill and was first adopted into an abusive home, but no one knows for sure what this poor baby has been through. He is extremely devoted to me and sticks to me like glue. Has anyone tried this for dogs with this behavior? I know he also needs training, but I really can't afford a professional trainer right now.

Wow! So many days and not 1 reply! Im sorry to hear what you and your new furkid are going through. I have not experience on this, but wanted to wish you luck .Bless your heart for caring for this baby.

Peoples who use drugs with rescued dogs shouldn't have one at all .

Whoa....I don't know that you can make a blanket statement like that. We have not walked in her shoes nor have we encountered the problems that she is trying to deal with. I have two little yorkies, one that flies perfect and gives me no trouble at all. People used to ask me if I gave her drugs before we flew, and I told them "no", always wondering who would ever drug their dogs just to fly. Well, my daughter has 2 babies that she is totally devoted to, one that gets so stressed when she has to fly with him, that he will bark, whine, cry, twist and turn for the total 3 hours until he makes himself sick all over the flight bag. He arrrives totally stressed and exhausted. He really gets so upset that it's not healthy. Her vet told her to simply give him 1/4 of a pill before they fly, it calms him down - he flys contently and arrives happily like his brother. It's a much better plan than to have him anxious, sick and covered in vomit when they get off the airplane. I think you have to look at each situation and make judgements accordingly. No, it's not ideal to have to use drugs...but sometimes these babies weren't brought to us in ideal situations and maybe things will improve over time. If we can help them transition a little more smoothly, I see nothing wrong with that. Just my 2 cents...for what it's worth!

Hi

Who advised you of this?

I hope she settles down, it sounds more of trauma than depression. Without a doubt has problems bonding, luckily she has taken to you.
Be patient,. and be with her all the time if you can, for now, gradually she will build her trust up with others.
I personally would try and 'allow' others to enter mine and her space for short periods only. Give it time, and baby steps.

I do worry that medication can make things worse in the long term.

Best of luck xxxx

Have you tried having someone else hold the leash while you go along?
Or your daughter setting the food down for her? Or she sets the dish and you fill it? Try combining you that she trusts with activities involving others.

Above all, everyone needs to be safe, so if these are not safe suggestions, speak to your vet about a mild sedative, to help for the short term transition.

Good luck!

I agree with this post. Who did you adopt her from? I am concerned you have children in the house (how old?).

Many rescues that have been in abusive homes need the home of very quiet people and it can take years to get over some of the abuse.

During my rescue years I have never had anyone suggest giving a dog drugs so I question this advise big time. It is not a quality of life for her if she is stressed and frightened all the time.

Agree! I wanted to add though they do have forms of acupuncture for dogs. I know that can calm them down. And Rescue Remedy is an all-natural "medicine" that can sometimes help calm them down. But it sounds like you're dealing with a pretty bad case.

I have had Nicky for three months. Let me point out, that he lives in a very calm and loving home. My children are 14 and 11 and are very gentle. We have two other Yorkies who have been with us since puppies and they are fine. We do continue trying different combinations. She gives him treats and puts the food down and takes walks with us. If she takes the leash, he starts to shake and doesn't want to walk. He sleeps snuggled with me and is very comfortable in our home. He will even sit on my daughter's lap for short periods. No one but me can lift him or take him out. I am continuing to try behavior therapy.I am not giving up on him and wasn't looking for a crutch. This poor dog obviously suffered great abuse, but he has a wonderful home.

I was not aware that acupuncture could help stress...I will read up on this. Rescue Remedy has a lot of alcohal in it or it did but again I just don't agree with drugging any animal all the time.

I would bring in a behavorist to see what the issues are..

People who have nothing positive to add to a post should keep their mouths shut and stay off my thread.

It sounds like he has a wonderful home. You are a kind person for trying to help this baby. You have done much, much more than most us of us to help this little rescue. I am sneding positive thoughts and yorkie hugs your way....what a lucky little guy he is to have found you and your family!

Thank you, you are very kind.

Mingtoy...I take exception to your comment. As should a LOT of people.

To the OP...I'm just seening this but FYI my Vet prescribed it to MY rescue on a short term basis. We can't know everything that our pups have gone through before they came to us & sometimes they need something to help them adjust to a loving home. It helped Sophie, who is now weaned off of it & takes Acepromazine when her anxiety needs to be managed. She takes 1/4 of a tablet which doesn't dope her up. Ask your Vet if he thinks it will work for your little guy. ALSO you need to get some books on how to desenitize him. One big thing is to have others take care of his day to day needs.

Bless ya for taking him into your home & be patient. Just know that it doesn't always work out.

That is what my vet recommended one-quarter tablet. That's why I started my thread. It was my vet's idea, not mine, and I wanted to hear if anyone else had experience with this medication. I am not one to push drugs at all, but I come home at lunch everyday to walk him because I am the only one who can and it is taking a toll on my work at the office. Before I had some help with dog walking from my kids and a dog walker. I guess I am not sure how far to push to let someone take over this responsiblilty sometimes. He begins to poop whereever he is standing or even if he is held, and then the growling. I am going to do some research into some behavior conditioning as well. The prozac was only for the short run. Your post was very helpful to me as now I know it is an option. Thanks.