DIf your dog is experiencing severe anxiety, fear, or is shutting down emotionally, Prozac could be a helpful solution to improve their confidence. Prozac, and its generic version known as fluoxetine, is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs help increase serotonin in the brain and improve mental well-being in humans and dogs.
Some veterinarians report that Prozac is the most common type of mental health medication they prescribe. It can take 7 to 30 days for SSRIs like fluoxetine to be effective.
Read on to learn about how Prozac works on dogs, how to know it’s working, possible side effects, and other ways you can support your dog’s mental health.
What is Prozac Exactly?
Fluoxetine or Prozac is commonly prescribed to humans to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. These benefits extend to dogs, with Prozac helping conditions and behavioral issues, such as aggression, urine marking, and frequent whining.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved fluoxetine under the brand name Prozac for humans in 1987. Although it wasn’t the first SSRI on the market for humans, it quickly became the most popular. Soon after, veterinarians started using Prozac for animals with anxiety, compulsive behavior, and other behavior issues. Reconcile, a version of fluoxetine specifically for animals, was released in 2007.
Dr. Amanda Modes, DMV, veterinarian and owner at VetMind and a Resident of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, explains that fluoxetine can be used off-label in dogs for the same conditions Prozac and Reconcile treat. However, it’s been found that dogs can absorb Reconcile at a slightly higher rate. It also comes as a flavored chew that dogs like. Therefore, some vets prefer to prescribe Reconcile.
What Does Prozac Do for Dogs?
On a molecular level, Prozac, Reconcile, and generic fluoxetine work by increasing serotonin in the brain. These medications help slow the brain’s system from removing used serotonin, allowing the “feel-good” chemical to last longer. Over time, this helps reduce anxiety and increase happiness.
“Prozac works similarly for all species,” says Dr. Modes. “However, dogs may metabolize medication differently than people, which can affect dose and duration of action. Side effects may also differ.”
Prozac for dogs usually comes in tablets, capsules, or oral liquids and is given once daily. The cost for a monthly supply is usually $5 to $30.
It’s important to know that behavioral medications do not address a dog’s problems directly. Instead, these medications help normalize your dog’s feelings so they are in a trainable, influential state. It’s important to pair medication with training for behavioral success.
Best Canine Candidates for Prozac
SSRIs are known to help with reducing arousal, reactivity, and anxiety in dogs. Among SSRIs, fluoxetine has the longest history of use for behavior problems.
If your dog experiences any of the following, they may be a good candidate for Prozac:
- Anxiety: Reconcile, the brand of fluoxetine specifically for dogs, is approved by the FDA for separation anxiety. Vets may also prescribe Prozac for other situational anxieties or stressors, such as moving to a new home.
- Aggression: Research shows that dogs who take fluoxetine combined with a behavior modification program show improvements after one month.
- Phobia: Fluoxetine was prescribed in 44% of diagnoses related to fear-related aggression. Dogs with a phobia of loud sounds or car rides may benefit from Prozac.
- Reactivity or impulsivity: Reactivity is rooted in fear, where a dog tries to make themselves big and loud until the trigger leaves.
- Compulsive disorder: Studies show that dogs prescribed fluoxetine were 8.7 times more likely to improve in their compulsive behaviors, like tail chasing or persistent barking, than dogs given a placebo.
Dr. Modes also explains that while SSRIs like Prozac can be beneficial for behavioral conditions such as storm phobias, especially if this appears frequently enough, they’re typically used for daily or more frequent concerns.
Common Side Effects of Prozac for Dogs
Like with people, medications affect dogs differently. Common side effects of Prozac in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss. Fortunately, giving Prozac with food usually prevents an upset stomach. For dogs who experience appetite loss, your vet may discuss reducing the dosage and then gradually increasing back up.
Serious side effects of Prozac are less common but may include tremors, seizures, an increase in aggression, and anxious behaviors in dogs.
Dr. Modes encourages pet parents to consult their prescribing veterinarian if side effects are significant or problematic. To eliminate side effects, your vet may suggest dose adjustments or an alternative treatment. Generally, the goal is to improve behaviors without experiencing negative effects.
Caution: Don’t stop medication abruptly. Going off fluoxetine brands, including Prozac and Reconcile, should be slow and tapered on a vet-approved schedule.
Alternatives to Prozac
If you don’t notice improvements in your dog’s behaviors within a month or two, your vet might revise the treatment method. Treatment adjustments may include increasing your dog’s fluoxetine dosage, finding an alternative medication, or behavioral and environmental modifications.
Other common anxiety medications for dogs include:
- Diazepam
- Sertaline
- Trazodone
- Gabapentin
Is Prozac a Game-Changer for Dogs with Behavioral Disorders?
59% of dog owners reported that their dogs with behavioral disorders responded positively to fluoxetine. Arah McManamna shares how her dog Lana has anxiety that manifests as reactivity towards dogs and experiences fear in new situations. She worked with a veterinarian and, after a blood test, Lana went on fluoxetine. By week three, Lana was able to take treats and pivot away from dogs during walks.
Another dog parent, Katie, shares that after the initial week of side effects (lethargy, low appetite), Prozac helped her dog Mo face his noise sensitivities and fears. “I can’t believe the changes it has brought about in my dog,” she writes for Rover. “It shouldn’t be viewed as a magic fix, or as the only possible solution, but boy, prioritize your dog’s happiness and comfort above your own mental blocks.” Prozac, she adds, has become a valuable tool for her training toolbox.
After hitting a plateau on separation anxiety progress with her dog, Christal Yuen, a managing editor for Rover, worked with her dog’s primary veterinarian to get prescription Prozac. She saw subtly early improvements, such as a decreased anxiety on walks, within two weeks. By the fifth month, her dog was able to break past the 20 minute barrier of being alone.
Like the dog parents experienced above, the results for Prozac are not instant. Dr. Modes explains that a dog will need to take Prozac for a long time before a steady state is achieved. Anxiety medications for dogs may take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to work.
How Will a Vet Prescribe Prozac?
“An SSRI like Prozac or Reconcile requires a prescription from a veterinarian,” confirms Dr. Modes. If you believe your dog could benefit from medication, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss symptoms and behaviors.
Dr. Modes explains that many general practice veterinarians may want to collaborate with a veterinary behavior specialist for optimal evaluation and treatment if they agree that your dog may benefit from taking an SSRI.
The recommended dose of Reconcile is as follows:
| Dog weight (lbs) | # of tablets per day | Tablet strength (mg) |
| 8.8 to 17.6 | 1 | 8 |
| 17.7 to 35.2 | 1 | 16 |
| 35.3 to 70.4 | 1 | 32 |
| 70.5 to 140.8 | 1 | 64 |
What are reasons a vet won’t prescribe Prozac?
Prozac is typically not prescribed to dogs with diabetes or seizure disorders. Dr. Modes also explains that your vet will thoroughly review your dog’s behaviors and medical history to determine if Prozac is the best treatment.
How to Support Your Dog During This Time
Prozac can take time to work, and it’s not a quick or easy fix. For optimal improvement, Dr. Modes suggests a combination of environmental management and positive reinforcement behavior training. In some cases, such as separation anxiety, you’ll need to continue training your dog through
The following techniques can help support your dog:
- Limit or reduce exposure to their triggers to give them time to recover
- Consider calming treats or aids to help your dog feel calm
- Incorporate enrichment toys for anxiety, such as lick mats, chews, and plushies
- Offer treats and praise for positive behaviors
- Provide your dog with regular exercise to help regulate their energy levels
- Create a safe space for your dog to relax, using white noise or music
- Spend time bonding with your dog to create trust and confidence
