My dog is on Prozac for anxiety. Is it a lifelong medication?

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm so sorry but I'm not fully understanding why the Prozac was prescribed. For an unrelated issue or to lessen anxiety to prevent more focal seizures? Typically Prozac (fluoxetine) is dosed at 0.5 to 0.9 mg per pound orally once per day. So for an 85 pound dog 40mg is actually a touch under the lowest part of the dosing range. First you need to understand why the Prozac was prescribed (for what condition) and then talk to your vet more in-depth about its use in Thor's case. I would not personally be concerned about using this low dose of Prozac in a dog with a history of only one focal seizure. Do not abruptly stop giving Prozac unless he has only been on it a few days. They must be weaned off slowly. So again, my recommendation is that you speak to your vet. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Yes, trazodone is often given daily to help with anxiety. There are many options however. The most common medication for separation anxiety is Fluoxetine. It's generally my first choice when I'm looking for a daily medication. I recommend to discuss this with your veterinarian. Also, medication by it's self is not likely to work. Exercise and behavioral modification are also needed. Here are some helpful links: https://www.petcoach.co/article/separation-anxiety/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-natural-treatments-for-dog-anxiety/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/common-anti-anxiety-medications-for-dogs/ I hope this helps.

If Xanax was an effective medication for Ali's anxiety, I would definitely say that you should stick with regimen. If the current veterinarian is not willing to provide you with a prescription for this, I would find another vet who appreciates the situation a little bit better. In terms of Prozac vs Zoloft, Prozac has much fewer side effects in dogs than Zoloft, so sickness with one does not necessarily translate to sickness with another. Behavior issues including anxiety are often very difficult to resolve so if at all possible, find a way to keep Ali on the medication she currently is have success with.

I hate to hear this is happening to Miss Prissy! Yes, some dogs do take these medications together though the dosage is often adjusted. I recommend to discuss this with your vet. There are other medications which can also help. This link is about some secondary treatments that may also help in combination with the medication: https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-natural-treatments-for-dog-anxiety/ I hope this helps.

Hello. Much depends on what is the underlying cause of your pets anxiety. Noise phobias can sometimes respond to gradual conditioning to that noise. Training & training tools & toys can sometimes help with separation anxiety. Often, we turn to pharmaceuticals & supplements. I always recommend OTC products like Zylkene or Composure. These are natural supplements that contain ingredients that are not harsh or dangerous. CBD may help with anxiety, but you need to be sure the company you use has scientifically formulated their products to be sound. Canopy Growth seems to be one doing so for pets (https://canopy animal health.com ) & yes, this is the one associated with Martha Stewart. Prescription medications are often used, as needed or for help with behavior modification. Sileo, Trazodone, acepromazine & anti-anxiety medications like Prozac have all been utilized, but you will need to work with your veterinarian on these. Start with some of the supplements, like Zylkene & go from there until you find the right fit for your pet. Thanks for contacting PetCoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry for the loss of your husband! I think animals mourn as well and they can pick up on our stress and anxiety. I would call your vet and ask for medications for Sophia. I would consider a long acting anti-anxiety medication like prozac and also a short acting medication to use in the beginning for when you leave her. I would hope with time you can wean her off these medications. I would provide something of your husbands for her to keep in her crate or bed that you can give her. If she doesn't have food allergies consider giving her a Kong filled with food (there are recipes online) and keep the radio or TV on for her. If she likes other dogs you can even sign her up for doggie day care and drop her off there for the day. I wish you all the best!

I usually don't expect to see positive changes for at least 6 weeks. You may want to discuss these side effects with your vet to see if there might be a better anxiety medication to use - there is no one best medication for all dogs, sometimes it is trial and error. I can't really tell you what to expect next, since every dog is so different. I would not expect that his current side effects would get worse, though.