Pets on Prozac: Dogs Take Meds for Anxiety

These New York City dogs suffer from the very real, very human, disorder of separation anxiety.

[@eaking523]

These comments are pissing me off, you ppl have clearly never seen a dog with real anxiety. I can't leave the house for 1 min without my dog harming himself trying to escape. I cannot have a job if I don't have a dog sitter. If anyone out there is dealing with this, get help!!! He's not just "being a dog". Anxiety is real for ppl and pets, don't let your dog suffer because other ppl want to make fun of you. (I tried prozac and I hated it, but dont let your dog suffer, try a few different approaches until you find what helps.)

[@naddiemeify]

I couldn't agree more. Our rescue dog hurts himself when we are gone. We try walks, play time, kong toys and soon anxiety jacket. But its really bad and he was sent back to the shelter because no one could handle him.

[@anagab1099]

100% agree. I work at a vet and NO it’s not a “first option”. It never is. I’ve seen dogs nearly die over anxious episodes and for those extremities make meds needed . My own dog was beaten as a puppy and was a rescue, half gsd and half malinois - which tend to be anxious aggressive dogs if not trained right. I had to hire the best trainers to help her not be so aggressive with people. She tolerates but will rip tile off the floor and knock doors down without her in a kennel and i’m gone. SHES AS BEST AS SHE CAN BE. To this day she lets out her anxiety through aggression if something triggers her. SHE NEEDS MEDS to not do 90% of this. It’s like saying why does my dog need opioids if they got surgery? It was just surgery. Anxiety and so many other things require treatment when it’s not a training issue anymore.

[@kellylofton8748]

What helped you?

[@GBC1025]

My dog has general anxiety all the time, and he also has fear-based aggression. This is so difficult to deal with because it’s hard to even get the dog to pay attention while he is in a total freak out mode. My vet prescribed him anxiety meds to take for at least 1 month. Then we are taking him to training to help with aggression. Meds help to establish a more reasonable baseline for the dog. I do not judge anyone for using medication because dogs really can be suffering mentally. Just like people!

[@BLOGS___]

Yeah it’s been tough for me. We have been back and forth about trying them. I’m a runner and I take one of my dogs running (the one with the problems) and it doesn’t work. She lunges at other dogs. Just pulling into the vet for routine visits she freaks out. I’ve spent nearly 3k for a professional trainer and while she is obedient she’s still high strung. We have tried changing how she eats so her feeder is more of an forage type feeder. I think if people are trying and have utilized all options, they shouldn’t be stigmatized as a bad or lazy pet owner. I think that’s my only deterrent to be honest. Just reading the comments here just make me kinda sick. Lol. I’ve spent thousands of dollars and a lot of time to help her but I’m not sure what to do next. Try meds or just let her be?

[@ninjablack4347]

@@BLOGS___ my dogs was a stray and developed protective aggression anxiety. He has bitten me so many times and drawn blood, he attacks other dogs, he barks and scratches at the door if he hears Fed Ex delivering a package. We tired CBD treats, behavioral techniques, binged watched all kinds of vids on aggression. Nothing worked. It doesn't help that my family is old school Mexican and thinks theres no big deal with dogs behaving badly. I'm thinking the only option is surrendering him to the animal shelter. Again, this is years in the making,

[@beholden1663]

@@ninjablack4347 how is everything going currently? You have compassion for rescuing the dog initially

[@bvegannow1936]

Giving animals drugs for anxiety is abuse and should be illegal! Let the animal leave! Maybe have a big yard with a dog house give food and water and avoid it. No surprise that it would be scared and aggressive toward u the way u treat it. If it wants to not be around u then dont go around it.

[@ezhowiee9246]

@@bvegannow1936clearly you have no idea how anxiety works let alone dog anxiety. Pipe down

[@fortylovestyle2789]

All the people making judgemental comments have never experienced a dog with severe separation anxiety. If Prozac plus behavioral modification therapy has helped why not use it? Would you rather the dog be in pain all day? And getting a second dog does not help, at all. The first time I saw my dog rolled up and calm in the crate after beginning Prozac I almost cried. To think it could have been relieving his pain all this time was heartbreaking. So yeah, take your judgmental comments and kick rocks.

[@britnimoore7130]

Can I ask you what kind of dog you have ? I was just prescribed meds for my little guy ( 11lb Chiweenie) who has extreme anxiety when he rides in the car. It’s terrible I can’t take him anywhere. I’m skeptical and I don’t want to change his personality so just wanted some feedback if ya had any!

[@katiegrip]

Not to mention that as a dog-owner, it's a whole new hell to be a prisoner in your own home because of this condition. I've never cried so much. My dog is now on prozac,

[@jerseymxnette6176]

how is your dog now?

[@bvegannow1936]

Help make the animal more how u want it more like a stuffed animal? it doesn't help the animal. U shouldn't have animals. Get stuffed animals if u want. Giving animals drugs for anxiety is abuse and should be illegal! Let the animal leave!

[@Loungemermaid]

For pets that have been abused, or were just born highly anxious, then I think it's needed. You don't have to keep them on meds for the rest of their life in most cases, it can just be for a few months while they are learning to cope.

[@beannamated]

Drugs like Prozac can have very severe withdrawal effects, far worse than opioids. Just as with opioids, it should be tapered extremely slowly, even after a short time. Much more slowly than opioids.

[@russell7852]

Thats what Im hoping for my kitty

[@bvegannow1936]

Your disgusting and cruel! U should not have any animals with that mindset. Giving animals drugs for anxiety is abuse and should be illegal! Let the animal leave! Maybe have a big yard with a dog house give food and water and avoid it. Get a new job if your job is abusing animals

[@AndieCv]

Dogs are highly social. I never heard of a young dog being left alone for so long, the solution would be to get him a friend or someone that can walk him. I personally think having two dogs is the same as having one, they eat and walk at the same time so is not much of a difference with schedule and the benefit is they can keep each other from getting bored. A human maybe able to stay home alone for 5 hours but we have tv, computers and phones to entertain ourselves.

[@bvegannow1936]

Yes. Some People treat their animals bad then wonder why they have problems then abuse them and drug them to make them more like stuffed non living animals and so big pharma can profit, those humans r cruel idiots that should not have pets. They r not stuffed inanimate decorations, they r living individuals like humans, they should think how would they feel and what would they want if they were that animal, and kno animals have different wants and needs that humans need to cater to if they r going to have them.

[@kayeff1928]

While the medication helps, she needs to stop enabling the behavior. Coming home and immediately smothering him with attention only makes the condition worse. Needs to combine behavior training and medication, if needed at all.

[@bvegannow1936]

Giving animals drugs for anxiety should be illegal. Its abuse. Think of yourself in the dogs position. Do u think if u were locked inside all the time often alone, u might dislike humans and be anxious too. They shouldnt have animals, they should have a stuffed animal or play a video game or get a robot instead of drugging them. They r living individuals not here for u.

[@MrBignick88]

i am unemployed at the moment i hate it my dog loves it

[@christinesavage7036]

Why the hell does she have a cattle dog in an apparent. Makes me so mad

[@randomfullywonderful]

Nonsense, the dog just needs to pop some Prozac. This idea of yours that the dog would be happier on a farm is nutty!

[@fazeraoe9582]

Shes braindead, let's keep a dog alone all day yay.

[@beholden1663]

It is a big dog in a small Manhattan apartment but give that dog love and it will a beautiful full life. I think the owner of Hatchi is responsible and compassionate and proactively trying to heal her dog.

[@bvegannow1936]

Exactly. These dogs needs tons of exercise and mental stimulation. It would be normal for any human or animal to become anxious or dislike humans if they were not allowed to go out. Abusing them with drugs to make them more like a stuffed animal is disgusting. They should not have a dog if they wont provide it the proper space it needs to exercise and see new scenes such as walks and socialize with others such as getting other animals for company.

[@nopunsintended5161]

Some dogs have real anxiety. My dog has it and my dad can’t walk her not then half a block away without her pulling to go back. She’s small so she can’t pull us but she files her nails down really short and we can’t walk out other 2 dogs as far cause she wines if we don’t take her out with them. If you look at her or say her name she’ll sometimes get scared and run away or cower and crouch down then she’ll pee sometimes. She also has her tale tucked slot and is afraid of other dogs and if anyone she doesn’t know comes in our house she stays 5 feet away most of the time and barks at them for a while.

[@josiestockdill2649]

Maybe don't get a dog if you live in an apartment and work all the time. Or put him in dog daycare? Poor dude. They need a pack :-(

[@chantaldominique]

7 to 8 hour? Wow that’s very long. I do think there is a maximum for leaving them alone at home. Personally 4 hours….

[@bvegannow1936]

Let them come in and out when they want and have a friend animal for them to play with at least that matches their energy preferably.

[@kellylofton8748]

Spoiled much, I work in healthcare and am gone 60+ hours a week. I WISH I could home after 4 hours😢

[@commenttator9758]

The first owner is source of anxiousness

[@Thyalwaysseek]

This is what a civilization in decline looks like.

[@gomrade]

not disagreeing, but how do you figure?

[@nickthegreek1030]

No medication at all. All this dogs they need the normal life back. 2 to 4 hours per day out,to smell play and socialize with other dogs and people,,,thats it.

[@bvegannow1936]

Yes people should kno what dogs need when they get them, not treat them like a stuffed animal interior home decoration toy.

[@jasontheworldisyours]

She clearly just needs a dog walker to walk her during the day and play with other pets. Ironically enough if you give her pills she most likely wont even be excited when you get home @ColoredSpaces

[@Ilovedavidmolano]

Puppy Prozac has saved many pitbulls that I have rescued on death row. Your quick and sharp judgments lack the depth of understanding and intelligence.

[@PC-xy3br]

Sorry. With such claims as that, you'll need to provide empirical evidence otherwise you are simply stating your subjective views. If you're going to defend Prozac for voiceless animals by citing quality scientific and valid research, you would be the first on the planet.

[@QurVgn]

Patrice, I am an animal rights advocate. Been vegan for 40 years, go to the protests, do everything that I can do - for animals 'for voiceless animals'. As the human companion of a dog, I promised to do my very best to to do whatever I could to take care of her. That includes helping her when I see that she, like me, has GODAWFUL panic attacks. If you haven't suffered from unrelenting panic attacks, you have no idea what I'm talking about. If you have had unrelenting panic attacks......well, I don't need to continue....because *if* your life had been completely wrecked by panic attacks and anxiety, you wouldn't be so negative about *possibly* being able to at least relieve some of the symptoms. So when I see my dog having the same symptoms as me when I leave her, you'd better believe I'm going to consider putting meds in the mix as far as treatment goes. It's a murky area for AR folk - theoretically - but as the best friend of a dog, it's an easy peasy decision. I can *only observe*, sure - but I am *only observing* that she no longer drools, shakes, howls and cries. If you need other 'subjective' reports from my dog you're not paying attention.

[@YKIMPetje95]

Sarah Schmidt you fool. Drugs is NEVER the awnser

[@bvegannow1936]

No. Thats not true. Make giving animals Prozac illegal. Its abuse.

[@9littlebutterfly]

My dog suffers anxiety even when I am in the house he gets anxious randomly . I tried herbal medication for him didnt help I also increased his exercise it helped a little bit. He mostly gets anxiety attacks at night he pants and his eyes pop out like crazy I'm not sure why he anxious he was like that since puppy. Vet said he is healthy but anxious pup

[@silopwl4152]

Same bruh he recommended fluoxetine

[@yumitokushige8486]

I guess those people's life style is not suitable for owning a dog.

[@cinderellaman6395]

0:46 Yes it is. This is not unconditional love

[@andrewjames2617]

I’m sorry but maybe don’t have a dog when you’ll be gone all day either. My partner and I decided to adopt a dog who has some issues and may need meds, but we only decided to even consider having a pet because one of us works from home all day. I feel bad for this woman because I know how it feels to be concerned about a pet you love so much but get a cat. Or do some research and find out which breed of dogs do well at home alone first before you go and get one.

[@damionmyers589]

My Great Dane Poodle mix hates my partner. He's always giving her treats and feeds her really yummy food. He pets her and comforts her. She'll go up to him and ask for his attention and she'll cuddle sometimes. Her whole mood changes around him. She goes from a puppy-like energy to tucked tail, drooling, pacing, hyper focusing on him. She's peed on our bed, all over the floors, on the couch. Pet therapy is too expensive. $1400 for one meeting. It's ridiculous, so I'm using Prozac as a bandaid until I can afford that training. I love my dog more than anything, she's my whole world, and if that means putting her on medication so that she is comfortable in her own home, then it is what it is.

[@relaxyoursoul8475]

These people shouldn't have a dog

[@snoocky-thesausagedog9014]

+Oshane Davis Yep!!! I've been freaking out with this news :-O

[@kln4450]

My German Sheppard was an abused dog. He has chewed about 3 inches off his tail and we had to have it amputated. He is ocd and spins and barks at where his tail used to be. Im considering putting him on prozac. Anyone have any other suggestions? Please help

[@13blackcats33]

Despite the negative comments about Prozac for dogs, I would consider it for him. One of my dogs is going to try it due to episodes of shivering and pawing at me (my veterinarian has so far ruled out seizures). She isn’t the only pet but me being away from home 9 hrs a day after mom died 4 yrs ago is starting to affect her. My best wishes to you and your friend.

[@Salai_Dante]

CBD for pets

[@bvegannow1936]

Dont give him Prozac thats abuse. It needs to go on 1+walk per day and go out to new locations daily such as dog parks... And should have a dog friend to live with to play with and have a big yard it can go out when it wants, lots of toys too, redirect it to play with toys and other dogs and stiff while out on walks and allow praise and treat when it does what it wants for things that don't harm itself others or your stuff that u dont want damaged.

[@bluelovely1374]

Dogs are pack animals. Of course they get anxiety when alone. Get him a dog friend.

[@ANPennsylvania]

I love the passive aggressive, self righteous comments from DoG TrAiNeRs who have no experience with an owner-directed aggressive, anxious fearful behavior. My Bull Terrier is on Prozac because he will literally attack me for anything at any given moment, now he doesn't.

[@nataliemoraes2033]

I would have got rid of my dog for attacking me. A good dog should not attack you. I agree some dogs or animals need meds, but sad you have to medicate your dog for him not to attack you. I find zero point in owning an aggressive animal like that.

[@ANPennsylvania]

@@nataliemoraes2033 glad you commented your unwarranted opinion. Being that I own hundreds of acres and own 3 businesses that I don’t work at, I can literally do what I want including rehabbing an aggressive dog that is now a great companion.

[@nataliemoraes2033]

@@ANPennsylvania I still state my case that you have to medicate your dog daily so it doesn't attack you? I don't care how many business you have nor if you're a billionaire. You can still lack common sense and reasoning if you have to medicate a pet to not attack you.

[@ANPennsylvania]

@@nataliemoraes2033 You're not stating a case, you're stating an opinion which doesn't matter. My dog is fine with me now that he's on medication. He kills vermin all over my property now to get his aggression out and I'm so glad I have the privilege to give him a great life. If you had a combative autistic kid, would you throw the baby out with the bathwater, too? LOL just because a Commoner such as yourself doesn't agree with what I do, that's simply too bad because I will do what I want no matter who it affects.

[@nataliemoraes2033]

@@ANPennsylvania "i get my boyfriend drunk all the time so that way we get along." 😂🤣 I mean you do you, but it makes zero cents.

[@brendah4701]

Maybe the dog just needs a dog friend ! He is lonely 😪😪

[@nopunsintended5161]

Celeste He my dog has bad anxiety and we have 2 other dogs

[@mangobananana]

Albert is so freaking cute!!

[@Native722]

At first I thought this was a joke. Human shouldn't take these type of poison yet alone a pet.

[@tye81]

u tell that to someone suffering from a intolerable mental illness and needs meds as a last resort

[@heatherp444]

I have had plenty of people die including my own mother as a teenager so thats BS

[@rlong8038]

I have a 2 year old chihuahua, she has been sick with stomach and intestinal problems since I got her a year ago. I've spent a lot of money in vets bills, food, supplement and lots of different medications to help her. She wouldn't eat, lost a lot of weight and got severe bloat and gas. We were about ready to give up and put her to sleep, when I saw a documentary on anxiety in dogs and treatment. Started her on xanax 3 times a day. She is now healthy and happy. Should I have put her to sleep instead of using an anxiety medication? Don't comment on what you know nothing about.

[@bvegannow1936]

Make it illegal to give animals these poison! Its abuse! Animals cant say they understand the risks and give informed consent like humans

[@radiant.facemoves]

For some dogs, it may be an option, like the dog who was not able to walk outside. If all training did not help. But dogs are highly social animals, who come from wolves. So their nature is to live in packs. Being alone all day is unnatural and not really a disorder if they are showing signs of distress. For those dogs, I would try things like a second dog, doggy daycare or a dog walking company. If this all does not help medication is better than a shelter.

[@bvegannow1936]

Just let the dog out. Would u rather be abused with drugs so you behave more how imprisoner wants u to, more like a non living stuffed decoration, or would u rather be free. If u wernt allowed to leave u might have anxiety or be unhappy to and not like humans either cuz they dont let u out. Animals r not here to entertain humans. Drugging animals with phyc drugs is abuse and should be illegal.

[@user-od8eq8bd1g]

There is no reason that puppy should need to be on medication. It's a puppy, it's not supposed to be left alone for a whole workday. A better investment that medication would be a doggy daycare

[@user-od8eq8bd1g]

Also, Hatchi doesn't seem to have anything to do in that tiny apartment and isn't even walked? Of course he's anxious, I'd be too if I was alone and bored in a single room.

[@nopunsintended5161]

Not all dogs on medication start when they are a puppy

[@elizabethmccall2736]

My dog has separation anxiety when I get out of the car at the park to walk around to the other side and get him out... it’s not always that simplex

[@gladysnajar2254]

Doggie day care won’t accept dogs who have severe anxiety

[@britlowkey8053]

@@gladysnajar2254really? The money hungry dog daycare didn’t give a single fck

[@aicc1728]

Dogs aren’t meant to be alone for long periods of time. They are pack animals. Maybe subscribe to a dog walking/sitting service? Doggie day care? Another dog? Or maybe don’t have a dog at all.

[@nataliemoraes2033]

If you have a lot of money. Owned sis and they never act like this. Cheap option is medicating than those options you gave. Day care is tons of money.

[@xBrabus76]

Its like thier/her owner/s!!!

[@daisybelcher5571]

a mini labradoodle pfftt. no such thing im afraid

[@TheGirlahwlee]

😡 You don’t get a dog and leave him 7-8 hours alone are you out of your mind lady? And then putting it on medication is beyond insane people. You get a dog when you have time for your dog , either when you’re a stay at home or old 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@manuelsanchezdeinigo3959]

Maybe cuz dogs need to run 20 miles a day

[@hollowtrees6669]

My dog has serious sleep and territorial aggression and food aggression. My vet suggested we put him on fluoxetine. He is on a trial period still but I think it’s making him worse, not better. He is lethargic, has a loss of appetite and acts confused and has tremors when he wakes up. Yes I have told the vet about this, she assured me the meds need more time to work but I am still not 100% convinced. Does anyone have any experience with this?

[@72superlead]

Read human reviews on the drug, they all say the first few weeks are worse before much better

[@Lucieyk]

How did it work out in the end?

[@kawikadibble402]

Mine's not really anxiety......he's just overly rambunctious and bit a small nieghbor girl...........he's a sweet dog but largae and loud and just doesnt know how to play

[@bvegannow1936]

It needs to drain its energy. Its needs lots of exercise big areas to run new things to see and smell, and should have other dogs to play with preferably that wont hurt each other or teach them not to play to rough, and toys. After they r tired from lots of exercise if when u do training.

[@blufftonboi9895]

Has nothing to do with our survival

[@bvegannow1936]

Giving animals drugs for anxiety is abuse and should be illegal! Let the animal leave

[@onlineshoppingjakarta7338]

Dog whisperer

[@heatherp444]

wtf 3 million dogs????

[@maxharrison9918]

It's not because he's got anxiety! IT'S BECAUSE HE'S STUCK IN A FUCKING ROOM ALL FUCKING DAY WITH NO COMPANY!

[@dreadthedreads]

Man what.

[@joeloop8119]

Wtf

[@PC-xy3br]

This is without a doubt completely abusive. Dogs cannot report whether their "symptoms" of "depression" are relieved by taking this drug. Therefore, the person who claims that a drug could remove/relieve depression in a dog would have to solely rely on their observation. The major problem with such observation is that it's not empirical evidence whatsoever. The observer will be biased with his/her own definitions of what "un-depressed" looks like in a dog. The owner of the dog wouldn't be reliable either as clearly this is someone who is biased from the start. They don't want to accept responsibility for their dog's welfare, they want to put the blame on the dog by believing the depression is caused by something gone wrong within the dog. There is a plethora of quality scientific research if one looks for it, demonstrating that depression is not about the "brain" (or anything "medical" for that matter) and plenty of quality research linking Prozac to aggression (just what we need in dogs, right...the implications are endless!). Treating Depression successfully and without toxic risks is about meeting basic needs and having a purpose in life where one feels worthwhile and hopeful. Dogs needs are really quite simple: love, social life, fresh air, exercise, quality food. Yeah. Just like us humans.

[@brendah4701]

That's why you shouldn't neuter your dog unless it's NECESSARY ! Neutered dogs are VERY prone to anxiety ! It's all a way for vets to get money ! That's why they recommend to neuter .

[@captainrocha]

a

[@daisybelcher5571]

*Crate your dog*

[@bvegannow1936]

No. Anyone who wants to leave it in there when not needed for traveling should not have a dog. Get a stuffed animal or watch videos of animals if u wont respect it. U dont wana be left in a crate, if its cruel to do to u, its cruel for them

[@claudiarodriguez8073]

This is disgusting!!!! Selfish human beings! How long is the dog home alone!!??? People want a dog to be chill after being home alone for so long! Easy fix! Ughhh i'm outraged!If human beings have a hard time w antidepressants and so on... a dog will too, especially them! They can't talk and say " this is making me nauseaous" or " I have pounding headaches since this med"

[@bryannabrow4326]

When your dog is reactive to other dogs, has severe separation anxiety even when someone else is home and resource guards you, yea I'll take working with my trainer and vet over poor advice on the internet. My dog would rip another dog to shreds if I brought another dog in my home, she has been to daycare, they told me that she paces back and forth at the door looking for me, she sits in the corner when my husband is home from work and waits for me at the door, she attacks any dog that gets close to me when I'm around. Please don't tell me to go kill myself and not own a dog. This dog would have been euthanized. It takes a very special person to take on a dog with issues like she has. I adopted her from the shelter by the way. I did not cause this in her, her previous owners did. Also if you know so much about it, why aren't you a veterinarian?

[@bryannabrow4326]

Also it's not an easy fix. It's a tool to help manage her symptoms.

[@katiegrip]

And yet when working single people realize this and decide to responsibly re-home their dog, the dog-crazed people rip your head off and tell you to do everything you can. Some of us have to work all day. It's not an attempt at being cruel. It's just the reality. Fluoxetine for dogs can be a godsend.

[@bvegannow1936]

Make giving dogs anti depressants illegal!! Its abuse!