Fluoxetine and loss of appetite

VallejoSheltie said:
The main thing is though, people need to know that its not designed or supposed to be a life-long thing. The behavior modification training that is supposed to be happening while on Prozac is important to understand as well.
I think a lot of people most likely just keep their dog on it forever.

http://www.dogshealth.com/blog/tag/prozac/
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That's not entirely correct either. Just like people, some dogs do need to be on these drugs long term, some times for the rest of their lives. Fluoxetine/Prozac/Reconcile is a drug that can be taken long term, if and when required.

In any case you're absolutely right, medication isn't a magic cure and should always accompany a good positive reinforcement. However this is kind of off topic since the original poster was asking about an upset stomach when using Fluoxetine. Plus its not up to us to suggest changing the dose that the vet recommended.

FYI, my Toby is one of those dogs who will likely be on medication for the rest of his life. He's come a long way from where he was due to the medication and extensive behavior modification, but he is still unable to have any quality of life when the medication is removed. Not surprising since he was bred at a puppy mill.
 
I'm wondering if you can give an antinausea med while you get him stable on the Reconcile? Maybe some Flagyl or something like Zantac. You could talk to the vet about it at your next appointment.
 
I wouldn't disagree with what you've said.
However its also good to remember that many vets, as doctors, will prescribe the generally accepted dose that works in most cases, and not start at the lowest dose.
Some doctors will start at the lowest dose, and work their way up if the patient can tolerate the wait and is not in extremis.
Vets I think are more likely to start at the 'generally known dose that works'.

I would at least talk to my vet about it once its determined the AD is working. There are numerous side affects that can be minimized or even eliminated at the lower dose, just as in humans.


OntarioSheltie said:
That's not entirely correct either. Just like people, some dogs do need to be on these drugs long term, some times for the rest of their lives. Fluoxetine/Prozac/Reconcile is a drug that can be taken long term, if and when required.

In any case you're absolutely right, medication isn't a magic cure and should always accompany a good positive reinforcement. However this is kind of off topic since the original poster was asking about an upset stomach when using Fluoxetine. Plus its not up to us to suggest changing the dose that the vet recommended.

FYI, my Toby is one of those dogs who will likely be on medication for the rest of his life. He's come a long way from where he was due to the medication and extensive behavior modification, but he is still unable to have any quality of life when the medication is removed. Not surprising since he was bred at a puppy mill.
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I'll definitely be checking back in with our vet periodically about the continued use of fluoxetine as the summer progresses. For right now though, it was well worth the experiment... Neighborhood construction noise continues to get worse (this week a neighbor's old pool was jack hammered out and removed with heavy machinery, while they have started massive tree work and removal in the yard across the street) and the meds have absolutely helped her to take the edge off and to focus on us.

Sundae still is iffy about eating her kibble, however if we play games with her kibble or just flat out feed her a few pieces at a time by hand, she will eat all or close to all of her food. That's a bit annoying, but since she only eats 1/4 cup of food at a time (1/2 cup or a little more pre day), it doesn't take all that long.

As long as she eats all that we scoop out for her, she gets goodies for obedience after - which she readily gobbles. This morning we started a beginners agility class and she was more than attentive (oh, the power of cheese) and eager for the good stuff.

Now we'll have to time our training fun as best we can so as to not upset good eating habits... A much better problem to have.
 
I would consider at some point in the near future when the dog has reached a fairly steady-state, to look into addressing his noise issues. Maybe very gradually exposing him to issue causing things without too much fussing or consoling. If he sees you acting normally and not making a big deal about it, eventually he will start relaxing and accepting it.

Good luck.
 
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