Prozac

[dawson]

Has anyone ever tried Prozac to help correct the behavior problems of anxiety and aggression?

[KOPsBecks]

Consult your local veterinarian before using any drugs to correct a dogs behaviour and/or anxiety. The dog equivalent of prozac can be very effective for short term use in correcting behaviours and calming your pet. As with any of these drugs though, you must also concentrate on retraining and reassuring your dog through environmental changes and changes in social structure and routine.
What is the specific problem you are trying to treat?

Hope this helps,

Becks

[dawson]

I'm trying to find a solution to Rusty's acceptance of some family members but not others. He loves my two grandchildren (ages 6 and 8) and me, but not my grown sons or my son's girlfriend. I know I have to work with them coming and going - correcting Rusty when he misbehaves (lunges and tries to bite). I was just wondering if there was something that might help calm him while we are working on it. We also have a new dog (Rusty was missing for 10 days and by 8 days I didn't think we would ever see him again) My grandchildren were very sad, and we got a Shitzu/Pappillon/Chihuahua puppy. Then 2 days later, I got a call from a mailman who said he thought he saw Rusty hiding in an RV storage center several blocks from our house - it was him. Rusty is not very happy about the puppy either. They are both neutered, so I'm hoping we can solve that problem as well.

[KOPsBecks]

Prozac should not be used as a substitute for good training, it is essential that you correct the problem as the drugs will only dull your dogs mind and make him harder to train. Imagine trying to train a person doped up to the nines on marijuana! I would suggest initiating two separate training programmes:
- one to get Rusty used to the family members he dislikes &
- one to get him used to the new puppy and confirm his place in the pack.
I can help you with both of these if this is the path you wish to take. Otherwise I would definately suggest talking to your local vet before deciding to give your dog Prozac.

Let me know if you'd like to continue with the training option,

Becks