Is Your Pet on Prozac?

Years ago I had a cat who got stressed every time I moved. It was shortly after college so I moved a lot. She would pull out the hair on her back legs. The vet put her on a two week course of "kitty Prozac" (not sure the actual medication - it was 15 years ago). During the time she was very lethargic, but the behavioral issue went away.

More recently one of my cats developed severe behavioral issues when we brought a new cat into the home. The new cat was larger and intimidated him, leading to urination and defecation away from the litter box, and instead of being a friendly loving cat, he would just hide under the couch all day.

When we took him to the vet, I assumed he would be prescribed a similar drug to what was given my first cat. instead this vet (different from the first) suggested a non-medical approach. he wasn't keen on medicating the cat so he suggested a calming hormone diffuser product called Feliway. The stuff worked like a charm. In less than a week, he began using the litter box again, and although still wary of the new cat, he began limited forays away from the couch. Three months on, he's a member of the family again. No litter box issues, he wanders the house freely and on occasion stands up to the new cat when threatened.

The end result was definitely better than medicating him, or getting rid of the new cat who had become the wife's favorite.

Chris - glad you found a good alternative for your cat's issue! I did come across something similar in my research for this. We just acquired a cat (rather, he's a stray who acquired us) who scratches carpets. I've tried a spray for that but it doesn't seem to be working. If only there was such a miracle in a bottle...

Talk a look into Feliway. It works on behavioral issues with about an 80% success rate. Rug/furniture scratching is one of the problems it is supposed to address. My experience with it was night and day. A vet isn't necessary - you can pick it up at Petsmart or similar outlets. I used the wall plug diffuser, not the spray.

Disclaimer: Chris Leonard is not a paid spokesman for Feliway. He is simply a satisfied customer.

Cool, I'll give it a shot then! I thought it was only for litter box issues. Hopefully it'll help so he won't have to be relegated to the basement - I'm not sure which is worse, the continuous meowing, or the scratching and torn-up carpets.

If you don't really want to medicate the cat, then I suggest buying a scratching post. I have a kitten who was ripping at my carpets for awhile - driving me crazy, and not pleasing my landlord. I bought a "kitty tree", which is basically carpeted poles and platforms laced with catnip. Immediately she switched to scratching the tree... that was months ago, and I cannot remember the last time she went for the carpet.

He has one of those cardboard scratching boxes as well as these two fiber things my mom swore he'd rather scratch. He's a snob and ignores them (despite their containing catnip) - he definitely seems to prefer the carpet!

A favorite saying in my family is: "A tired dog, is a good dog".

The only time I have used "doggy downers", is when I have flown a dog cross country.

Very true! I know that on nights after we've taken a long walk, the beagles will sleep soundly and so not get into any trouble during the night. Likewise, they tend to be a bit rambunctious on the car ride to a place, but well-behaved on the ride home because they need a nap.

This hits a sore nerve for me. In almost all of these cases the root problem is the owner, not the pet. It is true that there are special needs animals, but most of these neurosis are owner inflicted.

Cats are one thing, but dogs can turn deadly and most of the time the owner finds some way to blame everything but themselves for the bad behavior. Sadly, this doesn't have to be the case and many dogs are put down because the owners fail to understand the real problem.

Many of our trusted institutions are also to blame. Vets understand medicine, but almost none understand how to train dogs. Petsmart is another culprit because their trainers really don't understand how to train dogs (let alone owners). There are a lot of trainers that think that they know how to train dogs (and I have met many), but most are clueless. A number of months ago I watched a Petsmart trainer teach the Alpha Roll to a class. What he apparently does not know is that performing the Alpha Roll is a very dangerous procedure that can easily get out of control and the results can alter a life in seconds. Here is a borrowed picture of what happens in the wink of an eye (Source: www.leerburg.com). As bad as this looks it could have been a lot worse.

Obedience training will do nothing for these types of problems. The owners need an education in dog ownership and make significant changes in how they live with their dog, not drugs and classes at Petsmart.

Why this strikes a nerve with me is because people do not understand dogs and the amount of misinformation runs unchecked. People are clueless (as was I when I first got my dog). A few days ago I passed a man with his two young daughters trying to walk their puppy. The dog lunged to the end of its leash at my dog with the owners struggling to keep the dog restrained. This puppy clearly exhibited dog aggression and had no respect for its owners. This dog may very well be a time bomb waiting to go off if the owners fail to recognize the warning signs and correct the problem.

"Just as with humans, there is no "best" drug for any pet. Often, trial and error is required to find the ideal medication at the optimal dosage. A veterinarian is the right person to help the owner, who knows the pet best, find that treatment."

I have to disagree with this statement. Vets know medicine, but almost none understand behavior or how to correctly train a dog. My point in this is that people gravitate toward the easy solution and turn for drugs to fix a problem that they themselves have unknowingly caused. This is the wrong course of action for both owners and their pets because it fails to deal with the root causes of the issues. I read, hear, and see these stories daily and it makes me sick because they are so preventable.

I believe that vets are the best source for pet "prescription" medication in necessary cases. Animal behaviorists can obviously help if that is a route you have the time and effort to take (and if it will help your animal). Obviously, if you don't have the time, you should rethink having a pet.

You said a lot about who you don't think is helpful. What do you recommend?

That is a tricky question. Many people recommend Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisper), but he can only handle so many clients, his focus is on his shows, and his methods are outdated.

Finding a qualified behaviorist takes a lot of footwork. You can start with reputable dog clubs in your area and ask for referrals for someone in your area. Ask for references and ask where they got their training. Don't be afraid to say no if you are not happy with what you see.

The problem is that there are a lot of wanna-bes out there, but dealing with problem dogs is a challenge for the best trained. The trainer I use has 4 years of undergraduate studies in college plus masters degrees on top of that. That kind of trainer does not come cheap, but it can make a real difference in some cases.

A good trainer/behaviorist will open your eyes as to how to live and work with your dog. The lifestyle changes may not sound very amiable, but you will have to unlearn a number of myths and devote extra time for your dog.

Crates are fine and as long as your dog can wait without soiling the crate is fine. Dogs like crates because they are a security blanket. It is their den. Make sure that you give your dog time out of the crate that is useful. Do not use the crate as punishment. Time outs are okay for bad behavior, but all you want to do is calmly instruct the dog to go to his bed or his place and wait until they are submissive again.

You will also need to keep pets off the beds, furniture, and other items that are yours.

Keep all dog toys away from the dogs. They are your toys, not their toys. You only allow them to use them when you say so.

Feed your dogs only after they have worked for their food. Give them enough time to eat and then take it away. Always keep water out.

Never get excited to see your dog when you return. Remain aloof, expect them to greet you calmly and not jumping on you or others. When a dog jumps up to you it is not showing affection, but trying to assert dominance over you or others. From your original post it sounds like your dog owns the house.

When you enter and leave the house with the dog, always make your dog sit and wait. You go through the door, then call the dog. This is your door, not theirs and they must have permission to enter and leave.

What I am saying is that the dog must believe that everything the dog gets comes from you, including the air he/she breathes. When they feel that way they will not only obey you, but respect you.

Only give love back to your dog when he is calm and submissive and after they have worked for you.

Find things that your dog likes to do. It could be playing ball, fetching, learning tricks, or tracking for treats. Dogs like to work and if given tasks, then rewarded, will release a lot of tension and anxiety.

Take your dogs on regular walks. Make sure that the dog either walks slightly behind you or even with your leg. A dog that walks ahead of you thinks he is the leader of the house or pack. I take my dog on a 30-minute walk every day. My dog must follow a militant structure to the walk. I do not permit him to break pace or engage with other people or animals. The walk is to teach and instill pack structure. I use play time and rides along my bicycle to burn off energy and provide fun.

All of this sounds horrible (and I have only scratched the surface), but it is essential to keep a dog healthy. From your post I would bet that your pup believes he owns the house. The clawing and whining is him commanding you to return. Chances are you are reinforcing that behavior with how you react.

Dogs are pretty smart. They figure out what commands attention from their handlers and they will push that button as long as they get a reaction. If the reaction he gets now were to stop he would stop his behavior in a matter of days because it doesn't work. So, he will look for other ways to get what he wants. What you want to do is channel his energy into a positive behavior and reward that behavior. He will get the picture very quickly if he gets the structure and discipline in his life he needs.

The bottom line is all dogs look for a leader in their life. That is the pack mentality. If you fail to provide the leadership the dog will instinctively take on that role. However, the result will not be what you like (as you see now). Some dogs require more leadership than others. Dominant dogs need a strong leader. Submissive dogs are easy to live with because they lack the drive to challenge the role of leader.

I know I have said a lot here, but it really is only a fraction of the picture and a good trainer/behaviorist will help you understand the rest.

Most of that makes sense to me. I work with horses, and while you want to give them treats, pet them, and be nice to them - you can't let a 1,000+ pound animal walk all over you, either. That's a lot more dangerous than a dog doing the same because broken bones (and worse) come much more quickly. Horses also need to learn respect and certain behaviors - I do this means you do that.

The problem with people and dogs vs. people and horses is probably that dogs have been portrayed more as a "member of the family" and are socialized as such. People forget that they are animals.

The one point I did disagree with is a dog's crate being its security blanket. I've known several dogs who hate being crated, my own included. She only had to be in during the day and was properly trained. I wonder if just like some humans have claustrophobia issues, maybe dogs do, too?

Probably, the crate represents a situation that your dog does not like.

I no longer crate my dog, but it was always open for her to use as a bed. It was more of her own private bedroom. When she was young it would be locked at night. Now that she is three years old we really don't use it.

Interesting point about the horses. I know next to nothing about them, except they are beautiful animals.

I'm not much of a cat guy but I do love my dogs and here's my perspective as to dogs and dog behavior.

There's a saying in the dog community which says "The only thing you can get 3 dog trainers to agree upon is that the other 2 are wrong."

As a dog trainer, and with that said, here are my thoughts:

Up until the industrial revolution all of our pets had jobs to do. They were bred specifically for a purpose. We've dumbed down a lot of the breeds but science has yet to create the Goldfishoodle or Finchapoo that many "pet" owners want. For example, the mother that thinks that cute beagle would be great at home with the kids but doesn't understand why the dog barks all the time and hates being left alone. Or, the person that buys a herding breed and can't understand why the dog chases and bites the kids when they play in the yard. Or, the terrier that won't leave that damn cat alone. Or, the….

So, for those pet owners that bought the puppy because it "looked cute" and you didn't do your homework on the breed, I say go to the vet and get some drugs. You're doing your pet a favor! Think about it from your pet's perspective. Your pet's mind has been wired to do something completely different than lay around all day waiting for you to come home and rub his belly. Come to think of it, that's probably why so many humans rely on drugs to make it through their daily grind – their minds aren't wired for it either!

However for those pet owners wanting to exercise those "doggy demons" without the use of drugs, there are lots of alternatives to drugs (talking to humans here too!). Events like Canine Agility, Canine Disc, Shutzhund, Flyball, Lure Coursing, Herding, Tracking, Earthdog, Field Trialing, Obedience, Dryland Mushing…… There's a something to do for every breed, including the mix breeds, which involve active participation by both dog and owner that would satisfy both without the use of poochy Prozac!

K9Einstein - thanks for bringing up those points! I have two beagles; one was given to me because she wasn't a good hunter - but she makes a great pet. The other was given to me because she didn't make a good "city" pet - her owners picked her up at a pet store and couldn't deal with her excessive barking. Since I have quite a bit of land for her to explore, I thought she'd make a better fit. She still does get on my nerves (especially when she runs off the porch and chases/barks at the horses EVERY TIME, but she's a lot better.

They certainly do better with LOTS of exercise and sniffing time, so I try to provide them with as much of that as possible. It's a valid point that people should take lifestyle and pet personality into account when choosing animal - not just looks!

I think your post is spot on, but with one exception:

"So, for those pet owners that bought the puppy because it "looked cute" and you didn't do your homework on the breed, I say go to the vet and get some drugs."

That is a horrible alternative and horrible thing to suggest. The first thing that the owner should do is follow through with their commitments to their dog. Pets depend totally on their owners and anyone that choses to buy or adopt a pet has an obligation to care for that pet properly.

If someone makes a mistake in the pet they adopt, that is their mistake, not the pet's and they need to do their part to make it right. There are consequences to everyone's actions. That's life.

Sorry, I was being somewhat facetious.

Here in the Atlanta area 90,000 dogs are euthanized every year. I have 6 dogs. All but one of my "kids" has come from someone who didn't want them anymore. Those of us that understand, appreciate, and can train "problem" dogs are greatly out numbered by the unprincipled breeders and uneducated owners that don't spay and neuter their dogs. Dogs are put down for various reasons. Certainly one reason is because they didn't fit in with their family. If Prozac or some other drug can bring that number down because the dog now "fits in" with the family, well then.... I guess I don't have to like it, but I'm certainly not for it.

This may be the case were we have to forfeit the battle to win the war.

Ah. 90,000 is a unbelievably numbing number. Kudos for taking in more than your share!

Does Prozac for pets costs more or less than Prozac for humans? Sometimes, there's a price disparity for medications than can be administered to both humans and animals.

Moose - this is a very good question not only for pet owners but in terms of ethics. I can't answer from the point of pets, but two of my horses were on vasodilators (for their feet, actually) for awhile and it was cheaper than to buy the same amount for human use.

Another medication, pergolide, was originally marketed for humans but was found to be an excellent off-label (not specifically made for but works well for) drug for Cushings disease in horses. In fact, it's really the only drug that helps preserve the quality of life in older horses. When it was pulled off the market due to really bad side effects in people, the horse community was in an uproar and now it can be compounded if only for and labeled for equine use.

In other words, just as human drugs can be used for purposes other than whch they were originally intended, the same can obviously be done between species (i.e. Prozac for pets) - but perhaps when people start taking their pets' Prozac meds we should take another look! (Note - pet meds are not available over the counter; they must be prescribed by a vet as human meds are.)