Can the antidepressant drug Prozac help dogs with depression and anxiety issues, as it does humans?
According to a new study, dogs with aggression issues were found to have low levels of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone. Low levels of serotonin in humans can result in depression and anxiety.
In the study, conducted by Zaragoza University in Spain, blood samples were taken from 80 dogs whose owners said had shown aggressive behavior toward humans. These dogs had significantly lower serotonin levels than those of non-aggressive dogs: 278 units compared to 387.
The Telegraph reports that the researchers said these results suggest that antidepressant drugs, which can raise serotonin levels in depressed humans, may be useful in treating aggressive dogs when used in conjunction with training.
“The ability to identify dogs with lower levels of serotonin may help in identifying those dogs who could benefit from the use of pharmacology,” said Mark Johnston, spokesman for the British Small Animals Veterinary Association.
Reconcile – the canine version of Prozac – was approved three years ago by the FDA for treatment of dogs with separation anxiety in the U.S. Earlier this year it was approved in the U.K.
While aggression is the most common dog behavioral problem, Reconcile manufacturer Eli Lilly and Company reports that up to 17 percent of U.S. dogs suffer from separation anxiety, which occurs when they are left alone, even for short periods of time. Symptoms of separation anxiety include destructive chewing, barking and whining, and inappropriate urinating and defecating.
In field studies of approximately 600 dogs, 73 percent of those that were given Reconcile showed improvement in separation anxiety-related behavior within eight weeks compared with those who received behavior modification training alone. Within a week of starting both the drug and training, 42 percent of dogs showed improvement.
But among Reconcile’s possible side effects are lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting, shaking, diarrhea, restlessness and excessive barking – which also happen to be some of the common symptoms of separation anxiety.
Eugenia Vogel, a dog trainer with 20 years’ experience who provides advice as i Love Dogs’ “Ask Our Trainer,” said, “Antidepressants for dogs should be used only in extreme cases and only if the dog has first been evaluated by a certified dog behaviorist.”
According to MailOnline, critics in the U.K. are saying dogs are now being diagnosed with “lifestyle” illnesses so pharmaceutical companies can market drugs to treat them. ”Most breakthroughs in dog behavior are achieved by carrying a tidbit and using it wisely, not by drugs,” said Roger Mugford, a renowned animal psychologist.
“This is horrendous,” commented Ann from Dorking, England. “The pill will not make the dog’s life easier – it will make lazy owners’ lives easier. Dogs need companionship, exercise, a good diet, discipline and affection. Many owners can’t be bothered to provide these things and the poor dog must fit in with their busy lifestyle. Drugging your dog is no substitute for responsibility.”
PHOTOS: reconcile.com and ehow.com
Category : News
Debbie Jacobs
Sep 30, 2010
Medication has been shown to lower the anxiety levels of dogs and make it easier for them to learn new behaviors. Meds are not a cure for fearfulness and/or aggression, but they can make life easier for a dog, and subsequently their owner. Informed owners and trainers do not use them as an excuse to not work with their dogs, and adjust management and training practices as necessary.
Before people have a knee jerk reaction to giving meds it’s worth doing some research on the topic about how they can benefit many dogs. If an anti-depressant can help a dog feel less stressed and anxious (and they can) why deny them the benefit of them. Few dog owners would deny their dog the benefit of a pain killer if their situation indicated a need for them.
http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2006&PID=16093&O=Generic