Depression Pills for Dogs

In the U.S., dogs suffering from obesity, separation anxiety or even depression can now get some of the same kinds of medications available to their human counterparts. If your dog seems depressed, you should first ensure that the symptoms do not point to an underlying medical condition. If, however, he is simply depressed---perhaps because your child, his best friend, has gone off to college---then pills might be able to help. Always consult with a veterinarian before giving medicine to your dog; never give your dog pills from a human's prescription for depression medication.

  1. Prozac

    • Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It gained widespread popularity as a treatment for depression and a host of other psychiatric disorders in the 1990s. While it is still sometimes prescribed for humans, to some extent it has been replaced by newer types of antidepressants. For dogs, however, Prozac is still widely prescribed to treat depression. The active ingredient in this drug is fluoxetine hydrochloride. The good thing about Prozac is that unlike some other antidepressants used for dogs, it does not cause extreme sleepiness, notes VetInfo. However, it does have other side effects, including mild lethargy, vomiting, insomnia and irritability.

    Tramadol

    • In dogs, Tramadol is used mainly as a pain reliever, but it can also be used to treat depression, according to the VetInfo website. While it's not a narcotic, it has narcotic-like effects on the body. Thus, this drug may be best for a dog that is suffering from depression as a result of a physical condition that results in pain. Side effects of Tramadol include drowsiness and constipation.

    Phenobarbital

    • Phenobarbital is a barbiturate drug commonly used in veterinary medicine as an anti-epileptic. It's also used in very high dosages to euthanize animals. In small doses, however, it can be used to treat depression. However, this drug can cause liver damage, among other side effects, including excessive hunger and thirst, and an increased need to urinate. Thus, it should be used exactly as prescribed by a veterinarian.