How Is It Determined That Dogs Need Prozac?

Determining When a Dog Needs Reconcile

• Separation anxiety and other anxiety disorders in dogs can have many causes. Before a veterinarian prescribes Reconcile to treat these disorders, he will conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination on the dog. Reconcile is not always the best choice to treat a dog's anxiety. Medical conditions, such as ones that cause pain, may be found that are causing the dog's behavioral problems, and they must be addressed appropriately. In addition, a dog may have health problems, such as a liver condition, that makes him a poor candidate for taking Reconcile. If no medical problems are found in the dog, the veterinarian will discuss the anxiety symptoms with you. If your dog becomes nervous or destructive when left alone at home and lacks other health problems, the veterinarian may decide he is a good candidate for Reconcile treatment. Reconcile is best used in combination with behavioral therapy. However, behavioral therapy alone may be effective in some dogs.

How Reconcile Works

• Reconcile is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs block the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, arousal, sleep and pain. A low level of serotonin in the brain can lead to anxiety and depressive disorders. By blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, SSRI medications allow the brain to use the limited amount of the available neurotransmitter more efficiently.

Prescribing Information

• The only FDA-approved use of Reconcile is for the treatment of separation anxiety disorder in dogs. Clinical studies have not been conducted on the use of Reconcile for other disorders. However, your veterinarian may have experience prescribing the medication for other conditions. Reconcile is approved only for use in dogs that are 6 months or older and 8.8 pounds or heavier, and the medication is not recommended for dogs with certain conditions, such as epilepsy, or for use in dogs who are taking certain medications, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Reconcile comes in the form of a flavored chewable tablet and is taken once a day. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dosage of Reconcile for your dog and may adjust the dosage later, depending on the effectiveness and side effects. The manufacturer of Reconcile, Elanco Animal Health, recommends the medication be taken in combination with the BOND simple training plan to treat separation anxiety disorder effectively (B = Be positive, O = Only reward calm behavior, N = No more drama when you come and go, D = Develop your dog's independence). Elanco, along with veterinarians, behavioral therapists and pet owners, developed the BOND simple training plan as a treatment to modify a dog̵7;s behavior using methods, such as positive reinforcement and rewarding calm behavior, to relieve symptoms of separation anxiety disorder. The instructional material for the BOND simple training program is included with the purchase of Reconcile.

Effectiveness

• A study sponsored by Elanco Health showed that the combination of Reconcile and the BOND simple training plan was highly effective in treating separation anxiety disorder in dogs. The Reconcile, Freedom of Information Summary, 2007, Study D00901 showed that ̶0;within eight weeks, 73 % of dogs treated with Reconcile and BOND training showed significant improvement as compared to dogs engaged in behavior modification alone (51%).̶1; Dogs who were given Reconcile without behavioral training therapy did not show significant improvement in separation anxiety symptoms, according to field study T8E180101, sponsored by Elanco Health. Because each dog responds differently to medications, your veterinarian will watch your dog's progress closely to decide whether to continue, adjust or discontinue treatment.

Safety and Side Effects

• The safety of administering Reconcile to dogs for a term longer than 8 weeks has not been evaluated. Close veterinary supervision is recommended for dogs taking Reconcile for longer than 8 weeks. In addition, Reconcile is metabolized by the liver. Veterinarians should monitor the liver function in dogs using the Reconcile to detect possible liver problems. Some of the common side effects associated with Reconcile include anxiety, aggression, confusion, decreased appetite, depression, diarrhea, constipation, increased saliva production, lack of coordination, lethargy, tremors, vomiting and weight loss. Report any side effects to your dog's veterinarian. If the side effects are serious or bothersome, your veterinarian may adjust the dosage for your dog or discontinue treatment with Reconcile.