Doggy Prozac anyone?

[hermetic]

A friend of mind adopted a big old black lab from a puppy mill a few years ago. She was a breeder, had maybe 10 litters. Then she got too old so they asked if anyone wanted her. My friend did. She took her in and gave her a new life. They've been together a few years now, but my friend travels twice a year to Europe to see her family. While she's gone she has friends come in and care for Lou, the dog. It's worked out okay for a few years, but now my friend is packing to leave again and Lou has started chewing on her legs, to the point of blood. They went to the vet Friday and Lou was diagnosed with OCD. The vet prescribed Prozac.

My friend had to get the pills from a pharmacy and she was reading about all the side effects, so she called me last night to tell me about it. She's concerned about the side effects.

The first thing I told her was that she should probably set a few pills aside for herself for when she flies. Other than that, just watch for side effects.

So I was wondering if anyone here ever had a dog on Prozac. Any experiences or tips I might give her.

TIA

[canoeist52]

1. I've read that it can take 4-6 weeks for any effect.

Prozac is a long-term med. and needs to be taken daily. Starting our rescue dog on it this week. I'll keep you posted if there's any difference.

[nadine_mn]

2. My black lab was on Prozac for awhile

He had horrible separation anxiety. We tried putting him in a kennel (he could break out), we tried barricades - he tore through them, he ripped up carpet, furniture - everything. He climbed kitchen counters and opened cabinets and cried non-stop.

He wasn't alone - we had another dog with patience of a saint, but that wasn't enough. We finally broke down and tried Prozac because we were so worried that he would seriously injure himself.

It didn't help at all. Maybe I didn't give it enough time or maybe he needed a stronger dose. But that was over 10 yrs ago.

However I also have a black lab mix/Chesapeake Bay retriever that had a lick granuloma on her leg and it was awful. Turns out she has arthritis and was in pain, which is why she was licking it constantly. That thing took forever to heal. She is now on a bunch of pain meds including one that also acts as an antidepressant - amitriptyline.

You have to weigh the side effects with the damage they can do to themselves, I guess is what I am saying.

Probably not much help just wanting to give my 2 cents.