Fluoxetine Vs. Trazodone For Dogs

Like humans, dogs can experience anxiety stemming from various sources, including separation from their owners, unfamiliar people and environments, loud noises, etc. If your dog has anxiety, they might excessively bark, tremble, pace, or display unwanted behaviors. 

Vets often employ various techniques to curb anxiety in dogs, including training, environmental management, counterconditioning and desensitization, and anti-anxiety medication. Medication is often used with behavioral modification to address dog anxiety to help alleviate the underlying anxiety symptoms and make it easier for dogs to respond to training. Medication can also offer a more immediate form of relief. 

There are several types of anxiety medications available for dogs. Your vet will choose one based on the type of anxiety your dog experiences, including the triggers involved. Two popular anxiety medications for dogs include fluoxetine and trazodone. While both are proven effective at reducing anxiety in dogs, they have different uses. 

Let's take a look at the difference between these two medications to help you learn more about your options. 

• What Is Fluoxetine?
• What Is Trazodone?
• Comparing Fluoxetine And Trazodone For Dogs
• Choosing Between Fluoxetine And Trazodone
• FAQs
• Final Notes

What Is Fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine (brand name: Prozac, Reconcile) is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat anxiety in both humans and dogs.¹ When used in dogs, it primarily treats behavioral issues and symptoms related to anxiety, such as separation anxiety and fearful and obsessive behaviors like licking or pacing. 

Fluoxetine increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, producing a more calming and happiness-inducing effect.¹ 

Fluoxetine is commonly given as a daily behavioral medication in dogs and is used in conjunction with dog anxiety training as it can help keep the dog calm and happy, making them more receptive to learning. Combined with training, 42% of dogs in a separation anxiety study showed improvement at the end of the first week, with 73% improving within eight weeks.¹ 

Fluoxetine is generally well tolerated by dogs, but mild side effects may occur, such as vomiting and diarrhea.¹ More serious side effects include weight loss, loss of appetite, tremors, seizures, and an increase in fearful behavior.¹ If your dog experiences any of these side effects, consult your vet as soon as possible for the next steps. 

Some dogs shouldn't take fluoxetine, especially those with diabetes or seizure disorders.¹

What Is Trazodone?

Trazodone (brand name: Oleptro, Desyrel) is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) anti-anxiety medication used in humans and pets.² In dogs, trazodone is most commonly prescribed as a short-term deterrent for events that might trigger anxiety, such as vet visits, thunderstorms, and fireworks. It may also be used as part of a longer-term treatment plan for dogs with severe separation anxiety or behavioral issues. 

Trazodone increases serotonin levels in the brain to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the brain's ability to remove the used serotonin.² With SARIs like trazodone, the serotonin lingers longer in the brain. 

Trazodone is frequently used in combination with daily anti-anxiety meds for specific events. For instance, your vet might prescribe fluoxetine for everyday use and trazodone for triggering events like vet visits. 

This medication is fast-acting and usually takes effect within 2 hours after administration.² However, every dog is different. Your vet will likely have your dog trial the medication to give them a good indicator of dosage, onset, duration, and side effects.

Trazodone Is generally well-tolerated among dogs, with 80% experiencing no negative side effects.² Side effects are generally mild and may include sedation, nausea, and diarrhea.² Serotonin syndrome, which occurs when serotonin levels in the brain get too high, is the most serious possible side effect and is more likely when the medication is combined with other anti-anxiety medications.² 

Comparing Fluoxetine And Trazodone For Dogs

Fluoxetine and trazodone are both anxiety medications prescribed to dogs for behavioral issues. Both influence serotonin in the brain, although they do it differently. In some cases, your vet may prescribe both based on your dogs' individual needs. A few differences between fluoxetine vs. trazodone for dogs include:

Purpose

To compare fluoxetine vs. trazodone for dogs, you should understand each distinct purpose. As an SSRI that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to regulate mood and behavior, fluoxetine is commonly prescribed to treat behavioral issues like separation anxiety, fear-related behavior, and compulsive behaviors. 

The same can be said for trazodone, which helps manage fear and stress-related behaviors. However, as a SARI that increases serotonin levels and blocks certain receptors,³ trazodone is more commonly given as a situational medication given on an as-needed basis. However, your vet may also prescribe trazodone for daily use based on your dog's needs. 

Administration

Administration for trazodone vs. fluoxetine for dogs is similar. Both are given orally in the form of tablets or capsules. However, the frequency of administration may vary. For instance, your dog may take trazodone before going to the vet and fluoxetine in the morning or in the morning and then again at night. 

It's important to follow your veterinarian's instructions on how to give the medication to your dog. Incorrect dosages or inconsistent administration can lead to ineffective treatment or potential side effects. Stopping fluoxetine suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. 

Dosage

The dosage requirements of fluoxetine vs. trazodone for dogs also vary. Typically, the recommended dosage for fluoxetine ranges from 1-3 mg per kg a day.⁴ Your vet will consider your dog's specific needs, taking into account factors like weight, age, and the severity of symptoms. 

On the other hand, trazodone dosages range much higher. Again, your vet will consider the same factors. How often you administer the medication to your dog depends on the situation. For instance, they may only need one dose for most triggering events. 

Side Effects

All medications come with potential side effects. Both fluoxetine and trazodone are generally well tolerated by dogs. Common side effects of fluoxetine for dogs include:

• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy
• GI issues⁵

Less common side effects may include:

• Tremors
• Increased agitation
• Increase in anxious or fearful behavior
• Insomnia⁶

Less common side effects of fluoxetine for dogs include:

• Persistent appetite loss
• Tremors
• Increase in aggression
• Increase in anxious behavior
• Insomnia⁶ 

The most common side effect of trazodone for dogs is sedation. However, it's important to note that this is often the desired effect because this situational medication is used to help dogs remain calm in stressful situations. Other possible side effects include GI issues and loss of appetite.

Trazodone overdose is a rare but serious concern. If your dog consumes more than they should, they may experience symptoms such as:

• Depression
• Lack of coordination
• Low or high blood pressure
• Change in heart rate
• Urinary incontinence
• Seizures
• Tremors⁷

Serotonin syndrome in dogs is rare because your vet will always treat your dog on a low dose to prevent it. As long as you follow your vet's administration instructions, it's not something you'll have to worry about.

Safety

Like all medications, some dogs shouldn't take fluoxetine and trazodone. Dogs with the following conditions may need to avoid fluoxetine or be closely monitored while on the medication:

• Hypersensitivity or allergy to fluoxetine or other SSRIs
• History of seizures 
• Certain medical conditions like liver or kidney disease

On the other hand, dogs with the following conditions may need to avoid trazodone or be closely monitored while taking the medication:

• Allergy or hypersensitivity to trazodone or other SARIs
• History of epilepsy and seizures
• Certain heart conditions

When discussing your anxiety medication treatment options, always disclose your dog's medical history to the vet, including any health issues, allergies, and current medications they're taking. 

Choosing Between Fluoxetine And Trazodone

Only your vet can tell you which is best — fluoxetine vs trazodone for dogs. They'll consider various factors ranging from your dog's specific behavioral issue and severity of the symptoms to their health and medical history. 

After your vet has chosen the medication, it's crucial that you follow their instructions for administering it to your pet. They'll provide you with the correct dosage, administration, and duration of the treatment. Your vet might initially trial the medication with your dog and have you monitor their symptoms to determine if it's the right treatment option. Be prepared to report back to them within a few weeks. 

From there, the vet may adjust the dosage. However, it's important that you report any side effects or adverse reactions. For instance, if your dog's anxiety behavior worsens during the trial period, your vet needs to know so they can attempt a different treatment plan if necessary. 

Keep in mind that medication is only a tool. It won't cure your dog's anxiety. Behavioral training is essential to address the root cause of the anxiety and teach your dog proper coping mechanisms. Medication can provide relief and make training more effective by reducing stress and anxiety, but lasting improvement comes from consistent behavioral training. 

While socialization is crucial for puppies, many adult dogs experiencing anxiety may have missed important experiences during their socialization period, where they would have been introduced to new environments, people, and pets. Additionally, they may have had traumatic experiences. Puppies should always be socialized, but if your dog missed that crucial time, counterconditioning and desensitization may help. 

FAQs

Can my dog take fluoxetine and trazodone together?

Many dogs take trazodone in conjunction with daily medication. They may take trazodone for triggering events like thunderstorms or fireworks and fluoxetine or another SSRI daily. Whether your dog should take both depends on their unique circumstances. 

If you believe both might benefit your dog, consult your vet. Keep in mind that using fluoxetine and trazodone together can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, so it's crucial to follow your vet's instructions. 

How long does it take for fluoxetine and trazodone to show effects in dogs?

How long it takes fluoxetine and trazodone to show effects varies. Generally, fluoxetine must build up within the dog's system over time, and it generally takes a few weeks for pet parents to see a noticeable difference. On the other hand, trazodone is much faster and typically begins working within 2 hours. 

Are fluoxetine and trazodone safe for long-term use in dogs?

Both fluoxetine and trazodone are generally considered safe for long-term use in dogs. However, you should always follow your veterinarian's guidance and regularly monitor your dog's overall response to the medication. If your dog experiences changes in their health, your vet might recommend a new treatment plan. 

Final Notes 

Some anxious dog breeds or individual pets may benefit from a combination of behavioral training and anxiety medication. Comparing trazodone vs. fluoxetine for dogs can help you and your vet find the best option based on your pet's unique needs. While both can help curb anxiety in dogs, they have different purposes. Fluoxetine is taken daily, while trazodone is generally used as needed. 

Consult a Dutch vet to find out which anxiety medication may benefit your dog. We can diagnose and treat a wide range of behavioral problems in pets to give you a treatment plan based on their health and needs. Then, you can order your pet's prescription from our online pharmacy. Try Dutch today.