Use of fluoxetine, diazepam, and behavior modification as therapy for treatment of anxiety-related disorders in dogs

The role of oxytocin in relationships between dogs and humans and potential applications for the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs

“…Some recent behavioural-modification programs have included distinct phases that involve structured training sessions (Ibáñez & Anzola, 2009;Pineda et al, 2014). These behavioural therapies involved three phases.…”

Canine separation anxiety: strategies for treatment and management

“…Chewable fluoxetine tablets, in the absence of behavioral therapy, have been found to improve separation-related problem behaviors of dogs when compared to dogs treated with a placebo. 8,48 Ibáñez and Anzola 49 reported large or moderate improvements for 71% of dogs with separation-related problems when a low dose of fluoxetine (1 mg/kg every 24 hours) was combined with oral diazepam (0.3 mg/kg every 24 hours) and behavioral advice. However, adverse side effects, such as ataxia, agitation, and increased appetite, are common with diazepam administration.…”

“…Cannas et al 45 and King et al 31 reported that the administration of clomipramine did not completely eliminate signs of separation anxiety. Additionally, some studies investigating the efficacy of medication to treat separationrelated problems have simultaneously implemented behavior modification, ranging from systematic desensitization and counterconditioning 52 to more general advice about owner interactions with the dog, 31,45,49 making it difficult to determine the effect of medication in isolation. Some researchers, however, have found that dogs administered medication concurrently with behavior modification improved more than dogs that received a placebo and behavior modification.…”

“…A person seeking to adopt a dog could use selection criteria that minimize the likelihood of canine separation-related expensive Medication alone not sufficient to eliminate problem 31,39,45 Medication in the absence of a behavioral intervention maintains reliance on medication Side effects Medication: clomipramine improvement in separation-related behavior 31,45 increases passive behavior 45 Decreases anxious behavior including pacing, scratching, whining, and barking 45 Side effects: canine pancreatitis; 51 abdominal pain; vomiting; lethargy 31 Medication: fluoxetine improvements in separation-related behavior 8,48,49 Side effects: lethargy, depression, loss of appetite 8,48 Dogs may refuse chewable fluoxetine tablets 8 problems. Dogs least likely to develop such problems appear to be female 6,14,17,25,[30][31][32][33] and sourced from family and friends 17 rather than from shelters or dogs that are found.…”

“…For owners living with a dog that has separation-related behavior problems, the following instructions may help to reduce or eliminate unwanted behavior in the absence of the owner. Initially, the dog may benefit from the administration of medication such as clomipramine or fluoxetine 8,31,[45][46][47][48][49] administered concurrently with behavior modification. 22,53 Due to the cost of pharmacological interventions 33 and their potential adverse side effects, 8,31,48,51 owners should aim to withdraw medication gradually once the dog's behavior begins to improve.…”