Dogs with behavioural problems are increasingly being prescribed anti-anxiety medications like fluoxetine (Prozac), but experts question whether all of them truly need these drugs.
Mabel, a two-and-a-half-year-old rescue terrier, is calm and happy when her owner, veterinarian Dr. Amy Lee, is home. However, when Dr. Lee is away, Mabel displays severe anxiety: refusing to eat, barking, whining, and even escaping the yard for the first time during a recent trip.
For Dr. Lee, prescribing fluoxetine for Mabel has been a “godsend.” “Without medication, Mabel would not be able to cope,” she said. At her Blacktown, NSW clinic, Dr. Lee conducts thorough one-hour consultations before deciding on medication, understanding it isn’t suitable for every dog.
However, this level of care isn’t standard across veterinary practices. Some vets make prescribing decisions during brief 15-minute appointments, raising concerns about the rising use of medication as a first response to behavioural issues.
A US study examining millions of dog medical records from 2010 to 2020 revealed a ten-fold increase in behavioural problems and antidepressant use. Dr. Lee reports seeing a surge in dogs with aggression, separation anxiety, and other behavioural concerns, saying, “Almost every second dog that comes in has some behavioural issue.”
While Australia lacks comprehensive data on veterinary drug use, fluoxetine ranks among the top prescribed medications on Australian pet pharmacy websites.
Yet, experts warn that medication alone isn’t the answer. Professor Paul McGreevy, an animal behaviour researcher at the University of Sydney, emphasizes that owner management plays a critical role. “The danger is owners expect medication to fix a problem that often stems from them,” he said, noting dogs have needs and behaviours that humans must respect.
Behavioural veterinarian Dr. Michelle Rassool agrees, noting many dog owners lack skills in behaviour modification. She rarely uses medication as a first step and never as a sole treatment. Instead, she promotes positive behavioural training, environmental changes, and realistic expectations from owners.
“If a dog is anxious about being alone, we don’t just medicate and leave it at that,” Dr. Rassool said. “We aim to use medication to support behaviour change, then reduce it when possible.”
Long-term training is vital, she adds. “A few weeks of puppy school won’t cut it. Ideally, owners should attend weekly sessions through the dog’s first year to manage developmental changes.”
Dr. Lee also warns against punishment-based training, which can worsen aggression. “Positive reinforcement is key to avoid increasing problematic behaviours.”
Behavioural problems remain the leading cause of death for young dogs in Australia, either through accidents or euthanasia due to poor adjustment.
Finding the right balance between medication and training can save lives. Dr. Lee highlights cases like Stannis, a once-unmanageable dog who now enjoys a great quality of life thanks to ongoing medication and committed behavioural work by his owners.
“These success stories show that with dedication, dogs and owners can overcome serious behavioural challenges,” she said.
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