Can I give my dog Zoloft?
Zoloft is a popular medicine for curing depression and anxiety in human beings. If you are confused whether dogs suffer from anxiety or not, then you will be surprised to know that, yes the canines also suffer from this disease and Zoloft can be very beneficial in providing relief to your dog.
Will Zoloft hurt my dog?
Yes, you can provide Zoloft to your dog. Zoloft is a part of SSRI category of drugs which is formulated to manage the appropriate equilibrium levels of serotonin in your dog’s body. Serotonin helps to inculcate the feeling of being contentment which is an important hormone in your furry pet too. If your dog is suffering from anxiety, aggression and behaves irrationally, then Zoloft will surely help your dog to get normal once again.
What is the appropriate dosage of Zoloft to be offered to my dog?
Zoloft is available in a variety of dosages such as 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. The appropriate dosage of Zoloft depends upon the weight, medical history, health and the severity of the health problem which is being medicated.
The starting dosage of Zoloft is 1.25 mg to 2.50 mg per pound to be given every 24 hours. Your vet will always start from a small dose for a few weeks and will have a watch on the health conditions on your dog. The lower dose will never provide any side effects to your dog.
If your dog is unable to take the capsules, then the vet will offer the liquid suspension which your dog can easily consume.
What are the side effects of having Zoloft by dogs?
The most common side effect of consuming Zoloft by dogs is the loss of appetite. This health issue is often reported by the dog owners and said to persist for a starting of few weeks of feeding Zoloft to your dogs. This problem can be solved if the dosage of the medicine is increased gradually. If your dog is suffering from loss of appetite, then feed them light food till your canine’s stomach issue is cured entirely.
Other side effects can be nausea and diarrhea. These are not found to be severe but still consult your vet to avoid repercussions. Some of the dogs also suffer from increased hyperactivity, restlessness, irritability and anxiety. Kindly ask your vet regarding these side effects and take remedial measures according to the advice of the vet.
Dogs might also have allergies after having Zoloft, though it is uncommon, but if your dog is sensitive, then there are chances that your dog can have allergies. Indications of allergic reactions are itching, facial swelling, vomiting, hives, seizures or diarrhea. Immediately consult your vet if you notice your dog isn’t behaving normally or suffering from any of these allergic reactions.
What are the signs of the overdose of Zoloft consumed by my dog?
Mostly overdose occurs when your canine has eaten the medicine without your notice. If you strictly follow the instructions of the vet, then you don’t have to worry about an overdose.
The following are the signs of the overdose of Zoloft:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Death
Is Zoloft safe for Dogs?
Yes, Zoloft is safe for dogs which have proper functioning of kidney and liver. If your dog has suffered from any blood disorder then kindly consult a vet before offering Zoloft to your dog. You can surely provide another drug to your dog as prescribed by the vet.
Zoloft is unsafe for dogs that have or are still suffering from seizures or epilepsy diseases. Elderly dogs, dogs taking blood thinning supplements and pregnant or lactating female dogs should never be offered Zoloft in any condition.
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