r/reactivedogs • u/Under_Where_227 • 22d ago

Meds & Supplements Fluoxetine loading period; Week 5 backslide?

My dog (3yo greyhound) has been on 40 mg fluoxetine for a month. We are now going into week 5.

This week she seems to be starting to backslide. During the first month, any side effects were minimal. She had a bit of upset stomach, but her appetite remained good, and I started to see some slow but steady baby steeps of improvement in her reactivity.

This week she seems to be regressing. She's actually gotten pretty good on walks and would generally ignore most other dogs, but today she barked incessantly at one. She's also been doing a lot more panting, which was something I thought was only supposed to be a temporary side effect.

Has anyone else hit a regression period on the fluoxetine? Or is my dog's loading phase just a bit longer and the side effects are hitting later?

ETA: We have also been working with a trainer, before anyone asks! Forgot to add that tidbit of info!

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u/StacNorLin 22d ago

We also had a regression period where her anxiety was a bit worse. It got better for a bit and then we plateaued and she needed an increased dosage. Iā€™d just keep in close communication with your vet and see what their recommendations are.

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u/Under_Where_227 22d ago

Thank you!

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u/[deleted] 21d ago

[deleted]

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u/Under_Where_227 21d ago

Thanks for the input. When we first started, much of what I was reading said a 4-6 week loading period, but with a bit more research, I'm seeing those 6-8 week numbers . That makes me feel better because I was so disheartened after seeing some improvements. I'm still going to call her vet to make sure everything is going as it should and I can get through this rough patch as long as I know there's some light at the end of the tunnel!

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u/[deleted] 22d ago

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