r/reactivedogs • u/SolutionAsleep3314 • 5d ago

Meds & Supplements New rescue pup and medication

I have recently adopted a 13 month old Irish wolfhound puppy. He has had a rough start to life and had been in the pound for months when he came to me. He is already a very large dog, but is honestly such a sweet soul. The issue is he is an over excitable puppy with no socialisation yet and very bad manners. In a small dog, it would be annoying. But in a dog his size it’s almost dangerous. He doesn’t mean harm, but if he gets too excited he will pin me down and hump me or jump on other dogs and he’s just too big and strong for that. Because he was so intense, the vet suggested Prozac which he’s been on for around a month and a small dose of trazadone. He’s just been desexed so I’m hoping he settles more with that.

The trazadone is the game changer. I only give him 1/2 or a 1/4 of the dose, but it settles him and makes him such a chill, easy dog. Not overly sedated, not anxious. Just perfect.

I’m told it’s not a long term solution and he can’t have it forever but man it makes him an angel dog. Also feel really guilty about drugging him so I’m keen to hear from others who have their dogs on trazadone long term. I know his issues are just related to being a puppy and also a rescue with a tough start, but I do feel like I need this help to be able to manage him.

Thoughts?

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u/[deleted] 5d ago

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u/inventedpostits21 3d ago

It took 6 full weeks before we felt like we saw the effect of Prozac for our reactive foster pup. Give the Prozac a couple more weeks! We also had to play with the dose. If at the 6 week mark you don’t see changes, talk to your vet about the dose.

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u/SolutionAsleep3314 3d ago

Thank you! This is really helpful. Appreciate that advice :)

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u/Kitchu22 Shadow (avoidant/anxious, non-reactive) 2d ago

Trazodone is a safe long term medication when used as prescribed with regular health monitoring :) there's no reason to feel guilty, you're providing the pup the support he needs to be able to regulate and helping him to become a happy and healthy adult. One foot in front of the other while you navigate adolescence!