Sertraline, commonly known as Zoloft®, is used to treat aggression, fearful behaviors, and anxiety-related behaviors in dogs and cats.
Behavioral disorders in dogs and cats are a frequent reason for veterinary visits. Unacceptable or dangerous animal behavior problems are also a common grounds for euthanasia.
Recently, veterinarians have placed greater emphasis on animal training and behavior modification, and specialists working in the field of animal behavior have increasingly adopted drugs used in human behavior modification for animal use. Sertraline is one of these drugs.
Sertraline works by blocking serotonin receptors.
Sertraline is an antidepressant that is chemically unrelated to other antidepressants. It is best known by its trade name, Zoloft®.
Sertraline is considered to be a very safe drug.
Sertraline is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.
This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.
What is sertraline?
Sertraline (brand names: Zoloft®, Altruline®, Anilar®, Aremis®, Atenix®, Besitran®, Bicromil®, Gladem®, Insertec®, Irradial®, Lustral®, Novativ®, Sealdin®, Serad®, Sercerin®, Serlain®, Serta®, Tatig®, Tolrest®, Tresleen®) is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant used to treat a variety of behavior disorders, including anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and aggression.
Its use in cats and dogs to treat behavior disorders is ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.
Sertraline is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid solution. It may be given with or without food; however, if vomiting occurs when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with food. Measure liquid forms carefully. To encourage eating, try hand-feeding or giving a highly palatable food. Do not abruptly stop this medication; taper slowly before discontinuing to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
This medication can take a few weeks before full effects are noted, but gradual improvements are usually noticeable after a few days.
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Fighting Infections: Garlic has antimicrobial and antibiotic properties. As a result, it’s beneficial for fighting a wide range of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
Boosting the Immune System: Garlic increases the activity of cells that seek and destroy cancer cells and invading microbes, thus stimulating immune function. As a result, it can help dogs fight cancer or have suppressed immune systems. It also boosts the immune system in healthy dogs. It boosts bloodstream cells that kill bad microbes and cancer cells. (Check out The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. It discusses the benefits of garlic in fighting cancer in dogs).
Repelling Ticks and Fleas: It won’t kill fleas and ticks, but those little buggers don’t like the taste of it. One sniff, and they’ll be making their way off your dog.
Boosting Liver Function: Garlic is known to have detoxifying effects, which can help the liver get rid of toxins from the body.
Fighting Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal Infections: Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are no match for garlic! With its potent antimicrobial and antibiotic properties, it fights parasites and protozoan organisms as well.
Lowering Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride: Mix the proper dose of uncooked garlic with your dog’s food. It can help lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Boosting Cardiovascular Function: Wonderful in older and overweight dogs. Garlic can prevent blood clots and reduce cholesterol and fat build-up in the arteries.
Anti-Anxiety Medication for Dogs – The #1 Obstacle to Saying YES!