Antihistamines

Low dosages of antihistamines do not work as well in dogs as they do in people. However, research from Cornell University suggest that higher dosages can be effective in treating seasonal allergies, which can result in licking or chewing the body. The medication stops histamine release which curbs itching. Because of their sleep-inducing side-effect, antihistamines are also prescribed for automobile travel.

Tranquilizers

Tranquilizers do not have a real role in behavior modification, says Dr...Karen Overall, V.M.D. because they are sedative agents. The decreased responsiveness can interfere with behavior modification. However, one class of tranquilizers - benzodiazepines - works differently than others and may be used in some cases. Valium, falls into this class.

Mood Stabilizers

Lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disease (manic depression) in people, is considered a mood stabilizer. It is not widely used in veterinary medicine. Dr. Overall says the mood swings in people with bipolar disease are similar to those found in some aggressive dogs. She says mood stabilizers seem to work in some aggressive dogs but the therapeutic and toxic levels are very close and exact monitoring of the animal is essential. This in not practical for most dog owners.

Anticonvulsants

Phenobarbital works well in dogs with stereotypical behaviors that might be associated with seizures, says Dr. Overall. Anticonvulsants were widely used for years in treating behavior problems in dogs, but because of the profound sedative effect, it was difficult to tell if the problem was improved.

Progestins

These hormones were an old drug of choice for almost anything, says Dr. Overall. But, she adds, they do not work as well as the new drugs. They may have a calming side effect, which is one reason they were used. Male dogs were thought to fight more than females, so female hormones were given to stop males from fighting. It's not really that simple, says Dr. Overall. New studies show that male dogs may not fight more than females. Hormones have a wide range of harmful side effects.

Antidepressants

Used to treat depression in in human medicine, antidepressants- including Prozac- are beginning to show promising results in veterinary behavior medicine. They are used to reduce anxiety including separation anxiety, fears and some aggression.

Anxiolytics

Developed for atypical depression; nonspecific, generalized anxiety disorders; and some obsessive-compulsive syndromes.

Narcotics

Have been used to treat sterotypic and ritualistic behaviors in dogs.

Prozac and Amitriptyine for Canine Behavior Problems

NEVER GIVE YOUR DOG ANY DRUG UNLESS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED VETERINARIAN!