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My dog is on Prozac. Are shaking, panting, and restlessness normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 64 lbs

My dog Ellie is a pitbull mix. she has been put on prozac 40 mg. she’s been on it for a month now and the past two weeks i’ve noticed very bad shaking and panting. she’s been more alert and at night she’s restless or acts weird. is this normal?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 11th, 2020

I suggest you talk to your vet about this. Her dose may need to be adjusted to a lower quantity. It sounds like she is having side effects. I suggest you drop the dose to 20mg once a day until you can speak to your vet. You cannot just stop this medication cold turkey. ( https://www.petplace.com/article/drug-library/drug-library/library/fluoxetine-prozac-reconcile-for-dogs-and-cats/ )

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 21st, 2019

    I recommend you put some Feliway diffusers in your house and do some environmental enrichment for her. Usually these two things help. ( https://www.feliway.com/us/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSIC-Diffuser ) ( thedrakecenter.com/materials/environmental-enrichment-indoor-cats ) I suggest you continue the Prozac (if it is helping) for about a month while these things I mentioned above are implemented. If she seems better you can talk to your vet about trying to wean her off the Prozac. If you wean her off and the behavior escalates again you may have to keep her on Prozac for life. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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