Even though anxiety meds for dogs can be helpful, these side effects may still surprise you! Learn all about them below.
Serotonin Syndrome
Dogs suffering from compulsive behaviors, separation anxiety, chronic pain and other conditions may benefit from medications that affect the level of serotonin in the body.If a dog is taking more than one type of medication that causes levels of serotonin to increase in the body, a condition known as serotonin syndrome (SS) can result, and if not caught in time, can lead to death.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will conduct blood tests to figure out if your dog could have an infection, as well as to determine what substances the dog might have eaten.Treatment
The treatment for serotonin syndrome is based on keeping the dog stable and sedate. If caught early enough (within 30 minutes), substances like activated charcoal may be given orally to try and reduce the amount of drug the dog will absorb into its system.Signs of this condition will slowly diminish over 24 hours. Your dog will need to be watched closely during this time.
Living and Management
Care must be taken when giving an animal medications known to affect serotonin levels in the body. Do not give these medications along with foods that contain L-tryptophan (e.g., dairy products, turkey, red meats, bananas, peanut butter).Prevention
Medications that will lead to increased levels of serotonin in the body should not be given to animals that are already taking an antidepressant medication.
Serotonin Syndrome can be easily treated if it's monitored correctly. It's relieving to find out that your doggy can overcome these effects and live a happy life.
For more information on Serotonin Syndrome and other side effects, visit PetMD.
