Fluoxetine and Pets
Find out if Fluoxetine is toxic to dogs and cats.
Think your pet ate something toxic?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 or view emergency guide
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) found in prescription antidepressants such as Prozac. While veterinarians may prescribe fluoxetine—brand name Reconcile—for dogs and cats to treat anxiety, compulsive disorders, or aggression, human-strength tablets and capsules can be dangerous when eaten by pets accidentally or in amounts larger than a prescribed dose.
Ingestion of a human formulation, multiple tablets, or a dose above the vet-recommended range can lead to serotonin syndrome in dogs and cats, a potentially life-threatening condition. Signs may appear within 1–2 hours and include agitation, restlessness, tremors, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, fever, dilated pupils, and incoordination. Cats are especially sensitive and may also show lethargy, hyperexcitability, or unusual vocalization.
Prevention is essential. Keep all antidepressants, including pill organizers and bottles, in a locked cabinet or drawer well out of reach of pets. Do not give your pet any human medication without explicit veterinary guidance, and never adjust the prescribed dose on your own. If you suspect your pet has ingested fluoxetine, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately; do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
Is Fluoxetine Toxic to Dogs?
Safe only when prescribed and dosed by a veterinarian; human formulations or overdose can cause serotonin syndrome.
Is Fluoxetine Toxic to Cats?
Safe only when prescribed and dosed by a veterinarian; cats are especially sensitive to overdose and serotonin syndrome.
Active Ingredients
- fluoxetine hydrochloride
Common Brand Names
- Prozac
- Reconcile
- Sarafem
Dosage Form
tabletcapsuleliquid
Common Uses
- depression
- anxiety
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- panic disorders
- bulimia nervosa
- premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Toxic Ingredients
- fluoxetine hydrochloride
Symptoms to Watch For
- agitation
- restlessness
- tremors
- seizures
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- elevated heart rate
- fever
- dilated pupils
- incoordination
- lethargy
- vocalization
- serotonin syndrome
What If My Pet Was Exposed to Fluoxetine?
Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately; do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
Sources
Vet's Note
PetPilot provides general information for educational purposes. While we reference authoritative veterinary organizations, this page has not been individually reviewed by a veterinarian for your specific pet. Individual animals may react differently based on age, weight, breed, health conditions, and amount consumed. Always consult your veterinarian or a poison control center for personalized advice, especially if your pet is ill, injured, pregnant, nursing, or on medication.