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Dogs are not disposable toys to be played with until you lose interest and then pretty much ignore after that. They have feelings, are intelligent, and look to you as their provider for not only food, water, a safe environment to live in, as well as “attention” from you. When you ignore this loyal animal they will usually do what humans may consider bizarre behaviors in an effort to get the attention they crave.
Why did you bring that adorable little puppy into your life to begin with? Owning a dog is a long term commitment that you make to provide all the necessary needs of the dog, and this includes keeping your dog happy by spending time with them. You might be very surprised at how your dog’s behavior will change when you show you love them by grabbing their leash and going for a walk every day. The dog works off all the excess energy, gets to see a change in their daily environment, is healthier, and is far less likely to rip apart your favorite pair of shoes because they are bored out of their minds.
In my opinion, “NO” is the correct answer to does a destructive dog need Prozac, if you live up to your end of the bargain of owning a dog. I know we lead busy lives and sometimes there is no left over time for spending time with your dog. But you need to make the effort to do so as often as possible. The pup deserves this and you will have a happier dog and far less concerns about the dog’s behavior.
Before you even think of trying to get Prozac for your dog, make a special effort to work your buddy out to the point of exhaustion every day for a couple of weeks. Playing “fetch” is a great way to do it without much physical effort on your part when you’re exhausted after a hard day. I’d almost bet a dollar to a doughnut that the destructive behavior will disappear.
If not, THEN is the time to see a vet, not before.
How do you deal with your dog’s needs if there has been destructive behavior? Please share your tips and your own personal rants below!
Amanda
May 27, 2013 at 12:35 pm
As a commenter above noted, sometimes Prozac is truly needed for a dog’s well being. However, too many people leave their dog home alone all day and then become frustrated when they get home and something is torn up. Destructiveness = boredom in many cases. You’re an idiot if you get an Australian Shepherd and don’t do agility or some other activity with it. Get an older, less active dog if you want a couch potato.
I work at a shelter, and we had a similar issue with a cat last year. It was adopted from us as a kitten, and even though the family had many cats before, somehow they were unprepared for the kitten’s energy level. They took it to the vet and tried to get Prozac for it. Thankfully the vet was a sane person and refused to put a growing animal on a med that would alter brain chemistry. The family then opted to have the kitten put down, at which point the vet took custody of the kitten and called our shelter to let us know what was going on. We got the cat back and his new adoptive parents haven’t had any issues.
Erica
May 27, 2013 at 10:48 am
I have a foster dog on Prozac right now. It saved her life. She is a pit bull mix and was having issues with destructiveness and aggression (towards strangers and other dogs). I am an ultrarunner and a dog lover and work only 30 hours a week. She received lots of attention and ran over 50 miles per week with me – our runs regularly run 2+ hours. We work on training exercises everyday and until banned from the dog park, she played a lot of fetch. Exercise and attention is not an issue.
She was to be put down as too many people have adopted her and returned her for destructiveness and being “out of control”. Even under my care the destructiveness, although not as severe, was still an issue.
Unadoptable dogs have to be put down – we can’t handle the liability of her hurting another person/animal and frankly we are a small rescue group and there are too many dogs out there horribly suffering that we need to get out that we can’t have foster homes taking up unadoptable dogs.
Prozac works. She is now adoptable. Prozac saved her life.
Ron Miller
May 27, 2013 at 12:07 pm
Erica – thanks for your input. You did exactly what we recommended: try everything else first, THEN try the Prozac if that’s not successful. I’m glad your story has a happy ending. Too many don’t.
D2
May 27, 2013 at 10:25 am
1) People really need to think about the type of breed and activity level that work for them, BEFORE they get a dog. It may be breed, size or age. It may be your lifestyle, do you work 40 plus hours a week? A dog is going to need more than the weekend for exercise and time with you. Can you afford a doggie day care or someone to excercise your dog?
2) When you figure out the above, look at rescues. I volunteer at a shelter, and I have a new understanding of the energy level of puppies and young dogs and those who are older and more settled.
If you know your lifestyle and the time and energy you have to give a dog, then look for a dog that you think will fit well. Not just a cute face.