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Ask the Veterinarian/Prozac in cats ... and secondhandedly, in dogs?

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Expert: - 1/22/2010


Question
Ms. Connell -

This is an oddball question.  I have researched everything I can, but I just cannot find an answer.  I have a ??-year-old male cat on Prozac - 5mg per day - due to inappropriate urination issues.  It's working so far, although he's not quite himself any more.

The issue is the dog.  She gets into the litter box.  I have tried EVERYTHING I can think of to keep her from the cat poo, but I just can't.  So, here's my question: is the Prozac completely metabolized or is some of it passed (heh) in the poo?  

I ask this only because the dog has been sleeping somewhat more than usual lately, as has the cat - similar side-effects or odd coincidence?  So I got to thinking maybe by eating the poo, she was ingesting the Prozac in small quantities?

Let me know what you think.  Thanks in advance.

Answer
It is quite possible that the dog is getting some of the drug- but once it is metabolized and excreted through feces and urine I wouldn't think that it would have the same effect or even be the same drug anymore.

When you say that you have tried everything, what exactly is "everything?"
I don't really know that much about Prozac in cats so ask your vet about it. He has the drug inserts that the company sends.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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