Before you give it: is fluoxetine the right fit?
Fluoxetine suits longer-term behavior problems, not a quick calm. A quick check first:
- It is a daily, long-term medication — not a situational one. Fluoxetine is given every day and usually takes four to six weeks to reach full effect, so it is used for ongoing anxiety and compulsive behaviors, not one-off stress like a vet visit (your vet may use a different drug for that).
- It works best with behavior modification. Reconcile is FDA-approved for canine separation anxiety as part of a behavior-modification plan — the medication supports the training, it does not replace it.
- Tell your vet about every other medication. Fluoxetine must not be combined with MAO inhibitors (such as selegiline/Anipryl or amitraz/Preventic/Mitaban) and is used carefully with other serotonergic drugs, because of the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Do not stop it abruptly. Fluoxetine is tapered rather than stopped suddenly; follow your vet’s plan.
What fluoxetine for dogs and cats is
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)1 used in dogs and cats for separation anxiety, compulsive behaviors, generalized anxiety, and some forms of aggression, and in cats for inappropriate elimination (house-soiling). For dogs it is marketed as Reconcile; it is also the veterinary generic of Prozac. It is not a sedative and does not work on the first dose — it is given daily and builds its effect over several weeks.2 Whether it is the right choice, and at what dose, is a decision for the prescribing veterinarian — based on your pet’s weight, species, other medications, and health history.
We are a licensed veterinary pharmacy. We dispense what the vet prescribes3 — we do not diagnose or set doses — and we will tell you plainly when fluoxetine is not the right fit for your pet.
| Active ingredient | Fluoxetine (hydrochloride) |
|---|---|
| Strength | 10, 20, and 40 mg |
| Also sold as | Reconcile (dogs), Prozac (human brand) |
| Drug class | SSRI antidepressant |
| Form | Tablets and capsules |
| Intended use | Dogs and cats only |
| Availability | Prescription, not for human use |
| Delivery to | All 50 US states, contact us for other countries |
Fluoxetine dosing for dogs and cats: your vet sets it
Fluoxetine for dogs and cats is dosed by body weight and species and set by your prescribing veterinarian, and the dose is often started low and adjusted over the first weeks as your pet responds. We do not set doses, and this page does not list one. The label on your order reflects your prescribing vet’s instructions — follow it exactly, give it every day, and never stop it abruptly. Fluoxetine comes in 10, 20, and 40 mg.
Side effects to watch for
The most common early effects are a reduced appetite, mild lethargy, and stomach upset, and they often ease over the first couple of weeks. Watch for increased anxiety or restlessness as the dose settles, and tell your vet about any other medication — combining fluoxetine with another serotonergic drug (or an MAO inhibitor) can cause serotonin syndrome, which is an emergency. Call your vet if your pet is very lethargic, stops eating, or seems unwell.
⚠ Important safety notes
- Prescription medication. A veterinarian decides whether it’s appropriate and sets the dose — we never set one.
- It is a daily, long-term medication. It takes weeks to work and is given as part of a behavior-modification plan; it is not a situational calming drug.
- Never combine with an MAO inhibitor. Do not give with selegiline (Anipryl) or amitraz (Preventic collar, Mitaban), and tell your vet about every other medication — serotonin syndrome is a risk.
- Don’t stop abruptly. Fluoxetine is tapered; follow the vet’s plan. For dogs and cats only; never give a pet a medication meant for a person or another animal.
Cost & how to get it
There is no public cart or online payment step. You place a reservation, a veterinarian reviews it and writes the prescription if it’s appropriate, then our pharmacy sends a secure payment link before anything ships — so the veterinary review costs you nothing separate, and you pay only for the medication. If fluoxetine isn’t right for your pet, the order isn’t filled and you aren’t charged.
| Pack size | 10 mg | 20 mg | 40 mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 tablets MOST POPULAR | $29.99 · $1.00/tablet | $34.99 · $1.17/tablet | $39.99 · $1.33/tablet |
| 90 tablets | $69.99 · $0.78/tablet | $79.99 · $0.89/tablet | $94.99 · $1.06/tablet |
| 200 tablets | $119.99 · $0.60/tablet | $139.99 · $0.70/tablet | $169.99 · $0.85/tablet |
| 500 tablets BEST VALUE | $199.99 · $0.40/tablet | $239.99 · $0.48/tablet | $289.99 · $0.58/tablet |
The per-tablet cost drops at the larger pack sizes — fluoxetine is usually a long-term daily medication, so larger packs suit an ongoing course.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription?
Yes — but you don’t have to arrange it yourself. A veterinarian reviews your order and prescribes it, then we dispense it legally. If it’s not right for your pet, the order isn’t filled and you aren’t charged.
What is fluoxetine used for in dogs and cats?
It is an SSRI used for separation anxiety, compulsive behaviors, generalized anxiety, and some aggression, and in cats for inappropriate elimination. Whether it fits your pet is the prescribing vet’s decision.
How long until it works?
Fluoxetine usually takes about four to six weeks to reach full effect, so it is given daily for ongoing control rather than quick relief. Your vet will set expectations.
Is Reconcile the same as fluoxetine?
Yes — Reconcile is the dog-specific brand of fluoxetine (the same drug as the human generic of Prozac). What you receive may look different, but the active ingredient matches the prescription.
What dose should I give?
We don’t provide dosing. The right dose depends on your pet’s weight, species, and response, and is set by the prescribing veterinarian. Follow the prescription exactly.
Medical disclaimer
This site is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice, diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. A licensed veterinarian should determine medication selection, prescribing, dosing, and treatment for the individual animal. Never give a dog or cat a medication intended for a person or another animal; the wrong drug or dose can seriously harm your pet. All medications sold on this site are for animal use only and are not intended for human use or consumption.
Sources & References
- Merck Veterinary Manual, “Behavioral Pharmacotherapy.” merckvetmanual.com (accessed 2026) Supports: fluoxetine is an SSRI used in dogs and cats for anxiety, compulsive disorders, and aggression.
- Simpson BS, Landsberg GM, Reisner IR, et al. “Effects of Reconcile (fluoxetine) chewable tablets plus behavior management for canine separation anxiety.” Vet Ther 2007;8(1):18–31; PMID 17434326. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (2007) Supports: fluoxetine (Reconcile) plus behavior management significantly improved signs of canine separation anxiety; it is given daily and builds effect over weeks.
- FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. Animal & Veterinary. fda.gov (accessed 2026) Supports: the prescription status of veterinary medications; Reconcile (fluoxetine) is FDA-approved for canine separation anxiety.
