Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How fluoxetine and training helped a service dog with environmental
By Khan, Michael Zafar & Bennett, Sara Lynn·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2024·From the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Treatment of Nonsocial Environmental Fear in a Service Dog Using Fluoxetine and Behavior Modification.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A service dog developed severe fears of her environment, which affected her ability to perform her duties. After ruling out any medical issues, the vet diagnosed her with nonsocial environmental fear and generalized anxiety. To help her, the vet used a combination of behavior modification techniques and the antidepressant fluoxetine. Over eight weeks, the dog showed significant improvement and was able to return to work with less fear. With ongoing adjustments to her medication, she continued to make progress.
People also search for: service dog anxiety treatment · fluoxetine for dog fear · behavior modification for dog fears
Abstract
Training and maintaining a service dog requires extensive time and financial resources. The emotional bond between service dogs and their handlers poses unique challenges when dogs develop behavioral issues. We present a case of an otherwise healthy adult service dog exhibiting acute environmental fears, hindering her job performance. The dog's fear responses escalated in various settings, including school and home environments. Diagnostic evaluation ruled out medical pathology, leading to a diagnosis of nonsocial environmental fear and generalized anxiety. A multimodal treatment approach involving environmental management, antidepressant medication (fluoxetine), and behavior modification was implemented. Desensitization and counterconditioning protocols targeted specific triggers, such as shiny floors and elevators. Eight weeks after treatment initiation, the dog showed improvement, enabling a modified behavior treatment plan to be implemented as she gradually returned to work with reduced fear responses. Follow-up revealed sustained progress with additional dosage adjustment of fluoxetine.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39480737/