Behaviour Modifiers

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

These drugs are used to modify or treat a wide range of undesirable or unsociable behaviour or emotional disorders such as obsessive compulsive behaviour, separation anxiety, depression, and dominance aggression in dogs, and urine marking/spraying, inter-cat aggression and compulsive grooming in cats. In general, they should only be used in combination with behavioural modification techniques or retraining.

Some behaviour modifiers are not available as veterinary preparations; however,  veterinarians can prescribe these preparations to companion animals.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.

- DO NOT stop giving this medication to your pet unless directed by your veterinarian. For certain behaviour modifiers, it may take a while before the effect of the drug is seen. Contact your veterinarian in advance if your pet needs further medication.

- Try not to miss giving any doses.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

- Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinarian if you think your pet is pregnant.

- Possible side effects with behaviour modifiers include vomiting, changes in appetite, drowsiness, dry mouth and a faster heart rate. If these symptoms persist or are troublesome, contact your veterinarian.

- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.