Share
Reconcile® (fluoxetine hydrochloride):
Frequently-Asked Questions
Have questions about Reconcile® and the BOND™ simple training plan? We might have answers for them here. Or contact your veterinarian for more information.
Q: What is separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a disease which may cause affected dogs to exhibit certain problematic behaviors when left alone. Signs of separation anxiety vary in type and severity but can include excessive barking or whining, peeing in the house, heavy drooling and attempting to escape. Learn more about separation anxiety or take our Separation Anxiety Questionnaire.
Q: How do I know if my dog is suffering from separation anxiety?
Getting an accurate diagnosis from your veterinarian is crucial to making sure your dog is getting the care and treatment he needs. You can take our Separation Anxiety Questionnaire along with you to your initial veterinarian visit to help guide your conversation. Learn about what else you might expect from consulting with your veterinarian about separation anxiety.
Q: What is Reconcile®?
Reconcile® is an FDA-approved treatment for canine separation anxiety in conjunction with a behavior modification plan. It comes in a chewable, flavored tablet you give to your dog once a day. Reconcile is approved for use in dogs and puppies 6 months of age or older that weigh 8.8 lbs or more. Learn more about Reconcile.
Q: Is Reconcile a sedative?
While some dogs will appear calmer while taking Reconcile, it does not act as a sedative.
Q: How long does it take to treat my dog with Reconcile in combination with the BOND™ simple training plan?
Studies show that, taken once daily, Reconcile, combined with the BOND™ simple training plan, produced measurable results within the first week in 42% of the dogs studied. This was significantly greater than dogs engaged in behavior modification alone (18%).1
Within eight weeks, 73% of dogs treated with Reconcile and BOND training showed significant improvement as compared to dogs engaged in behavior modification alone (51%).1
However, it’s important to remember that your dog’s response will be based on a number of factors, and you shouldn’t get discouraged if you don’t see results within a week or two. Talk to your veterinarian about what you might expect with Reconcile and BOND training.
Q: Isn’t behavior modification training alone enough to take care of the problem?
Behavior modification is an important part of treating and controlling your dog’s separation anxiety. But studies show that dogs taking Reconcile chewable tablets daily in addition to behavior modification were more receptive to the training and experienced more significant results.
Q: Why is behavior modification training important? Why does it work?
Unlike obedience training, behavior modification training targets the triggers for undesirable behaviors. The BOND™ simple training plan, developed specifically for use with Reconcile with the help of leading animal behaviorists, is a progressive, self-paced behavior modification you can do at home, as part of your daily routine. BOND training works best when owners:
- Follow the steps outlined in the Reconcile Home Kit Training Guide
- Include the entire family
- Do the training consistently and often
- Make it fun and keep it positive
Actively participating in your dog’s treatment will help you and your family to restore the bond with your dog and increase your (and his) chances of success.
Q: What additional treatment should I anticipate following the eight-week program?
After the initial eight-week treatment period, you should meet with your veterinarian for a follow-up evaluation. During this follow-up visit, he or she will talk with you about your dog’s progress and decide what additional treatment, if any, might be required.
Tracking your dog’s progress using the Separation Anxiety Home Journal will be a helpful tool for your follow-up visit with your veterinarian. Both successes and set-backs can help your veterinarian determine whether or not additional treatment might be appropriate.
Q: How should I give Reconcile chewable tablets to my dog?
Reconcile is a chewable, flavored tablet that most dogs readily accept. If your dog does not accept the tablet, you may administer it the way you would any other tablet medication. Follow your veterinarian’s directions regarding how much Reconcile to give your dog.
Q: What do I do if I miss a dose of Reconcile?
If you miss a dose, do not increase or double the next dose. Just continue with the next scheduled dose, as prescribed.
Q: What do I do if I give too much Reconcile?
If you give more than the prescribed amount of Reconcile, contact your veterinarian.
Q: Can I give other medications to my dog while he is taking Reconcile?
Yes, Reconcile chewable tables have been given safely with a wide variety of routinely-administered products and medication, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and products used for flea, heartworm and intestinal worm control.
There are a few products and medications you should not give your dog before or after treatment with Reconcile because the two treatments together can cause serious side effects. Your veterinarian should be made aware of all products, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements, you are currently giving or intend to give your dog.
Q: Can I give Reconcile to my cat?
No. Reconcile is not approved for use with cats. Reconcile was developed for and tested exclusively for administration to dogs.
Q: My dog has allergies. Can he still take Reconcile?
Reconcile contains beef flavoring made from a pork-based protein. If your dog has an allergy to pork, please discuss alternative treatments with your veterinarian.
Q: What side effects might occur while my dog is taking Reconcile?
As with any medication, side effects can occur. Your veterinarian can best describe these for you and discuss what to do if you observe any unexpected effects or unusual behavior in your dog. Please read the Important Safety Information, provided at the bottom of this page or in the Reconcile box.
