Lovan is used by veterinarians to reduce anxiety and aggression in dogs and cats. It is the equivalent to the human drug Prozac, but in a different dose.

Anxiety in pets

Pets can suffer many different types of anxiety, and your pet may be showing that anxiety in different ways. It may be a fear or phobia that your pet shows - when new people arrive at the house, or when a storm approaches, or it may be separation anxiety (this affects approximately 14% of dogs!), which may result in destructiveness, distressed vocalization (crying, howling or constant barking), or “housesoiling” (a nicer term for the inappropriate mess that a distressed animal may cause in your home!).  (read more about Anxiety in Dogs)

 

Your cat or dog’s mental health is important, and a clinically distressed or anxious pet can be very distressing - this Sydney Morning Herald article describes the behaviors that were helped after pets received treatment for their anxiety (many with Lovan (referred to by its active ingredient, Fluoxetine).

 

You and your vet may have tried different behavioral training methods to help your cat or dog, but your vet may also prescribe an antidepressant, which can help you manage your pet’s anxiety.  By using the medicine to decrease the intensity of the anxiety, the pet is helped into a state when they are then able to learn alternate coping skills in future stressful situations.    

There are treatments to help your dog or cat!

A pet who is highly stressed or anxious, and who behaves inappropriately because of that stress is a pet who needs help.  Of course, having a highly stressed pet is also very stressful for his or her loving owner - that’s why it’s great to know that there are treatments that can bring relief to your animal. 

What is Lovan?

The active ingredient in Lovan is fluoxetine.  Fluoxetine increases serotonin levels (the “happiness hormone”).   Serotonin stabilizes mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. Lovan also helps with problems that they may have sleeping or eating, and with digestion, that may have been caused by anxiety.

What can I expect when my cat or dog starts on Lovan?

  • It can take 3 to 4 weeks before the effect of Lovan is seen - don’t expect an overnight “cure”
  • It is likely that your pet will also need some behavioral therapy, and this therapy will be more successful with a calmer pet.  The medicine is used to decrease the intensity of the fear or reactions - then, you can work to train your pet how to handle stressful situations better.

How to give Lovan to my dog or cat?

Lovan for pets comes in tablet form, and it is best if you give Lovan to your dog or cat at the same time each day.   It can be given with or without food, but if your pet vomits when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with a meal or treat. 

Like any medicine, some pets prefer to take Lovan disguised in a tasty treat (who wouldn’t!!!) but make sure the treat is actually good for your dog, and not high in salt (like cheese or processed meats).

What if I give too much Lovan? What if I miss a dose of Lovan or give the wrong dose of Lovan?
Administration of drug issues

Whilst it is important that you give your pet the correct dose at the correct time, if you miss giving a dose of Lovan, don’t worry - just give the normal dose next time.  Never give a higher dose to “make up” a missed dose.  

If your animal has taken too much Lovan, or you suspect an overdose, call your vet. An overdose of fluoxetine may result in seizures - of course, call your veterinarian immediately if your pet begins to seize.

Storage of Lovan   

The manufacturer of Lovan recommends that it be stored at room temperature (below 25degrees).

Who should NOT take Lovan?

  • Lovan should not be used in pets with a history of seizures or in pets that are on medications that lower the seizure threshold. 
  • It should not be used in puppies or kittens
  • Your vet will be cautious about prescribing Lovan to pregnant or lactating pets, diabetic pets, or pets with liver disease.
  • There are many other drugs that will not work as well if your pet is also taking Lovan.  Also, there are drugs that cannot be taken with Lovan.  For this reason, please make sure that you tell your vet about all other medications that your pet is taking, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal therapies.  

Can I buy Lovan online?

Lovan is a prescription medicine, and you can buy it online from PetScripts once you have a script (prescription) from your vet.  Please ensure that you have read the How to Order page before ordering this item.

Disclaimer

This information is not intended nor is it implied to be a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice or any information contained on or in any product packaging or labels. Always seek the advice of your Veterinarian, Pharmacist, or qualified health provider when starting any new medical treatment, continuing with medical treatment, or with any questions you may have regarding your animal's medical condition. Professional advice is required for each particular illness, disease, infection, injury, or other medical condition and for dosages of the pharmaceutical product supplied via this website. You take full and total responsibility for what you do with this information and any resulting outcomes from your actions.

 

NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE SERVICE IS INTENDED TO BE OR SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR MEDICAL OR VETERINARY DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.

IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR NEED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR YOUR PET, PLEASE CONSULT AN ANIMAL HOSPITAL OR EMERGENCY VETERINARY FACILITY.