Product details
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that is used to help treat a variety of behavioral conditions in dogs and cats.
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Used to treat various behavioral conditions in dogs and cats, including aggression, anxiety, and compulsive disorders.
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Use with caution in geriatric animals and those with a history of diabetes, epilepsy/seizures, bleeding disorders, or liver impairment/disease.
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Do not use this medication within at least 2 weeks of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), including amitraz, an ingredient in certain flea and tick collars.
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May be prescribed for other animal species; please consult your veterinarian.
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While this drug does not have an FDA-approved indication for all animal uses, it is commonly accepted for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for use in animals.
Medications can play a significant role in comprehensive behavior modification therapy. Please follow your pet’s individual treatment plan, which may include a combination of medications and behavioral modification strategies, as recommended by your veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
*Please note: this is a generic medication. Product packaging and appearance, including size, color, and shape, may differ from the description or images provided and are subject to manufacturer availability.
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For
Dogs and Cats
Active ingredient(s)
Sertraline hydrochloride
Common brand names
Zoloft
Drug class
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Product strength & size
This product may be available in multiple strengths and/or sizes; please select the appropriate option for your pet as recommended by your veterinarian.
For current availability, please refer to the product selection above.
Usage
Sertraline should be given orally as directed by your veterinarian.
Do not discontinue this medication abruptly. Please consult your veterinarian before making any changes or discontinuing the prescribed dosing schedule.
While some animals show improvement within the first week, this medication may require 8 weeks or longer to reach its full therapeutic effect. Your veterinarian may monitor closely and adjust the dosage according to your pet’s treatment plan.
This medication can be given with or without food. If your pet vomits or appears unwell after receiving a dose on an empty stomach, give future doses with food or a small treat. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian.
Missed doses
Administer 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 two doses at once.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place at a controlled room temperature (68 to 77°F, brief excursions permitted between 59 and 86°F). Keep in a tight, light-resistant container and out of the reach of children and pets. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.
Side effects
Possible side effects include (but may not be limited to): drowsiness, low energy level, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking/shivering, and restlessness. These effects are typically mild and resolve over time.
Your veterinarian may advise a lower initial dose and gradually increase over time to help find an appropriate dosage and avoid these effects.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has a seizure or exhibits extreme behavioral changes (e.g., new or worsening aggression).
Notify your veterinarian if your pet experiences any of the effects described above, or if you notice any other side effects that are persistent or troublesome.
If you notice anything unusual, please consult your veterinarian.
Precautions
Do NOT discontinue this medication abruptly. Please consult your veterinarian before making any changes to the prescribed dosing schedule.
Because this medication should NOT be used within at least 2 weeks of any monoamine oxidase inhibitor (e.g., selegiline, amitraz), it is NOT compatible with flea and tick collars that contain amitraz as an active ingredient. If your pet is currently using one of these collars, consult your veterinarian before starting this medication.
This medication may increase the risk of bleeding. Use with caution in animals with bleeding disorders or that are at risk for excessive bleeding (e.g., taking an anticoagulant drug).
Use with caution in geriatric animals and those with a history of seizures/epilepsy, diabetes, closed-angle glaucoma, heart arrhythmias, or liver impairment/disease.
Safe use of this medication has not been established in breeding, pregnant, or lactating animals.
Do not administer to animals with a known history or suspected allergy/hypersensitivity to any SSRI drug, including this medication or any of its ingredients. Allergic reactions to medications may occur. Be sure to inform Vetsource and your veterinarian if your pet has any known drug sensitivities or allergies.
If your pet displays symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue therapy and call your veterinarian immediately or seek emergency veterinary attention. Symptoms may include (but are not limited to): swollen lips, tongue, face, or airways, difficulty breathing, agitation, profuse salivation, and widespread hives or itching.
Drug and food interactions
The following drugs* may have potential interactions with this medication: antidiabetic agents (including insulins), aspirin, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam), beta blockers (e.g., sotalol), clopidogrel, CNS depressant drugs (e.g., dexmedetomidine, hydroxyzine), diuretics, levothyroxine, MAOIs (e.g., amitraz, selegiline), maropitant, metoclopramide, mirtazapine, NSAIDs, ondansetron, opioids, pentoxifylline, phenobarbital, phenothiazines (e.g., acepromazine, trimeprazine), concurrent SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine), tramadol, trazodone, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine), and warfarin.
*NOTE: this may not be a comprehensive list. Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
Please ensure your veterinarian is aware of all medications and supplements that your pet is currently receiving. Your veterinarian may prescribe multiple medications, even if a potential drug interaction may occur. In these instances, your veterinarian may adjust the dosages or monitor your pet more closely.
Adverse reactions
If you are concerned that your pet has experienced an adverse reaction to this medication, please contact Vetsource Pet Owner Care at 877-738-4443.
Overdose
If you have any reason to suspect an overdose, call your doctor/veterinarian or the appropriate poison control resource immediately.
For humans:
The national toll-free Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, will connect you to your local poison center in case of emergency. This service is available nationwide and in most U.S. territories.
For animals:
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 888-426-4435.
Pet Poison Helpline® also provides a 24/7 animal poison control service at 855-764-7661.
*Please note: this information is for third-party services and is provided for convenience in case of potential poison-related emergencies. There may be consultation fee for these services.
Disclaimer
The content provided on this page is NOT medical advice.
All content, including the images and product description above, is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Consult your veterinarian for complete information about this product and how it fits into your pet's individual treatment plan.
Last revised: 6/09/2025