Anti depressants for dogs

[Vespanest]

My once very active dog has suffered arthritis for about 8 months and now his back legs are extremely unsteady. He’s a medium to large dog so carrying about is not an option. He has been pain medicated to the max, put on anti depressants and it’s up to us when we think it’s the time. Just curious if anyone has had a dog using anti depressants. I’m not sure I can let him live like this for a month on a wait and see basis to see if his mood improves. He’s extremely upset at not being able to go for walks and is extremely anxious in the garden with other dogs about and reverted to puppy destructive behaviour if left alone even if he wrongly thinks he’s alone. He’s happy in the car and in the garden until another dog makes a noise. The vet was very non committal

I'm so sorry, OP, but the vet was noncommittal because the vet thinks you should PTS.

I think you know it's time - what sort of life is it for a dog that go for walks, can't go into the garden properly?

Anti-depressents aren't a cure - they just mask the symptoms. Best chances are they just sedate your dog. But they won't fix the issues and your dog will never be the same dog it once was and it won't be happy...much like human antidepressants.

It's time. Give him his release.

Thanks I know, I went to the vet with the intention that the time was imminent and was making the necessary arrangements but ended up somehow walking out with a prescription of anti depressants and a follow up in a month and now feeling guilty as I should of stuck to my gut feeling

Sounds like you are in the very difficult situation of feeling guilty whatever you do. But in your situation I would make another appointment with the vet and this time say the appointment is to have your boy PTS.

I know it’s very painful as did the same thing for our old Lab. But what’s nice is that I saw him have a peaceful end to his life and now I remember him as the very happy dog he was for almost his whole life.

I've had experience with a dog on antidepressants long term for anxiety, it helped and didn't seem to have side effects.
Sorry you're in a such a difficult situation

Thank you both, the appointment was yesterday and was blindsided with the anti depressants. Its good to hear they can make a difference but he’s a minimum age of 13 but could be as old as 14/15, I know deep down I need to just do the right thing. I’d prepped myself up yesterday and came away doubting myself.

Aah so sorry, sounds like you know. Look after yourself