Clomicalm? - Page 1

Does anyone have experience with the use of Clomicalm? This is not for one of my dogs but rather for a rescue dog that the rescue organization has on Clomicalm.  Any thoughts on whether it can be the cause of aggression toward an owner?

I know of a few people who have tried it, with their dogs and can only think of one owner that swears it works for his anxiety.  I've never seen it perscribed or used for aggression issues, or have heard ot if causing aggression.  Obviously it was having behavioral issues and probably why they already had it on the Clomicalm, I have seen dogs who  HATE to be pilled react to the owner when it was time.

I have not heard of it causing aggression either.  Obviously there were reasons why the dog was put on it in the first place.  It might not be the right anti anxiety med for this particular dog.  We've seen a few dogs of late that have been to Penn's behavior clinic who have been put on Prozac with some good results. 

valarian works well..

I've seen a few dogs on it, I have not seen it cause aggression. I ask that my clients take their dogs off it immediately. Drugs are not a substitute for training.

Aggression towards an owner shouldn't be caused by Clomicalm, unless as AlliGSD911 says, the people are pilling it instead of hiding it in some food and the dog is getting aggressive towards being pilled. 

Here's a list of side effects:  http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Rx_Info_Sheets/rx_clomipramine.pdf

Although it is an antidepressant; with people new side effects are being alleged (suicide, violence) with antidepressants.

I discussed it with my vet for use in a rescue dog; she made clear you should use it a MINIMUM of one month, that it would definitely take longer to see a noticeable difference.  30 days of it wouldn't probably be of any use.  And it's designed for separation anxiety and OCD, she said it's not really for aggression.

KCzaja, no one's said it's to be used as a Substitute for training; it's definitely something to be used in conjunction with training.

 I've seen many dogs on it and have never seen it cause aggression. If I remember right it's a tricyclic and should be weaned on and off, not just cold turkey in either direction. Not every vet knows how to use it well, they just sort of give it. It could be this dog had issues in the first place that would have made him turn on his owner. 

I agree that it's not a replacement for training, but with what I call "basket cases" can be used well in conjunction with it to help take the edge off. I've always been of the mindset that a med could be used with dogs like this long enough to take the edge off, help with the training/behavior mod, then fade out the meds if possible. Not a lifetime replacement for any work. 

Just my opinion but in my experience, valerian actually doesn't work the same on dogs and several of my colleagues have actually seen it have the opposite (of calming) effect. Anybody else seen this? I have used other things instead (before trying meds) with dogs like this. Have had a lot of success with changing nutrition, content-um, and comfort zone. Again, all aids for the training to make it easier. Just my opinion. 

After speaking with and getting input from several vets, we have decided that the medication IS probably a huge factor in this dog's behavior so he is being taken off of it.  From what I have been told and have read online, it works very well for treating dogs with separation anxiety and should never be given to a dog with even a suspected aggression problem because it can and will make the behavior worse.

This particular dog does not need the medication.  He has very nice obedience but in the wrong hands he will take over the household in a 1/2 a second, lol.  We're going over to work with him and his new mom & dad together tomorrow.