Pet owners can sometimes encounter overly aggressive behavior from their pets. And it is good if this problem is solved by training or other mild methods of behavior correction. However, there are also cases that are so severe and untreatable that one may consider abandoning the pet or even resorting to euthanasia. Of course, one should not rush with such a decision, because if the situation is so bad, there is no reason not to try another option, which is to restore the normal functioning of the “violence inhibitor” with the help of medicines.

It is known that the main regulator of aggressive behavior in animals is the serotonergic system of the brain (the same is true for humans, in which case it is also called a violence inhibition mechanism). The disruptions in its function lead to pathological expressions of aggression, and enhancing its function has an anti-aggressive effect^[1]. Accordingly, it is necessary to look toward agents that positively affect the function of this system.

You can start by using supplements with tryptophan, a substance that is a precursor to serotonin. This is a highly safe approach in terms of side effects and risk of overdose. In one study, daily supplementation with 1.45 grams of tryptophan per kilogram of animal weight in dogs' diet resulted in a significant reduction in their aggression after just one week^[2].

Natural remedies that target specific receptors of the serotonergic system should also be safe. In laboratory experiments on mice, the herbal extract mixture Kamishoyosan (also known as Jia Wei Xiao Yao San in Chinese) has shown good results. Its daily administration in a dosage of 100 milligrams per kilogram of weight should have a good anti-aggressive effect. The Yokukansan herbal extract mixture, or even its single component, Uncaria rhynchophylla extract (not to be confused with the more common Uncaria tomentosa), should also be effective. Daily administration of 0.5–1 g/kg of Yokukansan or 75–150 mg/kg of Uncaria rhynchophylla extract should be sufficient^[3][4].

If natural remedies have not had the desired effect, you can consider more serious options. Start with triptans, commonly used against migraine. Especially worth mentioning is zolmitriptan, which demonstrated a good anti-aggressive effect in laboratory experiments on mice as well as high safety of administration, including to dogs (even at a dosage of 25 mg/kg per day for 12 months, no toxic effects were observed)^[5][6]. You can start with a dosage of 1 mg/kg per day. However, given the safety of the drug, we will not exclude the possibility of increasing this dosage if necessary.

Classical antidepressants – selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – are also effective. As one study shows, in the case of aggressive dogs of various breeds, fluoxetine (Prozac) may be a good option. Its daily administration in a dosage of 1.5 mg/kg resulted in a significant anti-aggressive effect a month after the start of therapy, and six months later there was practically nothing left of the previous aggressiveness. At the same time, no toxic effects were observed during the experiment^[7]. Another study on the administration of fluoxetine to dogs in a dosage of 1 mg/kg per day also demonstrated the presence of a significant anti-aggressive effect as early as 3 weeks after the start of therapy^[8]. A similar approach can be used in aggressive cats, which is daily administration of fluoxetine in a dosage of up to 1.5 mg/kg^[9].

Of course, SSRIs are known for causing unwanted side effects. They are also not recommended for use if the pet has certain health problems, such as seizures. Therefore, instead of using SSRIs, which lead to a general increase of serotonin in the brain, it is worth trying agents that affect certain receptors (1A and 1B) of the serotonergic system, such as the previously mentioned herbal extracts or triptans. Although such drugs have so far only been tested on laboratory animals (mice and rats), the result is impressive – the elimination of offensive aggression without causing any other side effects.

However, if there is no alternative to using SSRIs, there is one option that is definitely worth mentioning. The most modern drug of this type is vortioxetine (sold under the brand names Brintellix and Trintellix). Although it is an SSRI, it also acts on the previously mentioned receptors of the serotonergic system. Because of its multimodal mechanism of action, it is considered by some researchers to be safer and more effective than other SSRIs^[10][11]. At least, if there is a problem of aggressive pet behavior, there is no reason not to try this drug in dosages similar to other SSRIs (0.5–1.5 mg/kg).

When administering any of the mentioned medications, it is important to ensure that the pet takes the full dosage. Animals may refuse to eat food containing some drugs due to the bitter taste or specific odor. It is advisable to distribute the drug in a large amount of food to reduce discomfort for the animal. But it is also necessary to make sure that there is no overdose, which in the case of some drugs (especially SSRIs) can be dangerous for the pet's health. And in case of side effects, you should immediately stop using the drug that caused them and consider other options!

We hope this material will help you to solve the problem of aggressive pet behavior if it occurs. At the very least, it is definitely worth trying the approach suggested here if there are no alternatives left, because it may be the one that will work best in your case.

▶ Discuss the topic "Therapy for aggressive behavior in pets"