Selegiline, or Anipryl, is a medication to help senior dogs with signs of cognitive dysfunction. In senior dogs, cognitive dysfunction, or dementia in dogs, often shows up as increased vocalization, sundowners syndrome (confusion and/or agitation that occurs at the end of the day), and general wandering at night.
Dogs with cognitive dysfunction often seem unaware of their world. Some dogs may start eliminating in the house and lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. Selegiline, or the brand name Anipryl, may help you and your dog cope with his mental decline.
Selegiline Worked for Dog With Cognitive Dysfunction
Kate’s Belgian Tervuren, Queezle, was 12 years old when she started on selegiline for canine cognitive dysfunction. Queezle had started nocturnal pacing and fussing, keeping Kate and her husband up at night.
“Within a week of starting on selegiline, Queezle was sleeping through the night and much brighter and happier. We hadn’t realized just how grumpy she had gotten until we had the old Queezle back,” says Kate. Queezle earned her Champion Tracker title at age 13 and went on to live to age 16.
How to Use Selegiline for Dogs
Selegiline is usually dispensed as a tablet or capsule, although you may be able to get a transdermal patch that is placed on the inside of an ear, for example. Some owners have had liquid versions compounded.
Tell your veterinarian about any other medications or supplements your dog may be on. Selegiline interacts with several other drugs, including antidepressants and pain medications, as well as some other behavior-modifying medications. Because selegiline is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), you should avoid giving your dog hard cheese or cured meat while on this drug.
Note: MAOI drugs act on the neurotransmitter called dopamine in the brain. Among other functions, dopamine helps with memory. Selegiline helps to maintain dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine also helps to regulate levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Selegiline can help dogs with Cushing’s disease via this metabolic pathway.
Side Effects of Selegiline
Initial side effects when using selegiline in dogs may include restlessness and some confusion, which of course, mimic what you want to treat. Most dogs adjust, but it may take a few weeks to truly evaluate if selegiline is working for your dog.
Some dogs may show gastrointestinal upset ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to a decrease in appetite. Rarely, some dogs will show aggression or a loss of hearing.
Will Selegiline Work for My Dog?
Unfortunately, some dogs don’t show much of a response to selegiline. It’s important to discuss with your veterinarian how long the initial trial should be done to see if selegiline works for your dog. While some dogs show a response to the medication fairly quickly, some will take a few weeks. And some dogs won’t show any real change.
For best results with cognitive dysfunction, discuss supplements and possible diet changes with your veterinarian along with the possible prescription of selegiline. There are prescription diets and some over-the-counter dog foods, Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind, that are made to address problems with cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs. In addition, keeping your senior dog active with walks, food puzzles, scent games, and training can all help. It’s the dog version of crossword puzzles and Sudoku for your grandmother.
