OPTIONS EXHAUSTED
In response to queries from CNA, a National Parks Board (NParks) representative said psychiatric medication for pets may “be used to address behavioural conditions such as generalised anxiety, panic disorders and fear-related aggression”.
“As with other veterinary medications, veterinarians can prescribe behavioural modification medication to their clients for their pets, where needed,” said Dr Charlene Fernandez, group director of professional and scientific services.
“AVS (Animal and Veterinary Service) encourages veterinarians to work closely with their clients and their pets’ trainers when using such medication to augment behaviour training.”
Vets who spoke to CNA described psychiatric prescriptions as a thorough process and not something to be rushed.
Dr Loon from Amber Vet, for one, pointed to additional diagnostic tests to rule out medical conditions causing the behavioural changes.
“Pain can be a big and common reason,” he said.
Dr Heng meanwhile said she first looks at the pet’s medical history, and tries to uncover any potential triggers for behavioural changes.
Unless the pet has been to other clinics or has a prior diagnosis, psychiatric medication is not the first recommended solution, she said.
“Typically, after two to three consults, if those options are exhausted, owners will be open to drug therapy,” she said, though she noted there have been some initially wary of the approach.
Dr Heng warned that owners must not self-medicate their pets in any situation.
“The dose rates for pets are very different from humans,” she said. “(And) human medicines may have different additives and concentrations.”
Dr Loon added that some medications can have “serious and potentially life-threatening side effects if combined together”, potentially leading to an altered mental state, muscle tremors and seizures in pets.