Reconcile® for dogs is a veterinary-labeled form of fluoxetine, one of the most commonly prescribed medications for canine separation anxiety.
It’s approved for the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs, to be used in conjunction with a behavior modification plan.
Separation anxiety is one of the most frequently diagnosed behavioral conditions in dogs. It is characterized by distress behaviors that occur when a dog is left alone or separated from an attachment figure. When behavior modification alone is not sufficient, veterinarians may prescribe medication as part of a broader treatment plan.
This article explains how Reconcile works, when it may be prescribed, safety considerations and how commercial and compounded formulations fit into clinical care.
Reconcile is a brand name for fluoxetine hydrochloride, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is FDA-approved for use in dogs specifically for separation anxiety, when used alongside a structured behavior modification program.
Separation anxiety is a behavioral condition in which a dog exhibits distress when left alone.
Clinical signs may include:
Diagnosis is made by a veterinarian based on history, pattern of behavior and exclusion of medical causes.
It’s important to note that separation anxiety is not a training failure. It is a recognized behavioral disorder that may benefit from a multimodal approach.
Reconcile is commonly considered as part of a multimodal approach that may include behavior modification training.
Reconcile increases serotonin availability in the central nervous system by inhibiting its reuptake at the synaptic cleft.
Serotonin plays a key role in mood regulation, impulse control and stress response. Modulating serotonergic signaling is associated with changes in anxiety-related behavior in some patients.
Clinical studies submitted for FDA approval demonstrated improvement in separation anxiety-related behaviors when fluoxetine was used with concurrent training compared with training alone. Response is gradual and may take several weeks.
Reconcile is not intended as a sedative. It is designed to modulate underlying anxiety signaling, which veterinarians may consider as a support to behavior modification
Reconcile and generic fluoxetine contain the same active ingredient: fluoxetine.
Most dogs are treated with one of these commercial products. In cases where a specific strength or dosage form is not commercially available, a veterinarian may prescribe compounded fluoxetine.
Compounded medications must be prescribed by a veterinarian and prepared by a licensed pharmacy in accordance with regulatory standards.
The choice between commercial and compounded medication depends on the individual patient and the veterinarian’s clinical judgment.
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Reconcile for dogs is generally well tolerated when prescribed and monitored appropriately.
Potential side effects may include:
Because the active ingredient—fluoxetine—affects central neurotransmission, veterinarians evaluate each patient’s medical history, concurrent medications and overall health before prescribing.
Reconcile should not be started, stopped or adjusted without veterinary oversight. As with other SSRIs, abrupt discontinuation may result in behavioral changes.
Yes—medication alone is not considered sufficient treatment for separation anxiety. Reconcile is labeled for use in conjunction with behavior modification.
Behavior modification may include:
Your veterinarian may refer you to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or qualified trainer to support this process. Medication is one component veterinarians may consider to support the behavior modification process.
As a full-service veterinary pharmacy, Mixlab dispenses Reconcile, generic fluoxetine and other commercial medications when prescribed by your veterinarian.
If a specific strength or dosage form is required that is not commercially available, Mixlab can also prepare compounded fluoxetine tailored to your dog’s needs, based on a veterinarian’s prescription.
Once you submit a prescription, our pharmacy team coordinates directly with your veterinarian for approval, prepares the medication and ships it quickly to your door. Our pharmacy team is also always available to answer any questions.
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Reconcile is approved for the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs. It is intended to be used alongside a structured behavior modification plan under veterinary supervision.
Yes—its active ingredient, fluoxetine, is widely used in veterinary medicine for behavioral conditions when prescribed appropriately.
Your veterinarian determines whether it is suitable based on your dog’s health status, concurrent medications and behavioral diagnosis.
Improvement is typically gradual and may take several weeks.
Because fluoxetine works by altering neurotransmitter signaling, its clinical effects are not immediate.
In some cases, yes. A veterinarian may prescribe compounded fluoxetine if a dog requires a strength or formulation not available commercially.
The decision is based on clinical need, not preference alone.
No. Reconcile for dogs is labeled for use with behavior modification. Medication is generally considered one component of a comprehensive behavioral treatment plan.
No. Reconcile and all fluoxetine formulations for dogs require a veterinarian’s prescription.
Behavioral medications should also only be used after veterinary evaluation and diagnosis.
Reconcile for dogs, the veterinary-labeled form of fluoxetine approved for separation anxiety, is commonly considered as part of a broader behavioral management plan that includes behavior modification. Treatment decisions, including whether to use commercial or compounded fluoxetine, should always be guided by your veterinarian.
If your dog is showing signs of separation anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about diagnosis and treatment options. If a prescription is recommended, you can ask your veterinarian to send it to Mixlab, simply order it from us online or contact our pharmacy team to learn more about commercial and compounded options.