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Sertraline

Prescription
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Selectively inhibits presynaptic reuptake of serotonin, increasing serotonergic neurotransmission in the CNS

At a glance

Class
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Anxiety disorders / Compulsive behaviors / Aggression
Dose
1–3 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
150 mg
Duration: Long-term; 4–6 weeks for full effect
🐈

Cat

Anxiety / Urine marking / Compulsive behavior
Dose
0.5–1.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
12.5 mg
Duration: Long-term; 4–6 weeks for full effect
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 3

Strength
25mg
Available in India
Strength
50mg
Available in India
Strength
100mg
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Concurrent MAO inhibitors (serotonin syndrome)
    Allow 2-week washout
    SelegilineAmitraz

Use with caution

  • Concurrent tramadol or trazodone
    Increased serotonin syndrome risk

Adverse effects

Common
Inappetence
Lethargy
GI upset
Serious
Serotonin syndrome
Seizures (rare)

Monitoring parameters

Behavioral assessmentAppetiteBody weight
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Selegiline (L-Deprenyl)
contraindicated
SSRI + MAO inhibitor: high risk of fatal serotonin syndrome
Management: Absolutely contraindicated. Allow 14-day washout from selegiline before starting any SSRI.

Major — 1

Tramadol
major
Both increase serotonin; risk of serotonin syndrome (agitation, tremors, hyperthermia)
Management: Avoid combination. If essential, use lowest doses and monitor closely for serotonin syndrome signs.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

International

Zoloft
Pfizer

India

Serlift
Torrent
Daxid
Pfizer India

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Sertraline?
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (ssri) used in pets. Selectively inhibits presynaptic reuptake of serotonin, increasing serotonergic neurotransmission in the CNS
›What is Sertraline used for in pets?
Sertraline is used in veterinary medicine for: Anxiety disorders / Compulsive behaviors / Aggression; Anxiety / Urine marking / Compulsive behavior.
›What is the Sertraline dose for dogs?
For dogs, Sertraline is typically dosed as follows — Anxiety disorders / Compulsive behaviors / Aggression: 1–3 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Sertraline dose for cats?
For cats, Sertraline is typically dosed as follows — Anxiety / Urine marking / Compulsive behavior: 0.5–1.5 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Sertraline?
Common: Inappetence, Lethargy, GI upset. Serious (call your vet immediately): Serotonin syndrome, Seizures (rare).
›Does Sertraline need a prescription?
Yes. Sertraline is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Sertraline not be used?
Do not use Sertraline if: Concurrent MAO inhibitors (serotonin syndrome).
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor).

Fluoxetine
Rx
Selectively inhibits serotonin (5-HT) reuptake at presynaptic neurons, increasing serotonergic neurotransmission; used for anxiety-based behavioural disorders
dogcat
Fluvoxamine
Rx
Selectively inhibits serotonin (5-HT) reuptake at the presynaptic neuron, increasing serotonergic neurotransmission. Also has sigma-1 receptor agonist activity (neuroprotective). No significant activity at norepinephrine, dopamine, or histamine receptors.
dogcat
Paroxetine
Rx
Most potent and selective SSRI that blocks serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT), increasing serotonergic neurotransmission. Also has mild anticholinergic and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. Used for anxiety, compulsive disorders, and aggression.
dogcat
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