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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

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

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.

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).

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →

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