Selegiline for dogs can be a great option for some pups (and their parents) who are struggling with the effects of canine cognitive dysfunction, commonly known as doggy dementia. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby explains how selegiline works and when to expect to see improvement. She also goes over the side effects and precautions so you can have all the facts you need to make informed choices for your dog.
A while back, a veterinary client brought Yoshi, an 11-year-old, Labrador-Hound mix, to see me. Yoshi and I met previously when his owner noticed signs of dementia in dogs. This condition, which is also known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome or canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), involves a decline in cognitive function and is fairly common in older dogs. Affected dogs may be less engaged with their families, show increased anxiety, become disoriented, forget things or people they once knew, or have trouble settling down and sleeping at night.
I used a canine cognitive dysfunction checklist to help reach a diagnosis for Yoshi at that earlier visit. His mom and I discussed some brain games and other ways to help keep his mind as sharp as possible. I also advised her to closely monitor Yoshi for signs that his CCD was getting worse.
Things were going well at first, but recently she noticed he wasn’t sleeping through the night. It also seemed like he was pacing more than he was previously. My veterinary client wanted to pursue additional treatment options for Yoshi to help keep him comfortable during his senior years.
I told her there is a medication called selegiline for dogs that could be a great option. She was excited to know there was a treatment available for Yoshi, but understandably wanted to know a bit more about it before deciding to try it.
What is selegiline for dogs?
Currently, selegiline is the only FDA-approved drug for treating canine cognitive dysfunction in veterinary medicine, which will be the focus of this article. Additionally, it is approved by the FDA for the treatment of pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease in dogs. However, selegiline typically isn’t as effective at managing Cushing’s disease as other medications like trilostane for dogs or mitotane.
Selegiline is available under multiple different brand names including: Anipryl®, Eldepryl®, l-deprenyl, Selgian®, Carbex®, and Zelapar®. It also is available in a generic form.
How does selegiline help dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction?
Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). This means that it blocks an enzyme known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) and prevents the enzyme from functioning. Dogs have these enzymes in their brain, liver, and GI tract. Selegiline specifically targets the enzymes in the brain.
These MAO enzymes remove extra amounts of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical that aids in communication throughout the brain. It is also known as a “feel good” chemical. This means that dopamine helps people and dogs recognize things that are pleasurable, such as eating.
In dogs with CCD, the MAO enzymes work too hard and get rid of too much dopamine in the brain. The excess removal of dopamine causes the clinical signs we see in our senior dogs with CCD.
Since selegiline is an MAOI, it inhibits the MAO enzymes and prevents them from removing excess dopamine. Therefore, more dopamine stays in the brain, and your dog’s CCD symptoms should hopefully improve.
Does selegiline work for dogs?
A study in Veterinary therapeutics: research in applied veterinary medicine indicated that approximately 77% of dogs with CCD showed improvement on selegiline. This means that while it isn’t going to be the solution for every dog, it does have a pretty decent chance of being effective for many dogs.
In most cases, pet owners begin to notice an improvement in their dog’s cognitive dysfunction after approximately one month of treatment. However, it may take up to 12 weeks to see the full effects. As with any medication, it can require some trial and error to find the perfect dose for your dog. And some dogs may respond faster than others.
Any time you start giving a new medication to your dog, it is very important to watch him or her for changes in behavior or possible side effects. Noticing early on how your dog is responding to selegiline will be important to help your veterinarian determine the next steps.
What is the dosage for selegiline?
Generally, dogs will start out taking selegiline once a day (i.e. every 24 hours). Typically your vet will recommend giving selegiline in the morning since it has a stimulating effect. That way your dog can be more alert during the day when interacting with you, rather than at night when everyone, including your dog, should be trying to sleep.
Selegiline is commonly available as tablets that you can give your dog by mouth. Selegiline tablets come in 1.25 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg strengths. Alternatively, if your dog won’t take pills, your veterinarian can also order a flavored selegiline liquid from a veterinary compounding pharmacy. You still need to give the liquid by mouth, but this is sometimes easier to administer than a pill.
Your veterinarian will determine what form and dose of selegiline is best for your dog. The decision depends on your dog’s clinical signs, weight, and other medications your dog is taking. It is very important that you follow your veterinarian’s instructions and do not make changes to the selegiline dose without consulting your veterinarian first.
What if I miss a dose?
If you realize you forgot to give your dog a dose of selegiline, there is usually no need to panic. You can give the missed dose when you remember. However, it is best not to give doses too close together in order to avoid over-dosing your dog. If it is close to time for the next dose. skip the missed dose and give your dog the next dose at the usual time.
What are the possible side effects of selegiline?
When dosed and used appropriately, selegiline is usually a safe medication. On average, only 5% of dogs have side effects to selegiline. Common side effects include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Excessive drooling
- A lethargic dog/ decreased energy
- Tremors
- Itchiness
- Disorientation
- Impaired hearing
Side effects are most likely to occur in dogs who are sensitive to selegiline or when used at higher doses. If you see any of these signs or have other concerns about your dog’s health or behavior while taking selegiline, please contact your veterinarian promptly.
The most common side effects in dogs who receive an overdose of selegiline include the ones listed above plus weight loss, abnormal pupil responses, and pacing. If you think you accidentally over-dosed your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately. Monitor your dog closely for the side effects described above and follow your veterinarian’s advice.
Are there situations where selegiline isn’t a good idea?
When talking with your dog’s veterinarian about the possibility of starting selegiline, be sure to mention any clinical signs you have seen at home. For example, selegiline should be used with caution in dogs who are aggressive. While it is rare, selegiline can increase aggression.
Your veterinarian also needs to know if your dog is pregnant, lactating, or a potential breeder. As of now, researchers have not conducted enough studies to determine whether selegiline is safe in pregnant or nursing dogs.
Additionally, it is very important to mention any medications your dog is taking. This includes prescriptions, over the counter drugs, supplements, and natural remedies. Medications, including natural ones, can interact with selegiline and cause undesired side effects.
Why does it matter what other medications my dog is on?
Combining selegiline with certain other medications can be risky. The most concerning consequence would be the development of serotonin syndrome.
Serotonin syndrome occurs when the levels of serotonin in the brain are too high. While serotonin does act in the brain to create feelings of happiness and well-being, too much of it is a bad thing. Clinical signs of serotonin syndrome include:
- Increased heart rate
- Tremors
- Enlarged pupils
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Hyperactivity
- High blood pressure (i.e. hypertension in dogs)
- Old dog seizures
If you suspect that your dog is developing serotonin syndrome, please call your veterinarian immediately. If it is ignored, serotonin syndrome can be deadly for your dog due to a rapid elevation in blood pressure.
Drug combinations that increase the risk of serotonin syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is most likely to occur if selegiline is used in combination with other MAO inhibitors. These include amitraz (used for killing fleas and ticks), and many other medications.
Taking selegiline at the same time as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs (i.e. trazodone or fluoxetine) or tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (i.e. clomipramine) can also lead to serotonin syndrome. Vets most commonly prescribe these medications as a treatment for anxiety. Fluoxetine can stay in a dog’s body for a long time, so typically you need to wait several weeks after stopping it before starting selegiline.
This is far from an exhaustive list of things that could increase the chances of serotonin syndrome, which is why it is so important to keep your vet informed of anything your dog might be taking—medication or otherwise.
Other drug interactions
Additionally, selegiline should not be used at the same time as phenylpropanolamine. Vets often use this medication to help with urinary incontinence in older dogs. Generally, you will need to stop giving your dog phenylpropanolamine and switch to a different incontinence medication prior to starting selegiline. A dog who is taking both medications concurrently is at an increased risk for developing high blood pressure.
Carefully discussing your dog’s history and medications with your veterinarian will help avoid possible drug interactions and ensure that your dog is a good candidate to use selegiline.
Talk to your veterinarian
When Yoshi’s owner and I discussed selegiline, we decided that Yoshi was a great candidate to try it. Approximately six weeks after Yoshi started selegiline, the owner called me to tell me that Yoshi was sleeping through the night again. His anxiety and pacing also seemed better!
Selegiline can be very beneficial for other senior dogs with CCD, just like it was for Yoshi. However, please talk with your veterinarian to decide if selegiline is right for your dog. Who knows—selegiline might just be the key to improving your dog’s senior years!
Has your dog taken selegiline for CCD?
Please share your experience with it.
My 12 yr old pit/lab/border collie mix has been struggling for a few weeks, started with noticed hearing loss and vision ( I thought) he had his eyes tested for pressure and glaucoma but turns out he had an infection. We treated that. He had extensive blood work / Lyme & parasites, fecal, urinalysis , and everything looks good. He stumbles, wakes panting in the middle of the night thirsty and lost. He gets stuck in places that make no sense. We have lived here for 8 yrs. He still eats well but mostly I feed him by hand, he still asks to potty outside but struggles a bit. Our vet suggested Vetprofen which we did for a week 2x a day. We have seen a chiropractor which seemed to help. Some days I think I’m selfish holding on but then the next day we will have a good day. He’s been on a Cbd oil since last July after cancer removal, he gets a Cbd oil with turmeric and frankincense which we started about 2 weeks ago. Also he takes a mushroom tincture ( lions mane, Reishi ,&cordyceps ) we also started melatonin at night a few days ago, which helped a bit. These things seem to help a bit but just not enough I’m afraid… although I’ve tried to keep things natural for him since his cancer removal over a year ago.. I’m now looking at Selegiline as an option. Do you know if these natural supplements will still be ok to take? From what I said does it sound like a good option ? We go back to the chiropractor in a week and I’m scheduling an abdominal X-ray this week because of the struggle to poo. I’m desperate to exhaust all options for help for him.
Hi Jackie,
My heart goes out to you as you try to navigate this tricky path with your senior guy. While I can’t say for sure if selegiline will be the miracle you are hoping for, it might be worth a try. I am not aware of any negative interactions with selegiline and the supplements you mentioned (my knowledge of mushrooms is not the best), except for the melatonin. Selegiline has been known to cause serotonin syndrome when combined with similar types of medications and melatonin mimics serotonin in the body. It may not be enough to cause a problem for your pup, but I would recommend you discuss it further with your vet. Hoping you can find some solutions and are able to maintain your boy’s quality of life for a bit longer. Wishing you strength and comfort. Bless you both. ♥
My nearly 16-year-old dachshund was diagnosed with CCD early this year. Her vet prescribed Selegiline, and we have had amazing results! She had been anxiously pacing, was uninterested in anything but food, would not wag her tail or bark, and was completely incontinent. After 7 weeks of Selegiline, all CCD symptoms have disappeared. My questions are: Will the positive results of this drug diminish over time? If they do, should I increase dosage (I’m currently giving her one 5mg tablet every morning)? Will her monthly worm medication adversely interact with Selegiline? I’d appreciate your advice!
Hi Linda,
This is such great news!!! I am glad your girl responded so well to the medication and has gained back her quality of life. Unfortunately, yes, with time the CCD will progress and the Selegiline will not be as effective. I can’t say if her dosage should be increased as I am not personally involved with her medical care and am not aware of all her case details. This would be a great question for your vet, and they should be able to help guide you as you navigate this difficult path. The monthly prevention should not cause any issues and I have not heard of any negative interactions between these medications. Hoping for many happy days ahead. Wishing you both all the best and keep up the good work!
Can I administer Carprofen along with Selegiline? Penny has a history of IVDD and is currently limping. Thank you for your advice!
Hi Linda,
There are no warnings or listed interactions for these two medications, so they should be safe to give together. As always, double check with your vet. I’d rather be extra cautious and avoid accidentally causing a bigger issue!
My dog Roxy is 12 years old, decreased hearing and increased waking at night. I used to be maybe once nightly and has now increased to panting, pawing, startling awake and whining. Our vet stated they thought it was sun downers. They discussed anti anxiety medications. After doing a lot of research I feel that she has CCD. Do you think Selegiline is a better option or worth trying first for dogs with “sun downers” / dementia versus anti anxiety medication?
Hi Ashley,
You are definitely on the right track with the research you have done. Sundowners can be one of the symptoms of dementia (cognitive dysfunction). I am not sure which medication would offer your girl the most benefit. I encourage you to discuss Selegiline with your vet and give them the opportunity to let you know why they recommend trying anxiety medications instead. In general, I too would probably choose anxiety medications if there were no other signs of dementia other than the nighttime issues. I am hopeful you will find the best way to improve Roxy’s quality of life. Praying for peace and rest for everyone involved. Keep up the good work and take care!
good day. very interesting comments. thanks for those. our puppy is now 19 years of age.
His name is Bruce and we are his grand parents and have had him a few years. he loves my
wife and is blind. although we think he can see a bit the way he holds his head. our vet gave
him the selegline HCL 5 mg. once daily. hes sooo smart and can tell when we have a pill even if he cant see. anyhow let me get to the quesiton, can i break the capsule and sprinkle the contents over his plate of chicken or beef or what ever. hes on another med to help him with his back legs and ITs Working. yaya. we are 75 and 80 and we are anxious to help him. hes doing better now. thanks.
Hi Gerald,
I am sorry your senior guy is giving you trouble with taking his pills. Please make sure your vet is aware of this issue. They may be able to get this medication compounded into an oral liquid or find other ways to make the process easier. I would not advise you to break the capsules open as the powder inside probably has a very bitter taste. Here is a link to another article with helpful tips and tricks for giving pills: Your Dog Won’t Take Pills? 5 Easy Solutions for Uncooperative Pooches
Wishing you continued success and keep up the good work!
Can SAMe be given to my dog when he’s taking Selegiline? Read that SAMe can help with cognitive dysfunction as well. Please let me know thank you!
Hi John,
I was not sure about this combination, so I did some research. Unfortunately, I am still unsure. The veterinary drug handbook I have with me does not list these drugs as causing a problem with each other (not listed as a contraindication or drug interaction). BUT both of these medications have cautions if used with antidepressants (TCA or otherwise) as they can cause serotonin syndrome. This leads me to believe they could potentially have some sort of adverse interaction and I would be cautious in using them together. This would be a great question for an internal medicine specialist. Your vet should be able to call the local specialist in your area and ask this question for you. Thank you for bringing up this important topic!
thank you so much. would you recommend Selegiline over SAMe? If it was your dog and you had to choose between the two….. my dog had some bad teeth that really needed to be pulled so I had it done and since then I believe it’s made his dementia a little worse. Not sure if it’s from the anesthesia he was under or what. I almost regret doing it but I didn’t want his mouth to get infected and cause health problems. thank you
Hi John,
Yes, I do think I would keep the Selegiline over the SAMe. I am sorry the dementia seemed to progress a bit after the dental procedure. Anesthesia does carry that risk for dementia patients, but I think you made the right choice in moving forward with the dental. It is so hard to weigh the benefits verses the risks. It’s almost like you have to choose the lesser of the two evils. I will attach links to other articles that may offer new ideas about ways to help with the dementia. I think you are doing a great job advocating for your boy. Keep up the good work and keep in touch!
1. Signs of Dementia in Dogs: Stages, Symptoms & Treatment
2. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
3. Deer Antler Velvet: The Science Behind the Supplement
My 15-ish year old girl is on Selegiline and also takes Denamarin, which I believe is comparable to Sam-e. My vet behaviorist prescribes the Selegiline and knows all the other supplements she’s on….we’ve had her in Denamarin and senilife for a few years, last year my girl started pacing around for hours at a time and that’s when we decided to start up Selegiline. She’s about four months in and *knock on wood* it see,s to ne helping. Before starting it though we had to stop her anxiety meds and wait several weeks for the washout period.
I also had a 17 year old boy with CCD, but Selegiline did not work on him. My vet behaviorist said she’s prescribed this for 7 dogs and my girl is the first time she’s seen it actually provide help. All that to say, it doesn’t work for every pup.
Definitely talk to your vet, or better yet go to a vet behaviorist if you have one in your area, and talk about what would be best for your pup.
Hi Mara,
I am glad you girl is showing some improvement since starting the Selegiline. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and for offering advice and support to others. Take care and keep up the good work!
Thank you for the article. Our soon to be 14 year old male dachshund has adenocarcinoma that metastasized to his lymph nodes. We have been managing it with Palladia 3 times a week for the past year and a half. Fortunately, he has a slow progressing form and is quite stable. However, he has started having BMs in the house at an increasing frequency. It’s as though he gets the signals too late and he doesn’t have time to get to the door despite his best efforts. He doesn’t get upset if he doesn’t make it outside. Oncology said it was not related to the cancer.. Our vet thinks it’s related to cognitive dysfunction and prescribed seleigine yesterday. Otherwise, his quality of life is good. He has good energy, has started to play more with toys, and is bonded to with other dachshund. He’s tolerating the energy of the lab we adopted 9 months ago. He still has a lot of life in him and we are hoping something will work to help reduce the incontinence. Is it likely this medication will address this issue?
Hi Aimee,
I am sorry your little guy has been through so much but glad to hear his cancer has been well managed with Palladia. Selegiline works in varying degrees for different dogs and some just don’t respond to it much at all. So, there is a chance it can help with the incontinence, and we will hope your pup is one of the lucky ones! Here are a couple of other articles with more inforamtion that could prove to be helpful for your situation:
1. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
2. Signs of Dementia in Dogs: Stages, Symptoms & Treatment
Wishing your sweet boy all the best for many happy days ahead. Take care and keep up the good work. ♥
I want to try this for my dog who seems to have CCD because nothing else has worked to stop her panting/shaking. Does it matter if you use capsules or tablets as capsule are a lot cheaper.
Hi Leslie,
As long as the dosage is correct, it should not matter whether you use a capsule or tablet. Hoping this will be the answer you are looking for to help your sweet pup get some relief from her struggles.
My 16 1/2 American Staffordshire Terrier has been on Anipryl now for 3 months. At first it did seem to make some difference but the effects have seemed to diminish overtime or it could be her CCD is just getting worse. We recently increased her dosage which helped but was short lived. I’ve decided to discontinue for a few weeks and try some holistic approaches and see if we get any benefits from that approach. For the nighttime restlessness we’ve had good results using a liquid melatonin, the pill version seemed to very little for her. For daytime pacing my vet prescribed Alprazolam. At first that seemed to make it worse but after a few days it really helped and she has been able to get a few daytime naps in which definitely improve her dementia symptoms. For us it hasn’t been just one thing that has helped but a combination of things that has helped us manage her symptoms. Also brain games or just simple sniff sessions seem like a good idea, I’ve taken to hiding some treats around the house (just don’t forget they are there!) and that gives her something to do to and breaks up the pacing. I’ve also had problems with her refusing food but we’ve been on a home cooked diet for a couple years due to renal disease so I just have to keep changing recipes until I find one she likes for a few days. Variety seems to be the key to keeping her interested in eating. You just have to keep trying different things until you find a combination that works for you, this is the hardest disease to manage that I’ve encountered but it is doable, just don’t give up. Of course quality of life is important and my dog is still very lucid in the morning and late evening, she just has these manic episodes in the afternoon.
Hi Jesse,
You are doing such a great job! Your girl is very lucky to have you advocating for her health and well-being. This is great information, and I am certain it will be helpful to others. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Wishing you and your sweet girl the best. Praying for many peaceful days ahead.
Thank you for sharing! I have a red nose pit mix and she is about nearly 16 years old. She is currently on selegine and it was working well first 3 weeks but now she only eats chicken and has diarrhea. Now her pacing has increased and so my question is – how was Alprazolam? Do you have your dog on both selegine and Alprazolam?
About 15 or so months ago my then 13 year old pitbull mix had started to become restless at night, wandering around aimlessly, staring into space, and had completely lost his hearing. I put him on Selegiline about a year ago (0.5 mg/kg). After a few weeks I started to see signs of the dog he’d been before his decline, and after about a month and a half he could hear again. It was a remarkable transformation. Selegiline was a game changer for him. After about 9 months there was a slight decline again, and his dose was increased to 1 mg/kg. He’s now taking 30 mg each morning. He’s doing okay, but not as well as he was. However long I have him, I will be forever thankful for the extra time we were given by the Selegiline. Throughout, I’ve also tried to keep him mentally stimulated, give him regular exercise, supplements, and a good quality diet. I think it all played a part, but the medication was key.
Hi Nicole,
Thank you for sharing your experience with our readers! What a blessing you have gained so much extra quality time with your pup since starting the Selegiline. It makes me smile to know how much this has changed both of your lives. Wishing you all the happiness as you continue on this journey with your sweet boy. Bless you both. ♥
hello,
do I have to wean beagle off 5mg selegiline?
I’m curious if it is even working for night time restlessness.
been on a month.
Hi Terri,
I am not aware of any specific indications that Selegiline needs to be weaned off. Please double check with your vet as this could affect other medication dosages and needs. Your vet may want to try other treatments options for the nighttime restlessness since this does not seem to be working as hoped. Here is a link to another article with more information: Senior Dog Anxiety at Night? 9 Solutions for Better Sleep
Best wishes!
the drug sometimes takes a couple mths to work and your vet might suggest upping to 10 mg
My 17 year old dog with dementia has been on Selgian 10mg for a few years but I’m not all sure it’s helping him. He’s so anxious at night and doesn’t always sleep. He pants and paces, sometimes unbelievably so. Because of this my vet has put him on Gabapentin twice a day but at the moment it’s not working. I am desperate, he has always had anxiety aggression. I can’t even stroke him any more without he goes to bite me.. But in the past I was able to cuddle him.
I am beginning* to wonder if selgia is maybe causing him more anxiety.
I would appreciate any help and advice
Sheila Moorcroft
Dear Sheila,
I am sorry your senior boy is struggling with dementia and anxiety. From what you describe, it sounds like your pup is experiencing the normal progression of cognitive dysfunction. Unfortunately, with this disease, there will come a point where medications just don’t work, and some difficult choices will have to be made about your dog’s quality of life. I would not think the Selegiline is the cause of his increased anxiety levels. I will attach some links to other articles with more information and advice on how to know when your pup is nearing the end of his life. Praying you can find the answers you need to make the best decision for you and your sweet boy. Bless you both.
1. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
2. Dementia in Dogs: When to Euthanize Your Beloved Senior Dog
3. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
A few weeks ago our 15 year old Jack Russell was walking in the house and fell over. He was heading outside from another room in the house. Upon regaining a little control, he walked outside but seemed kind of out of it and his legs were totally splayed and unsupporting if his body for a few minutes. We brought him inside and he rested. He was drinking a lot of water, more than usual. Now, weeks later, his water drinking is back to normal but he won’t eat. He pretty much turns his nose up after sniffing most everything., even rice and chicken, yogurt, etc. If he ate something the previous day or so, then any other time he has refused it. He is mostly eating Cheerios. The last few days he has been pacing all throughout the day, not really sleeping. He does sleep through the night though. His gait is kind of wobbly around home. He still looks forward to his routine walks and his gait is seemingly normal then. He does enjoy a stroller ride so he gets to sightsee and walk when he wants to. We think he had a stroke, his cognitive skills are diminished as he is pacing, disoriented and doesn’t respond to his name. His eyes seem to have lost his sparkle. He does notice when our adult children visit and greets them. Now, he just does the all day into evening pacing inside and outside the house, doesn’t really eat, but does drink water. Don’t want it to be “time,” but his quality of life seems pretty much gone.
Dear Sandy,
My heart aches for you as you watch your senior guy struggle with this recent decline in his health. It does sound like he has suffered some type of neurological event that has diminished his quality of life. Without examining him myself, it is hard to say for sure if euthanasia would be the best option. You may want to call your vet and have them evaluate your pup to give you their honest opinion. I will attach links to other articles with more information and great advice from other readers. I pray you find the answers you need to make the best decision for your sweet boy. Wishing you comfort and strength.
1. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
2. Dementia in Dogs: When to Euthanize Your Beloved Senior Dog
3. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace