Selegiline (Anipryl) for Dogs: A Medication to Treat Canine Dementia
Key takeaways:
Selegiline (Anipryl) is most often used to treat canine cognitive dysfunction. But it can also be used to treat Cushing’s disease in dogs.
Selegiline is well tolerated by most dogs, with a low risk of side effects. Typical side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Use caution when combining selegiline with other medications due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Access savings on related medications
Table of contents
As dogs age, they may experience changes in their thinking and behavior. Like people can develop dementia, senior dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction. Fortunately, there is a medication available to treat this condition in dogs. Selegiline, also sold under the brand name Anipryl, is FDA approved to treat canine cognitive dysfunction.
Selegiline for dogs at a glance
Common names | Selegiline (Anipryl, Eldepryl) |
What it treats | Canine cognitive dysfunction, Cushing’s disease |
How it comes (forms) | Tablets |
Recommended dosage | Depends on a dog’s weight and the condition being treated |
Common side effects | Nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, panting, lethargy, increased aggressive behavior |
Cost |
What is selegiline, and how does it work?
Selegiline belongs to a class of medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These medications are often used as antidepressants, because they increase dopamine levels in the brain.
Selegiline also has other effects on the brain. It reduces free radicals and increases nerve transmission inside the brain.
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What is selegiline used for in dogs?
The FDA has approved selegiline for two separate uses in dogs: canine cognitive dysfunction and Cushing’s disease.
Canine cognitive dysfunction
Veterinarians typically use selegiline to treat canine cognitive dysfunction. This is a mental condition that occurs in senior dogs. Many senior dogs experience age-related changes in their mental capacity and behavior similar to the effects of dementia in humans. Selegiline can improve these symptoms, and it is the only medication that is FDA approved to do so.
Signs of canine cognitive dysfunction may include:
Disorientation
Restlessness
Pacing
Peeing or pooping accidents
Changes in sleeping habits
Changes in interactions with people or other pets
Canine cognitive dysfunction: Yes, dogs can develop memory problems similar to dementia as they age. Learn about the most common symptoms of this condition.
What do dogs think about? If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on in your pup’s mind, this article is for you.
Helping a senior dog: Many dogs need additional help as they age. Read up on ways you can support your aging pup to keep them happy and comfortable.
Cushing’s disease
Veterinarians also use selegiline to treat some cases of Cushing’s disease in dogs. Cushing’s disease is caused by a hormonal imbalance in which the body produces too much cortisol. There are several medications that are FDA approved to treat this condition in dogs, including selegiline.
Signs of Cushing’s disease in dogs include:
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Restlessness
Panting
Hair loss
Pot-bellied appearance
Increased number of infections
How is selegiline given to dogs, and what is the standard dosage?
Your veterinarian will determine the best selegiline dosage for your dog. This dosage will be based on your dog’s body weight and the condition being treated. For canine cognitive dysfunction, the typical dosage ranges from 0.5 mg to 1 mg per kilogram of body weight daily. For Cushing’s disease, most dogs start with 1 mg per kilogram of body weight daily.
Selegiline is given to dogs by mouth in tablet form. It is usually given once daily, with or without food. It’s often best to give it in the morning.
After you start giving your dog selegiline, you and your veterinarian will monitor their response to treatment. Your vet may need to make dosage adjustments to make sure your dog experiences the most benefits with the least amount of side effects.
Always follow your veterinarian’s dosage instructions when giving your dog selegiline and other medications.
What should you do if your dog misses a dose of selegiline?
If you forget to give your dog a dose of selegiline, give them the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your dog’s next dose, skip the missed one and continue giving them the medication according to their normal schedule. Do not give your dog a double dose of this medication.
What are the common side effects of selegiline in dogs?
The most common side effects associated with selegiline are gastrointestinal. Some dogs may also experience behavior changes and other effects when starting selegiline.
Side effects of selegiline include:
Nausea
Decreased appetite
Restlessness
Lethargy
Increased aggressive behavior
Contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences any of these side effects. Your veterinarian may recommend giving your dog selegiline with food to minimize digestive effects. They may also recommend a dosage change or suggest trying a different medication.
What are the most serious risks of selegiline for dogs?
Most selegiline side effects are mild. Serious side effects may occur but are rare. Potentially serious side effects of selegiline include:
Incoordination
Weakness
Anemia
If your dog experiences any of these side effects, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance.
Serotonin syndrome is another serious risk associated with selegiline. When selegiline is combined with other antidepressants or similar medications, serotonin levels in the brain can become too high.
Signs of serotonin syndrome include:
Trembling
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Increased body temperature
Dilated (wide) pupils
Serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening and requires emergency treatment. Contact your veterinarian or local emergency vet clinic immediately if your dog shows signs of serotonin syndrome.
Does selegiline interact with any other dog medications?
Selegiline can interact with a number of different medications. Before giving your dog selegiline, make sure your veterinarian is aware of any other medications your dog is taking. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and supplements. Some medication combinations should be avoided entirely, while others may require dosage adjustments.
Examples of medications that can interact with selegiline include:
Acepromazine
Amitraz, which is used in some flea and tick preventatives
Butorphanol
Chlorpromazine
Clomipramine
Clonidine
Metoclopramide
Morphine
Phenylpropanolamine
Use caution when combining selegiline with sedatives and/or anesthesia. If your dog needs sedation or anesthesia, make sure the clinic’s staff knows your dog takes selegiline.
Frequently asked questions
It can take 1 to 2 months for selegiline to work well for dogs with cognitive issues or Cushing’s disease. The medication can work differently depending on the dog, so your pet may have a range of responses. Ask your veterinarian what to expect.
Selegiline does not directly treat anxiety in dogs. It’s most often used to treat cognitive dysfunction in older dogs. That said, canine cognitive dysfunction can cause anxiety. So if selegiline works for your dog, it may reduce anxiety related to cognitive dysfunction.
The bottom line
Selegiline (Anipryl) can treat the behavioral changes associated with cognitive dysfunction in aging dogs. Though less common, it may be used to treat certain forms of Cushing’s disease in dogs.
Side effects associated with this medication are typically mild. However, serious side effects can occur. These effects, which include serotonin syndrome, are most common when selegiline is combined with other medications.
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References
Brooks, W. (2024). Selegiline (L-deprenyl) hydrochloride (Anipryl, Eldepryl, Carbex). Veterinary Partner.
Calder, C. (2022). Serotonin syndrome in dogs and cats. Veterinary Partner.
Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. (n.d.). Cushing’s syndrome. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Riley, E. (2024). Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs. Veterinary Partner.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Treating Cushing’s disease in dogs.
Zoetis. (2022). Anipryl - selegiline hydrochloride tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
