Phenoleptil for dogs is a veterinary drugwhich is used as a therapy in dogs suffering from epilepsy.
In the following guide, we explain exactly what you need to consider when it comes to the correct dosage and application.
We also take a look at the side effects and possible alternatives to phenoleptil for dogs.
Phenoleptil for dogs: what is it and what is it used for?
Phenoleptile for dogs contains the active ingredient phenobarbital. This can stop the seizures associated with epilepsy in dogs.
Accordingly, phenoleptil for dogs is a drug that can be administered when this nerve disease is present in the fur nose.
But how does phenobarbital manage to stop or even prevent cramps? The drug binds to the GABA receptors.
As neurotransmitters, these are responsible for suppressing nerve stimuli – this is also the case in an epileptic seizure, which is ultimately caused by such stimuli.
Incidentally, this overstimulation can not only occur as part of an epilepsy disease. Even particularly sensitive fur noses can quickly struggle with their nerves.
This is where nervousness, anxiety and stress occur, which in turn can be the result of noise phobia.
Phenoleptil for dogs is available in the form of chewable tablets, the phenobarbital concentration here is 12.5 mg.
Proper use and dosage of phenoleptil in dogs
The correct dosage of phenoleptil in dogs depends based on body weight and is a daily dose of 2.5 mg phenobarbital.
It is applied in two doses, once in the morning and once in the evening.
In the case of a fur nose that weighs 12.5 kilograms, this means that it receives 31.25 mg of phenobarbital daily from phenoleptil for dogs.
This corresponds to 2.5 tablets of Phenoleptil per day or 1.25 tablets in the morning and 1.25 tablets in the evening.
IMPORTANT
A phenoleptil administration to the dog should never be done on your own – just as little as a self-determined dose. Only the treating veterinarian decides these things!
How long does it take for phenoleptil to work in dogs?
First improvements with phenoleptil in dogs only appear after a good 2 weeks on. That’s how long it takes for the dog’s body to get used to this drug.
Do you feel like your dog’s condition hasn’t changed after this time? Then you should continue treatment with another drug.
Your veterinarian will of course know what this can be, and they may be able to give you this medicine.
What side effects can phenoleptil cause in dogs?
Phenobarbital is a highly debated drug because it Side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness cause can, which therefore also applies to phenoleptil.
A numbing effect occurs mainly as a side effect when phenoleptil has been overdosed.
Then these side effects can also occur: disorders in the liver metabolism and damage to the bone marrow.
It is not uncommon for dogs treated with phenoleptil to have an increased need to drink and urinate more frequently.
Please always keep a close eye on these reactions.
If you don’t like them, don’t hesitate to take your dog to the vet and look for possible alternatives.
When should I not use Phenoleptil in dogs?
You must not use Phenoleptil on dogs if one of the following diseases is present:
- anemia
- respiratory problems
- liver dysfunction
- renal dysfunction
- cardiovascular diseases
It should also not be used in pregnant or lactating bitches.
Please note that your dog must not be given phenoleptil if it weighs less than 10 kilograms.
This means that phenoleptil is not the right medicine for small dog breeds – and use in puppies is also ruled out.
Where can you buy phenoleptil for dogs?
Like all prescription drugs, which include phenoleptil, is This medicine is only available in pharmacies with a prescription.
This also applies to all pharmaceutical alternatives to phenoleptil for dogs, which we will now take a look at.
What alternatives are there to phenoleptil for dogs?
If your dog has not had any negative experiences with phenoleptil for dogs, you can administer Pexion for dogs as an alternative, among other things.
Gabapentin for dogs is also a drug that can be an alternative to phenoleptil for dogs. This is a drug used in human medicine.
Your veterinarian will decide whether to prescribe gabapentin for you, as it is not approved as a veterinary medicine in Germany.
If your furry friend is one of the quickly stressed and rather anxious four-legged friends, it does not always have to be a pharmaceutical alternative.
Here it makes even more sense Reduce anxiety and stress naturally. Some medicinal plants such as valerian for dogs or passion flower are suitable.
Quiet and relaxation also prove their worth, especially when it comes to fear and stress, so that the dog can lead a relaxed life again.
In this case, too, we recommend that you discuss possible therapies with your veterinarian or an alternative animal practitioner.
Has your dog already had experience with phenoleptil? Then we would be happy if you share these experiences with us in the comments.