At Phenobarbital for dogs It is an extremely strong sedative and sedative.
What started out as a drug in human medicine is now used as a drug in dogs with epilepsy.
The following lines will tell you how to properly use and dose phenobarbital in dogs and what side effects and alternatives there are.
Phenobarbital for dogs: what is it and what is it used for?
First of all, phenobarbital is strictly speaking not a separate drug, but rather the active ingredientwhich is found in medicines for dogs suffering from epilepsy.
Phenobarbital belongs to the group of so-called barbiturates. Phenobarbital is said to have an anticonvulsant effect as a strong sleeping pill and sedative.
This means nothing other than that it contributes to the fact that convulsions as a result of an epileptic seizure subside quickly.
Phenobarbital binds to the so-called GABA receptor. This is a neurotransmitter that can interrupt an excitation line.
This stops spasms and seizures, which are ultimately nothing more than nerve irritation.
Due to the properties of phenobarbital, it is also used in preoperative anesthesia in dogs.
The strength of phenobarbital in a drug with this active ingredient depends largely on the manufacturer.
IMPORTANT
Please refrain from treating your dog with medication just because you think it is right. Only the veterinarian can decide whether a drug or active ingredient is necessary!
Proper use and dosage of phenobarbital for dogs
Regardless of the manufacturer selling a drug containing phenobarbital, the recommended dose is Phenobarbital at 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight of the dog.
The dog receives this dose in two divided doses throughout the day, i.e. 1.25 mg once in the morning and 1.25 mg once in the evening.
For a dog weighing 11 kilograms, that would look like this:
- 13.75 mg phenobarbital 1x in the morning and 1x in the evening = 27.5 mg in total per day
Good to know
In order for the phenobarbital-containing drug to work optimally, you should give the tablets to your dog exactly 12 hours apart – similar to antibiotics.
How long does it take for phenobarbital to work in dogs?
Depending on the dosage, phenobarbital has a very rapid effect. But if it is used in epilepsy, this is Effect only visible after a good two weeks.
Only then has phenobarbital been sufficiently absorbed and utilized by the organism.
With long-term therapy with phenobarbital, between two-thirds and three-quarters of the treated dogs are said to have significantly fewer epileptic seizures.
In some cases, phenobarbital is said to even allow the dog suffering from epilepsy to live free from seizures.
What side effects can phenobarbital cause in dogs?
The most common side effects that can occur from phenobarbital in a dog are Dizziness, balance problems and increased urination.
It is also not uncommon for a dog to have increased hunger during the first few days of treatment.
Due to its calming effect, phenobarbital also causes drowsiness and fatigue in many dogs.
But anxiety and a high level of restlessness can also be side effects of phenobarbital.
Should you discover these and other side effects that should not occur in your dog? Then please take him to the vet as soon as possible!
When should I not use phenobarbital in dogs?
You should definitely not use phenobarbital on your dog if they have the following diseases or conditions:
- your dog suffers from kidney problems/diseases
- your dog suffers from cardiovascular diseases
- your dog suffers from respiratory problems such as asthma
- your dog suffers from liver dysfunction
- your dog weighs well under 10 kilograms
This last limitation therefore also means that drugs containing phenobarbital no suitable medicines for puppies and small dog breeds are.
Pregnant or lactating bitches should also not be treated with phenobarbital.
In addition, prolonged administration of phenobarbital can adversely affect thyroid function.
If a dog is already being treated for an overactive or underactive thyroid, you should consult your veterinarian.
Where is phenobarbital for dogs available?
Phenobarbital or medicines containing this active ingredient, are prescription only.
This means that you will not be able to obtain any medication from an (online) pharmacy without a corresponding prescription.
The costs incurred for each drug depend on the manufacturer, the package size and the phenobarbital strength.
What alternatives are there to phenobarbital for dogs?
Your dog is too small, has previous illnesses or is pregnant? Then can an alternative to phenobarbital the active ingredient diazepam be.
The active ingredients zonisamide, levetiracetam and potassium bromide have also been used successfully in the treatment of epilepsy in dogs for several years.
Which of these alternatives may be the right one for your dog, you should of course discuss in advance with the veterinarian who has sufficient experience.
This also gives you all the important information about dosage and application as well as the important prescription for the pharmacy.
Does your dog have epilepsy and need phenobarbital treatment? Then we would love to read your experiences and useful tips in our comments.