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Phenobarbitol Side Effects for Dogs

By Hayley Harrison
 
Phenobarbitol is a prescription medication available from your dog's veterinarian that is commonly used to treat canine epilepsy. However, phenobarbitol poses a risk of side effects in some dogs.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of phenobarbitol in dogs include drowsiness, loss of coordination or clumsiness, and excessive hunger, thirst and urination.

Time Frame

Ordinarily, the common side effects of phenobarbitol occur during the first two weeks of use and gradually diminish once a dog adjusts to the medication, according to the Canine Epilepsy Resource Center.

Drug Interactions

Combining the anxiety medication acepromazine with phenobarbitol increases the risk of serious side effects. Additionally, barbiturates may decrease the effectiveness of phenobarbitol, which could lead to a return of seizures.

Risks

The most serious risk of phenobarbitol use in dogs is liver damage.

Solution

Most veterinarians order regular blood work to determine if the liver is functioning properly, as prompt detection of a problem can help avoid permanent damage. In addition, milk thistle supplements may help protect a dog's liver from the medication, suggests the Canine Epilepsy Resource Center.
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