Phenergan, also known as Promethazine in medical terms,is used primarily for the treatment of allergic reactions, nausea, & vomiting/motion sickness induced due to any underlying illnesses. If you ever had such an episode with your pooch, your doctor must have recommended the use of Phenergan. Apart from the generic usage, the medication is also fed to the dog before surgery to induce sedation.
It can help counteract nausea and pain post-surgery. The good news is that dogs are a good candidate for this drug to be used to treat any ailment. Moreover, this drug works without any complications.
However, the deal is not to give them Phenergan without the veterinarian’s consultation.
Is Phenergan Safe for Dogs?
With Phenergan, the primary concerns are factors such as inappropriate dosing, misuse, & interaction with any other medication. This medication is mostly safe and should be administered only under a veterinarian’s supervision.
What is Phenergan used for?
Phenergan is a highly favored medication because it provides ideal treatment for different types of canine issues. Dogs that suffer from hypersensitivity disorders or allergies tend to respond amazingly to the promethazine composition. This anti-histamine enjoys a glitch-free track record amid the canine population.
This particular drug is perfect for problems such as motion sickness. It also helps your dog deal with anxiety issues and helps them calm down. However, there could be better & more appropriate choices for the pet’s condition and could only be diagnosed better by a veterinarian.
How does Phenergan work?
Phenergan is actually a commonly give prescription drug used in both dogs and humans for the treatment of issues such as vomiting or nausea. This medication comes in the form of injectables, oral pills, & even rectal suppositories.
This drug belongs to the anti-emetic family of medications that are also known as “phenothiazines.”Phenergan is designed to target specific sections of your dog’s brain that are involved with the induction of vomiting & helps them calm down.
There are other drugs that can be used to take care of nausea & vomiting that are actually better than Phenergan. Although these new drugs are still not as popular, they are quickly replacing Phenergan as the mainstay for the treatment of both pups and humans.
Phenergan: Harmful Interactions with other Drugs
Before you start your dog on Phenergan, you need to inform your veterinarian about any other medications that your pooch is being given. The reason being promethazine can interact negatively with other drugs like Hydroxyzine.
The possibilities of bad interactions compound amid the canines. That is why dogs are susceptible to complications. Dog’s internal organs tend to be smaller as compared to that of humans. That is why the reactions are multi-folded in dogs.
Although stated to be safe, the drug interaction factor can also make it equally dangerous.
What is the safe dosage of Phenergan for dogs?
Keep in mind that this dosage is only for reference purposes. To ensure that your dog is safe and sound, make sure you administer the dosage suggested by the veterinarian. The safe dosage of Phenergan is 1 mg of the medication for every 2lb.
It must be taken twice daily for most dog breeds. At times, a higher dosage is required for the dog to treat the ailment. However, this can also increase the risk factor. So, the key is to consult a veterinarian depending on the treatment objective.
Most dog owners tend to crush up the tablets & mix them with the daily dog food to ensure the pet gulps it down completely. However, make sure you don’t feed your dog Phenergan in case you lack medical knowledge and aren’t confident of the same. It applies to all other anti-histamines.
What are the side effects of Phenergan?
The fact is that every drug has its own range of side effects. While some are mild, some are regular; others could be potentially dangerous. In this scenario, Phenergan isn’t any different. Unchecked dosing of this medication can make your pooch suffer from issues such as CNS depression that could be very serious.
When your dog is being given Phenergan, make sure you keep an eye on their behavior and report any abnormalities to your veterinarian immediately. Keep in mind that dry mouth can be a common side-effect of Phenergan, and it’s completely normal. So, don’t worry about it!
The sedative feature of Phenergan tends to be overwhelming and weird for some animals.
The commonly seen side-effects of this medication include:
- Heavy Sedation
- Hyperactivity
- Paradoxical Agitation
- Muscle Tremors
- Spasms
- Dry Eyes
- Dry Mouth
- Low Blood Pressure
- Constipation
- Urinary Retention
Apart from this, you also need to keep in mind that Phenergan must not be administered to dogs suffering from kidney disease, heart disease, or liver problems.
It should also be avoided in dogs with bowel obstruction, toxic ingestion, or a foreign body suspected to be present.
Can you give Phenergan to a high-energy dog to help him calm down?
Phenergan isn’t a medication that has to be used for the long term. Pet pharmaceuticals should always be a final resort in case the situation doesn’t come under control. Dogs are normally energetic, and yes, Phenergan can help calm them down.
However, this medication comes with a range of side effects that should better be avoided. There are better solutions to help calm down your excited pooch, which your veterinarian can suggest as an alternative to Phenergan.
Conclusion
Phenergan can surely help your pet when given under medical supervision. Depending on the circumstance, medical condition, and dosage, the effects of Phenergan can vary. The drug is a sedative & works perfectly for your high-strung pet. This anti-histamine medication is also used for dogs who suffer from anxiety during road trips or allergies. The key is proper dosing & interactions as suggested by your veterinarian.
Also, keep in mind that Phenergan is no more on the list of medications used for dogs. So, it is better to consult your veterinarian and do as they say to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.
Dr. Aram Baker has been with Santa Clarita Animal Hospital since 1995 and his special interests include behaviour medicine and dermatology. He graduated from the Cleveland Humanities Magnet Program in Reseda, CA and attended California State University at Northridge where he received a Bachelor’s degree in biology. He went on to pursue his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis. He also spent time in the zoological medicine department at U.C. Davis during his Junior and Senior years. He is dedicated to caring for all pets big or small, young or old with compassion, patience, kindness, and love.