Methocarbamol is a leading drug that is used to relax your pet's muscles and treat muscle spasms. These problems may arise for a wide variety of reasons. They may start as a result of a damaged vertebrae in the spine, as in the case of a slipped disk. They may also come about when your pet ingests certain types of toxic chemicals, suffers from other diseases or has injuries of various types.
Methocarbamol Overview
A muscle relaxant drug is the best option for combating regular muscle spasm problems. Methocarbamol, also know by the brand name drug Robaxin V, is a powerful muscle relaxant. It is not completely understood why this drug works to prevent your pet's muscles from spasming, but it is highly effective.
When selecting the brand name drug Robaxin for your dog, note that there are two types available. The standard formulation of Robaxin is designed for use in humans and contains a slightly different chemical makeup and dosage than the standard Robaxin for dogs. The veterinary version of the medicine is technically called Robaxin-V. Do not provide your pet with the human formulation.
Using Methocarbamol for Your Dog
Methocarbamol comes as both a tablet drug and in an injectable form. Veterinarians typically recommend the tablet version for full body muscle spasms. It's a good way to help relax your pet in general. The injectable version of the medicine is better in cases in which a single muscle or part of the body is affected by the spasm.
In cases of the tablet form of the drug, vets typically recommend providing your pet with a dosage of about 7 to 20 milligrams per pound, given two or three times per day. It's important not to exceed about 125 milligrams per pound per day, though. The exact amount that you'll dose your pet and the frequency of the administrations will depend upon your dog's:
- weight
- age
- size a
- overall medical condition
Methocarbamol Side Effects and Risks
While this drug is generally very safe for most dogs, there are situations in which the medicine should be avoided. If your pet suffers from any type of kidney damage, this medicine can be dangerous. Additionally, it is a good idea to select other medicines instead of methocarbamol if your dog is pregnant.
One of the primary side effects of methocarbamol is sedation. In many cases, this secondary effect is actually the reason why vets prescribe the medicine for a particular dog. The other side effects that are commonly noted with this drug include:
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
If you notice these or any other side effects after giving your pet his dose, take him to the vet immediately. These could be a sign of a more serious allergic reaction and require an evaluation and dosage restructuring by your vet.