Dog on phenobarbital destroying things

[Jenni0923]

Hi all,

Our 11 yr old basenji has been on phenobarb since the end of March and she seems to have reverted back to puppyhood.  She is potty ing in the house (less so now than when she start the meds) and destroying pretty much anything she can get her teeth on.  Shoes, underwear, socks, paper, etc.  She wakes me up numerous times during the night to go outside as well.  I'm exhausted!

Has anyone else experienced this as a what I think is a side effect to th PB?

Many thanks,

Jen

[Jenni0923]

Thank you Dr.Redford.  She has an appointment toward the end of the month, do you think it would be okay to wait until then to address this?

[Cliff Redford, DVM]

Hi Jen,
This does sound like a sensitivity to phenobarbital. For those reading this, phenobarbital is an anti-seizure drug and our primary "go-to" drug for epileptic cats and dogs. Generally this drug is very safe and side effects are minimal if any and as long as the drug levels are normal and monitored via blood tests then the drug is safe long term. Rarely though we do see dogs who are sensitive. I would recommend you ask your vet if her serum levels should be checked and assuming they are normal then other drugs may have to be used.