Home » What Is The Use Of Methocarbamol For Dogs?

What Is The Use Of Methocarbamol For Dogs?

Updated on May 29, 2023 by Vincent Maldonado

Dogs are full of ginger. Fluttering, Energetic, Bouncy, Excited for no reason, Vocalize incessantly and Follow you like a tail wherever you go. In brief, Dogs are the life of a house. However, their enthusiastic nature sometimes costs a bundle. Dog parents agree that it is usual for dogs to get injured and have strains and sprains while running, playing, and hovering. As you know, such muscle injuries are excruciating, and so are for your dogs. To ease this muscle pain, many vets prescribe “Methocarbamol for Dogs.” However, that is not just the use of Methocarbamol in dogs. You can use it for several medical purposes in dogs. Make sure to read this blog till the end to understand the use of Methocarbamol for Dogs and its effects.

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What is Methocarbamol for dogs?

Methocarbamol is a common drug that the FDA approved for human use in 1957. For quite some time, veterinarians used it as an ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’ drug for muscle relaxation in animals. However, the US Food and Drug Administration has now allowed the usage of Methocarbamol for dogs, cats, and horses. It is used chiefly in the case of dogs. Methocarbamol is available with the following brand names in the market:

Robaxin®
Robinax®
Robaximol®

Pharma companies manufacture both Oral and Injectable formulations of Methocarbamol for Dogs. Oral forms of Methocarbamol are usually pills in concentration,

Methocarbamol 500 mg
Methocarbamol 700 mg

These can take almost an hour to show their action. For that very reason, Vets prefer Injectable liquid in case of emergencies. You can find Methocarbamol 100 mg/ml injectable form in any local drug store.

What is Methocarbamol Used For in Dogs?

Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxer for dogs utilized to relieve the muscle spasms associated with:

Sudden Injury
Inflammation
Injury
Intervertebral disc disease
Specific toxicities due to Strychnine, metaldehyde, insecticide, etc.

Besides this, Methocarbamol is also used to treat Tetanus symptoms in dogs. Muscle rigidity due to tetanus causes immobility of muscles of a dog’s body and inhibits regular activity. The most common Tetanus symptom is stiffness of jaw muscles. That’s why this disease is also called “Lockjaw.” Methocarbamol is very effective in this case as it helps to relax the jaw muscles of dogs that suffer from Lockjaw.

What Are The Most Common Side Effects of Methocarbamol in Dogs

By far, Vet considers it a safe and beneficial medication. However, there are some Methocarbamol side effects in dogs, too. Some of them are mentioned as follows:

Sleepiness
Vomiting
Lethargy
Drooling
Diarrhea
Weakness
Incoordination

These side effects are not life-risky and diminish within 24 hours of taking medicine. It is scarce, but a dog can be allergic to Methocarbamol too. So, vets suggest noticing allergic symptoms after giving Methocarbamol to your dog. The allergic reactions can be:

Intense scratching
Hives’ appearance
Face swelling
Difficulty in Breathing
Seizures

If your dog exhibits any of the above-mentioned allergic symptoms, take it to the Vet as early as possible.

How Much Methocarbamol Can a Dog Have?

We advise you to take Vets’ advice regarding the correct dosage of Methocarbamol for a dog. Below is the basic dosage rule that vets follow.

Methocarbamol Dosage For Dogs:

Typically, for a single dosage, around 7 to 20 mg of Methocarbamol per pound of a dog’s body weight is acceptable. A dog can safely have three doses of this amount a day.
In emergency and risky situations, you can give 110 mg of Methocarbamol per pound of dog’s weight.
However, in emergencies, Vets choose Constant rate infusion through an intravenous line (IV).
Not, in any case, give more than 150 mg of Methocarbamol per pound of dog’s weight.
The treatment period depends on the seriousness of the dog’s medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Robaxin used for?

Robaxin is the brand name of Methocarbamol medication. Vets prescribe Robaxin as a muscle relaxant to treat inflammatory conditions in dogs due to sprains or strains.

Does methocarbamol make dog sleepy?

Yes, Methocarbamol makes dogs sleepy. Sleepiness, along with lethargy, drowsiness, weakness, etc., are the common Methocarbamol for dogs’ side effects.

Can dogs take methocarbamol long-term?

Under a Vet’s supervision, of course, you can give Methocarbamol long-term to your dog. Just look for any unusual changes as long-term use of Methocarbamol induces possible side effects in dogs.

How often can I give my dog methocarbamol?

Ask a Vet. Usually, they advise giving 2 to 3 doses a day of Methocarbamol to a dog. Each dose is around 7 to 20 mg of Methocarbamol per pound of a dog’s body weight.

Is methocarbamol like gabapentin?

Methocarbamol belongs to muscle relaxants drugs. Earlier, Gabapentin was also used as a muscle relaxant and also an antispasmodic drug. However, now it is considered an Anti-seizure/Anticonvulsant medication.

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About the Author

Vincent Maldonado

Vincent Maldonado is a dedicated content manager at Fast ESA Letter. With a strong background in content creation and management, Vincent plays a vital role in curating and overseeing the production of engaging and informative materials related to emotional support animals (ESAs). His passion for promoting mental health and spreading awareness about the benefits of ESAs shines through his work. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality content, Vincent ensures that Fast ESA Letter provides valuable resources to individuals seeking information and support in navigating the world of emotional support animals.

Comments

2 Comments

Wendell Adelman on August 9, 2022 at 4:10 am
How long does methocarbamol take to work in dogs?
Reply
- Tracy Deslaurier on August 9, 2022 at 11:57 am
  Not more than one to two hours. Although it depends on the strength of Methocarbamol, still the average time remains one to two hours after giving medication to the dog.
  Reply

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