Why Do Dogs Need Methocarbamol?

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Like humans, dogs can get a pinched nerve. If you ever had the unpleasant experience of having a pinched nerve, you are probably aware of how it can cause muscle spasms and excruciating pain. Luckily, these kinds of health problems can be treated in dogs with methocarbamol. If your vet prescribed it to your dog, here’s what you should know about this medication.

What is methocarbamol for dogs?

Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant commonly used to treat muscle spasms in dogs, cats, and horses. Dogs can get muscle spasms for many different reasons, and some of them are;

• Inflammation
• Pinched nerve
• Injury
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Spinal cord injury
• Toxicity (pesticides and mushrooms)
• Tetanus

If your dog is experiencing one of these issues and, as a result, they have muscle spasms, chances are, your vet will prescribe a methocarbamol-based drug. Some of the most common brands are Robaxin®, Robinax®, and Robaximol®.

Is methocarbamol safe for my dog?

This is usually the first question dog owners want to know. Their vet might have already given them the answer, but there is no harm in checking some online sources as well. The good news is - methocarbamol is really safe for dogs. It usually causes minimal side effects, and dogs will take it without any issues. In fact, most owners whose dogs had to take methocarbamol reported no side effects at all.

Methocarbamol side effects

Like any other drug, methocarbamol can cause some side effects. However, most of these side effects are something you would expect from a muscle relaxant. Even some of the most common medication side effects, like vomiting and diarrhea, are rare. Nevertheless, they can happen, and some of the possible methocarbamol side effects are;

• Sleepiness
• Drooling
• Weakness
• Incoordination
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sedation

Another possible side effect your dog might experience is urine discoloration. Many owners get worried about that. However, this is not a cause for concern. If side effects happen, they are usually gone 24 hours after the medication is stopped being administered. However, dogs with kidney or liver problems might experience them slightly longer.

Is it effective?

The second question dog owners want to know the answer to is, “Is it effective?” It makes no sense to give your dog a medication that will not help them in any way. The great news about this medication is that it blocks abnormal signals within the spinal cord. That means the medication will not interfere with your dog’s normal muscle functions. Methocarbamol is considered effective, and it will help your dog get over the issue causing their muscles to spasm.

How is methocarbamol administered?

Methocarbamol is usually given at home as a tablet. However, for severe injuries and spasms, your vet can administer an injection. The exact dosage of methocarbamol for dogs will depend on several things. Your vet might prescribe a larger or a smaller dosage based on the severity of the spasms and the injury your dog sustained. It is best to follow their instructions and call them if you notice adverse reactions or you believe the medication is not doing what it should do.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If your vet prescribed methocarbamol to your dog, you should follow the dosage recommendation. This is a prescription drug, and you should never medicate your dog without discussing it with your vet.

Where can I get it?

Like we already said, this medication can only be prescribed by a licensed vet. If you think your dog could benefit from this medication, take them for a checkup and talk to your vet. After they give you a prescription, you can get it at your local pet pharmacy. Another possible option you could go for is an online purchase from Chewy. They can send you the generic version of methocarbamol if you present a valid prescription. Here is the link for an order

World Dog Finder team