Why is my dog lethargic, not eating, and shivering on phenobarbital?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Molly should take phenobarbital to avoid further seizures, which is a priority in this situation. You should continue with the dose she has been prescribed. Many dogs are lethargic after the first few doses of phenobarbital but then are back to normal. Please, get in touch with your vet on Monday to confirm that Molly is on the right dose of phenobarbital. If the lethargy and lack of appetite persists, your vet will likely decrease the dose or change the medication. Molly will probably stay on anti-seizure medication for life.

I'm so sorry to hear that Zoey is not feeling well. I would certainly recommend starting with having your veterinarian examine her and check some blood work. Phenobarbital can affect the internal organs (especially the liver), so we should make sure that is not an issue with Zoey. If all that is normal, then I would discuss anti-nausea and appetite stimulation medications with your veterinarian. There are a few over the counter (OTC) and prescription options that may help make Zoey feel better. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that she feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Based on the history, a toxicity seems less likely and a primary disease of the brain more likely. If the seizures are not well controlled on phenobarbital it may be that she needs a higher dose. You should discuss phenobarbital levels with your veterinarian. If the levels are in therapeutic range, a second anticonvulsant such as levetiracitam should be considered. Furthermore, you may consider following up with a veterinary neurologist to discuss diagnostics including an MRI of the brain.

Is there a chance Chloe received more than one dose of her seizure medication by accident? Shivering can be associated with a fever, with pain, or it could be focal motor seizures and not really shivering. A normal rectal temperature is about 101 to 102. If she is not improving I would recommend she be seen by a veterinarian. I hope Chloe improves soon !

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! No, I wouldn’t be concerned about the extra phenobarbital. It could cause minor sedation. If he is very lethargic it is unrelated to the medication. I would encourage a vet exam for the foot injury if he is worsening. Have a great day!

Antibiotics can cause an upset stomach leading to a decreased appetite, but I'm concerned that it's excessive and Simba has other symptoms going on. If the ear infection is severe, it could cause these symptoms but I can't say for certain without seeing him in person. I'd take him into a vet immediately to get checked out.

Based on your description, I would suspect as well that Sheila isn't suffering from the ear infection still, but keep in mind that I can't say this for certain without seeing her in person. She may be feeling lethargic, which is a very general sign of illness, and I would keep an eye on her for now. Should this lethargy continue over the next 48 hours, I would have Sheila seen by a vet for a health check.