If you’re dealing with some nagging pain, your doctor may have recommended the popular muscle relaxant Flexeril.
It’s a common drug for humans suffering from injuries, but can dogs take Flexeril as well? The answer is yes—but only under very specific circumstances.
Here’s what you need to know about using Flexeril for dogs.
What is Flexeril?
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant that has been prescribed for dogs and cats to treat muscle spasms.
It is in the same class of drugs as Valium, but it’s more commonly used to treat certain health conditions such as anxiety disorders and seizures, especially in small animals like dogs and cats.
Flexeril may help reduce pain associated with arthritis or other types of joint disorders in both pets and humans by inhibiting chemical responses from muscles during contraction.
It can also be given intravenously or intramuscularly when treating individuals who cannot take oral medications due to vomiting, nausea, or other complications caused by the treatment itself.
Can dogs take Flexeril?
Flexeril is a prescription medication used to treat muscle spasms, back pain, and arthritis in humans. It’s also sometimes prescribed for dogs with chronic pain.
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant that works by slowing down signals sent between the brain and nerves in the spinal cord so that muscles can relax.
This allows them to keep moving without locking up in spasms or cramping up from strain on the muscles and ligaments surrounding bones and joints.
The drug can cause drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, and blurred vision if taken at high doses; side effects may be more severe if you take Flexeril alongside other central nervous system depressants like alcohol or sleeping pills such as zolpidem.
Talk with your vet about all medications before giving them to your dog—some drugs are safe enough for both species while others aren’t recommended due to safety concerns, side effects, or drug interactions between species
Learn More:
Things to consider before giving your dog Flexeril?
Before you give your dog Flexeril, there are a few important things to consider.
Do not give your dog Flexeril if they are allergic to it
This may include hives, swelling around the face and mouth, difficulty breathing, and tongue discoloration.
If you believe that your dog is reacting to the medication, contact a veterinarian immediately for treatment options.
Do not give any medications that have not been prescribed by a doctor
Unless directed in this article or otherwise instructed by a veterinarian who has examined your pet’s medical history and current condition thoroughly.
Do not give your dog Flexeril if they are pregnant or lactating
There have been no studies done on the safety of this drug during pregnancy or lactation period in dogs at this time.
But it is suspected that it would be safe for both mother and baby so long as dosages were kept low enough so as not to cause any adverse effects on either party involved.
Can Flexeril hurt a dog?
It’s important to know that Flexeril is a muscle relaxant, and it can be very dangerous for dogs.
Some of the most common side effects of taking Flexeril include drowsiness and dizziness, which could make your dog less aware of his surroundings than usual.
If your dog has any kind of seizure disorder or liver disease, then he shouldn’t take this medication at all.
If you do decide to give your pet Flexeril, keep an eye on him during the first few hours after giving him the medication; signs like vomiting or changes in behavior could indicate that there’s been an overdose.
Thoughts
Flexeril is a safe and effective muscle relaxer for dogs.
However, it should only be administered as directed by your veterinarian.
If you are in doubt about whether or not your dog needs to be on Flexeril, consult with her doctor before starting a course of treatment.
