Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Can I Give My Dog or Cat Phenergan?

Promethazine HCl, Phenadoz, Promethegan

###No... Phenergan is a prescription drug that is used in humans to treat nausea and vomiting. It comes in an oral, injectable, and rectal suppository form. Phenergan is part of an older class of anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) drugs called “phenothiazines.” These drugs target specific areas in the brain involved in vomiting and essentially quiet them down. There are newer drugs on the market now that work at different sites and along different pathways in the brain to stave off nausea and vomiting in humans. While some of these drugs are the new preferred method of treatment, the phenothiazines are still used with some frequency in humans. That being said, Phenergan is rarely used in veterinary medicine and there are limited studies to support its efficacy in dogs and cats. Most veterinarians will treat nausea and vomiting with drugs other than Phenergan, and very few hospitals and clinics carry phenothiazines any more for use as anti-emetics. However, some phenothiazines are still used prior to surgery for sedation. Side effects of Phenergan may include: heavy sedation, paradoxical agitation and hyperactivity, muscle tremors and spasms, dry mouth, dry eyes, low blood pressure, urinary retention (trouble fully emptying the bladder), and constipation. Phenergan should never be administered to patients with heart, kidney, or liver disease and should never be administered if a bowel obstruction, foreign body, or toxic ingestion is suspected. So, can I give my dog or cat Phenergan? The answer is: No. First of all, there are better and safer remedies available. Second of all, if your dog or cat seems nauseated or is vomiting, or he or she is having diarrhea, lethargy, or develops a poor appetite, you need to make an appointment with your veterinarian for a full check-up right away. AND, it’s never a good idea to trial treat at home with those old, expired Phenergan suppositories anyway. Have you ever given a suppository to a cat? Let’s just say you’re in for a real treat and a real trip to the E.R. On a serious note, though, never administer your own or anyone else’s medication to your fur baby without consulting your veterinarian first. You may complicate a simple situation, or worse, you may do serious harm to your best bud.

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025