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Why is my dog pacing after starting phenobarbital for seizures?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 15 years and 7 months old | 7 lbs

We recently started phenobarbitol for Frito to help control seizures. He has been on it 2 days and has been pacing nonstop. Could this be from the medicine?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 18th, 2017

The pacing could be a side effect of the phenobarbital or a side effect of the underlying cause for Frito's seizures. If the pacing continues or he has any decreased appetite, vomiting, or seems excessively sedate then you need to contact your veterinarian to discuss altering the dose potentially.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    Poor Frito! Yes, it's certainly possible that this could be a side effect of the phenobarbitol. Some dogs do initially seem restless after starting this medication, and may pant and pace more than normal. It would be a good idea to check with your veterinarian tomorrow morning to make sure that he/she is not concerned about it, just to be safe. Most dogs adjust to phenobarbitol within 2-3 weeks of starting this medication, and side effects should become much less noticeable at that point - so it's very likely that the pacing will improve over time, if it is a side effect of the medication.

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