My dog gained weight on phenobarbital for seizures. Is it the drug?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | 10 lbs
Would phenobarbital put weight on Penny? Been on it about 2 yrs for seizures. I feel it has. She has gained 5 lbs since. My vet says no. But we r careful with her diet,
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 22nd, 2018
It is doubtful that it would be the primary cause of her weight gain. As they age, their metabolism will slow down and usually the amount of food that they need is less. I would try to decrease the amount of food you are feeding her and increase her activity. If she is still gaining weight, I would have your vet check her thyroid to ensure it isn't low as this is also a common cause of weight gain. I hope this helps !
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 1st, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. The phenobarbital can cause a voracious appetite leading to weight gain, unfortunately. I have seen this happen in several of my cases on Phenobarbital. I would not recommend taking him off of the Phenobarbital as the seizures could start up again. Once under control, ideally you do not want to mess with the medications unless the seizures are uncontrolled. If you do wean him off of the phenobarbital, do so at your own risk as he may suffer from the seizures once more if not on medication to stop them. I would recommend putting him on a diet such as Hills Metabolic + Mobility to try and get him to lose weight. This is a prescription diet and is very effective at reducing weight in addition to supporting the joints. I hope this helps! You will have to get this food from your vet or have your vet write you a prescription, as this is a prescription diet. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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