{"id":55428,"date":"2022-11-29T09:30:30","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T14:30:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=55428"},"modified":"2024-10-25T11:01:44","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T15:01:44","slug":"cyclobenzaprine-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cyclobenzaprine-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Is cyclobenzaprine safe for dogs?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’ve ever sprained your ankle or strained a muscle, you might be familiar with the medication cyclobenzaprine. <\/span>Cyclobenzaprine<\/span><\/a>, sold under the brand name Flexeril or <\/span>Fexmid<\/span><\/a>, is a prescription drug and <\/span>muscle relaxant<\/span><\/a> that manages muscle spasms and blocks pain by inhibiting nerve impulses being transmitted to the brain. While this drug is often prescribed to humans, you may be surprised to learn that it may also be prescribed to your furry friend. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is cyclobenzaprine used for in dogs?<\/h2>\n

Cyclobenzaprine is not licensed to be used in dogs, but is occasionally used off label under supervision by a veterinarian.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Dogs can experience muscle spasms just as human patients can and in appropriate doses, cyclobenzaprine can be quite safe and effective for our canine friends,” explains Crystal A. Riley, Pharm.D., lecturer of health administration at <\/span>Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dogs may also be prescribed cyclobenzaprine for high pain levels, like in cases of <\/span>severe arthritis<\/span><\/a> or a bulging disc. However, pain relievers like NSAIDs are more commonly used in these cases if a dog can tolerate it. If not, the muscle relaxer <\/span>methocarbamol<\/span><\/a> is more commonly prescribed to dogs when compared to cyclobenzaprine. <\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>How to treat your pet’s pain<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

How much cyclobenzaprine can I give my dog?<\/h2>\n

How much cyclobenzaprine your dog is prescribed will depend on the size of your animal. <\/span><\/p>\n

Cyclobenzaprine comes in a tablet or extended-release capsules. Your veterinarian will determine the form of drug your dog takes. If your dog is a picky eater, there are meat-flavored pill pockets that may help entice your dog into taking it, but hiding the pill in your pet’s favorite food is also a good trick. <\/span><\/p>\n

While humans take 10 mg of cyclobenzaprine, this would be much too high of a dose for your pet so following your vet’s instructions on dosage is very important.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Cyclobenzaprine dosage guide<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Cyclobenzaprine for dogs side effects<\/h2>\n

Since cyclobenzaprine is less commonly used in animals, it is important to closely watch your dog for any signs of side effects. According to Lisa Steinberg, DVM, a veterinarian working at <\/span>veterinarians.org<\/span><\/a>, common side effects include: <\/span><\/p>\n