Phenylpropanolamine for dogs is a drug that is often prescribed for urinary incontinence. It increases the strength of the muscles in the bladder and the urethra, which in turn prevents the leakage of urine. The use of phenylpropanolamine has some known side effects and complications that dog owners should discuss with their veterinarian. There are some restrictions to the amount of phenylpropanolamine that can be sold to dog owners at one time, because the drug is often used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. It is referred to as PPA for short and is sold under the brand names Cystolamine, Proin, and Propaline.
The dosage of phenylpropanolamine for dogs is usually based on the animal’s weight. It is sold in chewable tablet form in 25-, 50-, and 75-mg amounts. The typical dose is 0.4 to 0.8 mg per pound of body weight, administered twice a day at 12-hour intervals. Treatment often lasts for several days before the urinary incontinence problem starts to clear up. Administering a dose that is too large for a dog can lead to increased blood pressure, seizures, or a coma. Dog owners often work closely with a veterinarian to determine a safe dosage amount based on how much the dog weighs. An overdose of phenylpropanolamine can often lead to severe problems, including coma and cardiovascular collapse.
Some of the known side effects of phenylpropanolamine for dogs include increased heart rate and blood pressure. The use of PPA has also been known to cause behavior changes and a loss of appetite. Other signs to watch for include restlessness, seizures, and trouble urinating. If a dog owner notices any of these symptoms, she should discontinue the use of phenylpropanolamine and contact her veterinarian for further assistance.
There are a number of contraindications to using the drug that dog owners should know about. Veterinarians will not prescribe phenylpropanolamine for dogs that are pregnant or lactating, unless the urinary incontinence problem is severe. It’s unknown whether the drug will cross the placenta in a pregnant dog or if it is excreted in milk. A number of drugs, including aspirin and tricyclic antidepressants, can cause side effects on their own or increase the intensity of other side effects if they’re used in conjunction with phenylpropanolamine. Animals with medical conditions like glaucoma, diabetes, or hypertension should not be given the drug. Pet owners should talk to their vet about any medical conditions or prescription medicines that their pet is taking prior to administering phenylpropanolamine.