[rrebeccag]

Hi. I have a 6 yr old English Bulldog who was put on phenobarbital for seizures in February and started going in the house. I think it was the medication but now, months later, he's still doing it. He sometimes won't go outside but once get gets inside, he lets loose. He's driving me nuts cuz every morning and every evening I have to mop my entire kitchen and the smell is taking over our home. Can someone please give me som advice on how to get him to stop going in the house?
Thank you.

[cherylmartin]

I am sorry you are having a problem with your English bulldog. I am showing you a quote on the side effects of phenobarbital. Hope this helps.
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Side Effects of Phenobarbital
As a result, many of the side effects of Phenobarbital are neurological. You'll notice your dog appearing lazy, sedated, restless, hyper-excited or uncoordinated (ataxia). These side effects will disappear after a few weeks of treatment when your dog's system gets used to the medication.

Long-term side effects of Phenobarbital include frequent urination, excessive drinking and eating. Because your dog is eating more, he'll most likely gain weight, a secondary effect of the drug. Although, it's rare, Phenobarbital can also cause anemia, which would necessitate discontinuation of treatment.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------Maybe the vet needs to rule out any other health issues.

Keep us posted.

[rrebeccag]

Well, they did blood work and what not and then added potassium bromide to them mix and lowered the pheno. He's actually doing well and seems to be his old self more. I just think he's gotten lazy and figures he can get away with going inside. I even tried using an odor neutralizer but it was from Walmart and some brand I never heard of and didn't work. I want to try the Miracle one I think its called and see how that goes. I try and let him out often and watch what he does and he won't do anything but once he comes in and I'm not watching, he'll go in the house so I know its not the drug anymore, its him. He's stubborn to begin with so this isn't helping. Its extremely frustrating.

[zebrina]

When I adopted my unhousebroken adult dog, I found this technique that worked for me.

When she was in the house, she had to stay on a leash right with me. It's kind of a pain, but she was completely housebroken in less than 2 weeks. No sneaking off to go. Plus you can catch and distract him immediately if he tries to go. I took her out hourly when home. Otherwise she lived on the porch with a puppy pad.

[purrfect]

Originally Posted by rrebeccag

I know its not the drug anymore, its him. He's stubborn to begin with so this isn't helping. Its extremely frustrating.

Maybe you can start training him once again and teaching him the house rules. You can make use of the method you have had at first as that already has a good register in his head. Good Luck.