Has anyone here used Ritalin on their dogs, and if so, can you tell me what the effects were.... or reply by PM,
thanks in advance

Wow!  never heard of that one.  As a controlled drug how would you manage that?  Can a vet prescribe as a GP can't.

I shall watch with interest.

Trying to find out more about the use is canines... if it has had the same serious side effects as it has had in humans... had an interesting chat with a vet today, just info gathering at moment 

:-D :-D  Never heard of it being used on dogs- but if it works let me know- I have an ADHD Son and I'm sure my pups ADHD too :-D :-D

Stacey x

Kay what do you consider the serious side effects on humns to be?  In my professional life I only hear about growth problems and that would surely be a concern in dogs. There is some info available via Google.  Try a search under methylphenidate.

Stacey hows your son doing?  Does he take Ritalin?

No Jacky- he's on Methylphenidate- I was just having a joke :-D :-D

He's doing okay, I don't find the medication a 'problem solver' for want of a better word, I think the way people handle him and what he eats to be the major factor re his behaviour to be honest.  School wise etc though- it's been a long hard slog trying to get help etc but he's got it now and he's started to actually catch up :-D  Still nobody quite see's beyond the exterior enough to see the magic in him but hey- at least I get him all to myself :-)  Thanks again Jacky- I couldn't have done any of it without you x

Stacey x    

apparently MAY cause strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular conditions (say USA), but UK say insomnia and other sleep related problems, cant find any mention of growth problems... but not finding much info on the net at all....

Really I am only looking for information from anyone who has used it, and what the results were... whether actual results, or side effects.... nothing sinister... I am on a train of thought at the moment... and CD is a great place to start ;)

My son was on it for many years at a relatively low dose.  The side effects are loss of appetite, slowing of growth rate and insomnia.  The benefit is that it keeps the child focused enough to learn.  Once off the drug growth and appetite returned to normal.  I have not heard of any serious side effects and my son hasn't suffered any.  That isn't to say that there aren't any.

On dogs taking ritalin.  I think that only happens in America but I could be wrong.  I do know that my devious little boy when he was around 7 years old used to give his tablet to our dog or drop it on the floor after putting it in his mouth.  This went on for about three days.  The dog did not exhibit any change in behaviour, still a mad bouncing Beardie.