Uses
Laxatone (White Petrolatum USP/Light Mineral Oil NF/Corn Syrup/Malt Syrup/Soybean Oil) helps treat feline hairballs by acting in the digestive tract to help remove any fur that may have been swallowed. Although hairballs are considerably more common in long haired cats, it is still possible that short haired cats may be affected. Regular grooming can reduce the amount of hair that the cat ingests, however any hair that is swallowed remains in the stomach and the body is unable to digest it.
This can even affect the digestive system. Veterinarians often recommend the use of a lubricant gel, so as to rid the digestive tract of hairballs. The addition of petrolatum allows it to enter the digestive system and form a coating around any hair that has been swallowed. As a result of this, the hairball is able to continue passing through the intestine and is excreted as feces. Other flavored ingredients are added, so as to make it palatable and tasty for the cat. This allows for ease of administration.
Dosage and Administration
Discuss the suitability of Laxatone (White Petrolatum USP/Light Mineral Oil NF/Corn Syrup/Malt Syrup/Soybean Oil) with a veterinarian before you treat your pet. Usually, a small quantity of the gel should be put on the paws or nose of the animal so as to allow it to become familiar with the smell and taste. Veterinarians generally instruct pet owners treating their cats for hairballs to apply half a teaspoon or a whole teaspoon for a period of 2 to 3 days. After this, the dosage may be reduced to a quarter teaspoon (or possibly a half teaspoon), given 2 to 3 times weekly.
Side effects
Laxatone (White Petrolatum USP/Light Mineral Oil NF/Corn Syrup/Malt Syrup/Soybean Oil) may have a laxative effect on your animal, which could result in loose stools. If your cat becomes sick, ensure that it is promptly brought to a vet so that the necessary treatment can be obtained.
Precautions
Laxatone (White Petrolatum USP/Light Mineral Oil NF/Corn Syrup/Malt Syrup/Soybean Oil) is a veterinary product only approved for use in cats. Humans must never swallow it.
Do not feed excessive amounts of this gel to your cat, as this will not clear the hairballs quicker but could result in it becoming sick.