Dogs, like people, can be afflicted with stomach problems, including indigestion, diarrhea, and gas. Although severe or prolonged symptoms should always be treated by a veterinarian, minor cases of stomach upset or diarrhea can be cared for at home with “people” medications that are safe for dogs. If symptoms persist or if you’ve never given a food or medication mentioned below to your dog, call your veterinarian.
Description
Famotidine (brand name: Pepcid®, Apo-Famotidine®) is an H2-receptor antagonist that is used to reduce stomach acid production for conditions such as gastrointestinal ulcers, inflammation of the stomach due to kidney disease or stress, inflammation of the esophagus, or for acid reflux.
Its use in cats, dogs, and small mammals to treat ulcers is ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.
- Pepto-Bismol Dosage For Dogs: The recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds, according to Dr. Klein. It can be offered to the dog every 6-to-8 hours, but if your dog still has diarrhea after a few doses, stop the medication and call your veterinarian. Also, if you’ve never given Pepto-Bismol to your dog before, check with your veterinarian to confirm the dosage.
- How to administer Pepto-Bismol to Dogs: Use an empty (no needle) plastic syringe to give your dog the medication. Open his mouth, place the empty syringe toward the back of the tongue and push the plunger, then hold his muzzle for a second to ensure he swallows it.
Uses Of Famotidine For Dogs
Famotidine is mainly used to treat gastrointestinal ulcers in dogs. The drug works by binding to receptors in the stomach lining, which results in reduced production of stomach acid Ulcers form when stomach acid or infections, commonly from H. pylori bacteria, damage the stomach or intestines. These ulcers can cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which can become very dangerous. Reducing stomach acid production allows for these ulcers to heal more easily and can even prevent ulcers from forming. The ability of famotidine to reduce stomach acid production is also helpful in the treatment of acid reflux, heartburn, esophagitis, and gastritis. It may also be given to dogs who suffer from renal failure to prevent the formation of ulcers
Famotidine is used to help reduce the amount of stomach acid produced. It aids in the treatment of stomach ulcers that are present and helps prevent ulcer formation. Famotidine can also be used to treat gastritis, esophagitis, and gastric or esophageal reflux as well as prevent stomach or duodenal ulcers in animals with kidney failure.
Dosage Of Famotidine For Dogs
The following is a guideline for typical use of this drug in dogs and must not replace your vet’s advice for your individual pet The usual dosage of famotidine for dogs is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg per pound of body weight given twice a day. Some forms of the drug are sold as over-the-counter medication, but you should not give it to your dog without veterinary approval.
Your vet will be able to tell you the proper dosage for your specific dog Pills usually come in a strength of 10 mg, though they also come in amounts of 20 mg. You should continue to treat your dog with the medication until your veterinarian tells you to stop treatment. If your dog has ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria, your dog will also likely be prescribed antibiotics.
Specification
- Drug Name: Famotidine
- Common Name: Pepcid
- Generics: Yes
- Drug Type: H2 Receptor Antagonist
- Used For: Decrease Stomach Acid
- Species: Dogs, Cats
- Administered: Oral
- How Dispensed: Prescription & Non Prescription
- Available Forms: 10mg (Non-RX), 20mg (RX only)
- FDA Approved: Yes
Prices of Pepcid For Dogs
$14.15 – $25.99