Zantac and Pepcid are prescription drugs for humans that also happen to be used for dogs. They are both antacid/anti-inflammatory drugs that have been found to be effective in treating certain conditions in dogs, including heartburn, acid reflux, and inflammation of the esophagus.
Is it safe to give a dog Zantac?
Zantac generally isn’t dangerous when it is used responsibility on a healthy dog. On the other hand…. There is reason to believe Ranitidine is ineffective for dogs (more on this later). In any case, it’s recommended that you talk with a vet before giving this drug. Get their expert opinion.
Is Pepcid dangerous for dogs?
One thing to note is that Pepcid can be dangerous for dogs that are suffering from kidney problems, liver problems, and stomach cancer. Also, some dogs are just sensitive to any type of medication. It is also not recommended for dogs that are pregnant or nursing.
How much Pepcid can I give my Dog?
If your vet has recommended a famotidine product for your pet, a good starting point is Pepcid 20mg. An example of how much to give is one 20mg tablet to a 40kg Labrador. So, What is Famotidine used for in Dogs?
Can I give my Dog Pepcid AC for upset stomach?
Dogs can take Pepcid AC to calm an upset stomach, stop vomiting, or relief diarrhea. Also known as famotidine, Pepcid can be given to dogs to treat many different gastrointestinal issues, including stomach ulcers, gastritis, and acid reflux.
Can I give my dog human Zantac?
Although it is available over-the-counter, this drug should not be given to dogs without veterinary supervision, and you should follow your vet's instructions closely when giving any medication to your dog. Here is what you should know about the uses, dosage, and side effects of ranitidine for dogs.
How much Zantac do I give a dog?
Dosing Information of Ranitidine for Dogs and Cats In dogs, the typical dose administered is 0.25 to 1 mg per pound (0.5 to 2 mg/kg), every 8 to 12 hours. It can be administered orally or by injection. In cats, the recommended dose is 1.5 to 1.75 mg per pound (3.5 mg//kg) every 12 hours.
How much Pepcid can you give a dog?
The standard recommended dosage is 10 mg for a 20 lb dog up to twice daily. However, before giving Pepcid® to your dog, always consult your veterinarian for advice and an official diagnosis, as some conditions may be masked by this medication and may worsen. Pepcid® works best when given on an empty stomach.
What is the best acid reducer for dogs?
Famotidine, also known by the brand name Pepcid, is a drug that can be given to dog to treat a variety of gastrointestinal conditions. It works by reducing the production of stomach acid in dogs, which can help treat stomach ulcers, acid reflux, and gastritis.
What can I give my dog instead of Zantac?
Chewable antacids that people pop for heartburn are not very effective in dogs because they aren't strong enough to counter acidity and they don't last long. Another option is omeprazole, a type of drug called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is available over the counter as Prilosec OTC.
Is famotidine safe for dogs?
Famotidine for dogs is generally safe, and very rarely do any dogs suffer from any side effects. When you give your pet Famotidine for dogs, you can keep an eye out for appetite loss, constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness, and headaches.
Will Pepcid hurt my dog?
Famotidine is available over-the-counter, but should not be administered unless under the supervision and guidance of a veterinarian. Pepcid is one of 15 human over-the-counter drugs considered safe for dogs.
How quickly does Pepcid work in dogs?
1 to 2 hoursThis medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours; however, effects may not be visibly noticeable, and your veterinarian may need to do laboratory tests to evaluate if the medication is working.
What over-the-counter medicine can you give a dog for upset stomach?
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®) is commonly kept in medicine cabinets for digestive upsets and can be administered to your dog. If your dog has never taken it before, check with your veterinary healthcare team before dosing.
What can I give my dog for acid reflux at home?
7 Tricks that may help your GERD DogFresh Ginger. My chiropractor suggested we try ginger once per day for Pebbles since it appears to help people with the same condition. ... Slippery Elm. ... Pre and Probiotics. ... Digestive Enzymes. ... Smaller, more frequent Meals. ... Sleeping with an Elevated Head. ... Chiropractic Adjustments.
Is Pepcid or omeprazole better for dogs?
In published studies in healthy dogs and cats, omeprazole has proven to be more effective at raising intragastric pH than famotidine and is often recommended for the treatment of erosive and ulcerative GI disease.
How do you get rid of acid reflux in dogs?
Most treatment is done at home, by withholding food for one to two days, and thereafter following a dietary regimen of low-fat, low-protein meals given in small, frequent feedings.
Is Zantac ineffective?
If that doesn’t scare you…. There is reason to believe the active ingredient Zantac is largely ineffective (more on this later). One thing is absolutely certain: A vet must sign off before this drug can be responsibly given.
Can a dog take Zantac?
Get Your Pet Diagnosed. The fact is dogs tend to be fast eaters. Indigestion, upset stomach and acid reflux are not that out-of-the-ordinary. In other words, Zantac may not be needed. Sure, sometimes you may observe indications of stomach and/or intestinal ulcers.
Is Zantac dangerous after a nitrosamine reaction?
First, the good news: Overdoses and allergic reactions are pretty rare. And, until recently, Zantac generally was not considered dangerous — but that all changed after Ranitidine may contain carcinogens in the form of nitrosamine impurities. If that doesn’t scare you….
Can you take Zantac on an empty stomach?
Zantac should only be taken on an empty stomach and is typically provided in 8-12 hour intervals. Ranitidine Warning: Animals with kidney or liver problems as well as those with heart abnormalities are at an increased risk of side effects. This also applies to pregnant dogs.
Is Prilosec a good histamine blocker for dogs?
Pepcid and Prilosec have been proven to be better histamine blockers for reducing stomach acid secretion. Truth be told, Zantac should not be your first choice — even though it is not considered a risky med. Hold off on giving Ranitidine and, instead, get your dog a proper diagnosis.
What is the best medicine for dogs with ulcers?
Pepcid AC is a drug called famotidine, and it can be used to treat ulcers in dogs, as well as other stomach conditions. It binds to the receptors inside the lining of the stomach, and helps to reduce stomach acid. This in turn helps to heal ulcers faster, as well as keep new ulcers from forming, because there is less stomach acid which causes ...
How long does it take for a dog's stomach to go away?
In most cases, stomach upset in dogs is temporary, and will go away on its own in a few hours or up to a day or two. In these cases, Pepcid will help to treat those uncomfortable symptoms and help make your dogs feel better.
Can dogs take pepcid?
Dogs can take Pepcid AC to calm an upset stomach, stop vomiting, or relief diarrhea. Also known as famotidine, Pepcid can be given to dogs to treat many different gastrointestinal issues, including stomach ulcers, gastritis, and acid reflux.
Can dogs have stomach issues?
Published January 23, 2021 by DFG Staff. Just like humans, dogs can be susceptible to an upset stomach as well as a number of gastro intestinal issues. In some cases, the same treatments we use for ourselves can be used to help our dogs.
Is it easier to give a dog a pill or liquid?
There are two options, liquid and pill form. The liquid form is much easier to administer, as it is easier to measure the correct dosage. However, you should always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dosage for your dog which may differ from general recommendations.
Can Pepcid cause stomach problems in dogs?
One of the main reasons why many vets choose to treat stomach problems in dogs with Pepcid AC is that there are few to no side effects. Any side effects are usually very rare, and very minimal, and can include loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, drowsiness, and headaches.
Can I Give Pepcid AC to My Dog?
Famotidine is a histamine blocker — it blocks histamine from creating allergic reactions in the dog’s body.
Is Pepcid AC Safe?
It is safe to give Pepcid AC to your dog if you follow your vet’s instructions.
The Efficacy of Pepcid AC
Famotidine is among the leading effective stomach acid suppressants for dogs.
How Much Pepcid AC Should I Give My Dog?
You must follow the veterinarian’s prescription as you administer Pepcid AC to your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pepcid AC’s active ingredient, famotidine, works differently from other antihistamines that treat nasal and skin allergies in dogs.
What is the best medicine for dogs with ulcers?
Pepcid-AC or Famotidine is used by veterinarians for the treatment of gastric and intestinal ulcers in dogs. It's proven to be safe and it works by suppressing the secretion of stomach acid so that the ulceration can heal.
Why are dogs toxic?
These can be toxic due to physical and chemical differences between dogs and humans. A dog's body cannot breakdown certain chemicals found in human medicine, like acetaminophen. As a result, the chemicals attach to the dog's liver and slowly destroy it. Other than the fact that dogs are dogs and not humans, it's also the size ...
Can you give a dog meds that are not intended for them?
You should never give anything to your pet that is not intended for them without consulting a veterinarian first. You will also notice that as per dosage warnings among the safe human meds for dogs below, we have NOT included any dosing information – this is done intentionally.
Is Benadryl safe for dogs?
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Benadryl is used in veterinary practices as a treatment for allergies, motion sickness, and travel anxiety. It's also a popular human medicine for dogs and it's often used in veterinary practice . But there were also cases of diphenhydramine poisoning in dogs.
Is it safe to give dogs NSAIDs?
While technically it can be one of the safe human meds for dogs, there are many other (and better) dog-specific NSAID’s available for pain, or even less potent pain relievers that are safer for dogs to take that you can procure from your vet.
Can I give my dog Pepto Bismol?
If your dog has diarrhea or upset stomach, it’s best to use a dog diarrhea medication or stomach upset aids, but if you are in a pinch, make sure to call your vet before giving your dog Pepto-Bismol. Your vet will help you to determine whether it’s safe for your individual dog and if so, what the safe dosage is.
Can dogs take loperamide?
Imodium is a tricky medication. Some dogs with diarrhea can take loperamide and it's safe for them. However, it can cause side effects in other dogs as show in studies, so it should never be given without veterinary supervision.
What is the best medicine for dogs stomach?
Tagamet is a histamine blocker (antagonist) which means it will reduce the amount of stomach acid in your dog’s tummy. Cimetidine is really effective at creating gastrointestinal conditions that allow for stomach normalization.
How often should I give my dog Tagamet?
A general rule of thumb is 3-5mg for each pound of your dog’s body weight. Breakup tablets or use the liquid form. A dose is typically given every 6 to 8 hours. Remember that Tagamet can negatively interact with other drugs. If your dog is approved, make sure they complete the prescription unless instructed otherwise.
Is Cimetidine HCI dangerous for dogs?
Reasonably dosed Cimetidine HCI is not known to be dangerous. And it can alleviate gastric issues for animals as well. With that being said…. Pepto Bismol has much more of a track record. And sometimes the best course of action is to get your dog a quality probiotic.
Does Tagamet cause heart problems in dogs?
Typical side effects include a reduced heart-rate and lack of coordination and/or sluggishness. There are actually not a lot of observable symptoms that dogs exhibit from taking Tagamet. Again, involve your vet before giving Cimetidine or similar products as doing so will reduce risks.
Can a dog take cipetidine?
But long term use is questionable. Your dog needs a diagnosis for chronic or recurring problems.
Does Tagamet help dogs with stomach pain?
It is common knowledge that Cimetidine reduces stomach acid which, in turn, helps with acid indigestion and heartburn. But Tagamet can also help your dog with gastrointestinal symptoms such as inflammation of the esophagus (megaesophagus) or stomach.