Pepcid for Dogs | All You Need To Know

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Like us, our beloved dogs can have stomach issues. One of the most common stomach issues is the overproduction of stomach acid. If that happens to us, we can simply take Pepcid and solve it. However, is Pepcid safe for dogs? Can we use it to help our dogs deal with issues that are similar to the problems we have?

The FDA has not approved its use on animals, but the truth is - Yes, Pepcid for dogs is safe. If you think your dog can benefit from this drug, here are a few things you should know about Pepcid for dogs, its usage, dosage, and side effects.

What is Pepcid?

Before we go into details about Pepcid for dogs, we need to understand what kind of medication Pepcid actually is. Pepcid is an H2-receptor antagonist used for stomach acid production reduction. Your dog’s stomach can start overproducing acid for several reasons, but the most common ones are

• Stomach ulceration
• Stomach inflammation caused by kidney disease
• Esophagus inflammation
• Acid reflux

The active ingredient in Pepcid is called famotidine. Different famotidine-based medications are prescribed off-label for veterinary use. It is a common practice, and you shouldn’t worry about it. However, you must follow your vet’s instructions.

Is it safe for my dog?

One of the most important questions when deciding on a treatment option for your dog is, “Is that drug safe for my dog?” Naturally, if you’re thinking about giving your dog Pepcid, you’d want to know if Pepcid is safe for your dog. The good news is that Pepcid is safe for dogs. However, there aren’t any studies to prove its safety in dogs. Remember that this is a human medication meant for human use only.

Pepcid side effects

Another thing most dog owners will want to know is whether Pepcid can cause side effects. All drugs are meant to alter the dog’s chemistry, so you should know side effects are possible. Unfortunately, Pepcid is not different. The good news is that side effects are pretty rare. Still, it is a good idea to know them. The most common Pepcid side effects in dogs are;

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Dry skin

These side effects are considered mild, and most vets are not too worried if the dog experiences some. However, if they go on for a couple of days, you should call your vet and make sure they know what’s going on.

Is it effective?

This is another thing dog owners want to know; Is Pepcid effective? Again, since the FDA hasn’t approved its use for dogs, no official efficiency studies exist. However, vets wouldn’t prescribe it to dogs if they didn’t see Pepcid’s value. The answer is - Yes, Pepcid is very effective. It is a fast-acting medication that should help your dog in a couple of hours after administration. 

When should my dog take Pepcid?

We first need to mention that you should never medicate your dog without talking to your vet first. They will know how and why your dog should take Pepcid. The most common reasons vets prescribe Pepcid to dogs are;

• Parvovirus
• Acid reflux
• Chronic vomiting
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Ingestion of ulcerating toxins
• Megaesophagus
• Inflammation of the stomach lining

What is the dosage of Pepcid for dogs?

After you visit your vet and they take a detailed look at your dog, they should tell you the best dosage. Since Pepcid is prescribed for different conditions, it is possible the exact dosage can differ. However, the most common dosage vets prescribe is 0,5 milligrams per pound of body weight, two times a day.

How is it administered?

Pepcid comes in the form of pills and oral suspension. However, pills are a lot easier to measure and administer to dogs. It should be given on an empty stomach before the first meal. If the dog starts vomiting, you can give them the pill with some food or treats.

Where can I get Pepcid for my dog?

You can buy Pepcid in most pharmacies around the country. It is sold as an over-the-counter medication. If you prefer, you can order it online on Amazon. You can get generic famotidine tablets on Chewy’s online pharmacy.

World Dog Finder team