Human OTC Bowel Medications Used in Dogs
- Loperamide (Imodium®) Loperamide, commonly known as Imodium®, is a synthetic piperidine derivative, that is used to treat diarrhea in dogs.
- Psyllium (Metamucil®) Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative, commonly known by the brand name Metamucil® as well as many other generic names.
- Simethicone (Gas-X®) Simethicone, commonly known as Gas-X, is an anti-foaming and anti-flatulence agent used to treat discomfort, pain, bloating, burping, and flatulence caused by excessive intestinal gas.
- Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (Miralax®) Polyethylene glycol 3350, commonly known as MiraLAX®, is used as a laxative to treat canine and feline constipation.
- Culturelle®. Culturelle is a probiotic recommended in dogs with diarrhea, constipation, or dog that have excessive “gas”.
- Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) Bisacodyl is commonly known as Dulcolax® and is used as a laxative to treat constipation for dogs and cats.
- Docusate Sodium (Colace®) Docusate sodium is commonly known as Colace® and is used as a laxative to treat constipation in dogs and cats.
What medications cause dog diarrhea?
“Diarrhea is a common side effect of chemotherapy in dogs, which can be so severe that cancer treatment must be halted.
What foods cause a dog to experience diarrhea?
What Common Foods Can Cause Diarrhea?
- Spicy food. Spicy foods are among the most common causes of food-induced diarrhea. ...
- Sugar substitutes. Sugar substitutes include artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose) and sugar alcohols (e.g., mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol).
- Milk and other dairy products. ...
- Coffee. ...
- Foods that contain caffeine. ...
- Fructose. ...
- Garlic and onions. ...
What is a home remedy for dog diarrhea?
How to Treat Your Dog's Diarrhea at Home
- Rest. Just like with us, rest is important. ...
- Fasting. Ideally, fast your dog for 12 hours to allow their gastrointestinal tract to rest and recover. ...
- Hydration. It is critical that you maintain your dog’s hydration. ...
- After Fasting. ...
- Other Things That Can Help With Diarrhea. ...
- Fiber. ...
- Promote Healing. ...
Are over the counter medications safe for my Dog?
You might find this surprising, but several over-the-counter (OTC) “human medications” also work for cats and dogs. But even though these products are available without a prescription, OTC medications can cause toxic effects in pets if not used correctly.
How to stop a dog from having diarrhea?
Many times the only way to stop dog diarrhea is through trial and error. The following products and procedures can help relieve your dog from his bowl problem. See which works best for your dog. 1. Add fiber to your dog's diet. A product such as Metamucil is appropriate for mixing into your dog's food.
How to mix Metamucil with dog food?
A product such as Metamucil is appropriate for mixing into your dog's food. Stir with water and pour right into your dog's food. The fiber will draw the water out of his stool and provide a fermenting action in his colon, helping to normalize his digestive area. 2.
Does rice help dogs?
For years, rice has been given as a dietary aid to help bind dogs. Today, you can rely on supplements derived from the grain to help stop dog diarrhea. 3. Support your dog's intestinal area.
What is the best food for a dog with a stomach problem?
Plain protein sources such as egg (prepared with no butter or oil) or chicken (without skin) Herbs, such as fennel, have gut-soothing properties. Specially-formulated dog foods: Some manufacturers offer foods that can sooth stomach problems. You may need to obtain these from your vet.
How to get dog stool to be smooth after fasting?
After a fast, food is usually introduced slowly and many people start with binders, which can normalize stool consistency. Some tried-and-true methods include: Rice water: Boil high-quality rice in a lot of water, remove the grains, and offer the dog the creamy white soup that’s left.
What do stool stools tell you about your dog?
What Stools Can Tell You About Your Dog’s Health. The consistency and color of diarrhea reveal a lot about the cause of the problem and what is happening in your dog. Take very careful note of the color, consistency, and anything else that might help when you describe the symptoms to a vet.
How long does it take for a dog to digest food?
There’s actually a name for it in veterinary circles—“garbage toxicosis” or “garbage gut.”. Change in diet: It may take a few days for a dog’s digestive system to adapt to new proteins. That’s why many dog-food manufacturers recommend that you go slow when you switch from one brand of food to another. Food intolerance.
What does it mean when a dog's poop is brown?
Take Note of the Color of the Poop. Color can also indicate a lot about what is going on inside your dog’s gut. Chocolate brown is normal, while colors like orange, green, or gray may signify issues with such organs as liver, gall bladder, or pancreas.
Where does food go in a dog's stomach?
Food travels rapidly down the canine esophagus and enters the stomach in chunks, where most digestion takes place. Canine stomach acids are about three times stronger than those of humans, so they can digest food that is pretty much intact.
Can dogs have diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a common canine affliction and it varies in frequency, duration, and intensity from dog to dog. You may not be able to totally prevent diarrhea, but knowing as much as possible about it might help limit the number times your dog has one of these unpleasant episodes and reduce the duration when the runs do come.
What to do if my dog has diarrhea?
Famotidine (Pepcid AC®) and cimetidine (Tagamet®). These medications are used by to treat or prevent heartburn in people, and they work on dogs too.
What to do if my dog vomits up Pepto Bismol?
But if your dog vomits up the Pepto-Bismol, call your veterinarian. Kaopectate® is another anti-diarrheal that is typically safe and soothes upset stomachs. But at a dose of 1 ml per pound, a large dog needs a lot of Kaopectate. Your veterinarian can prescribe a medication designed for dogs. Loperamide (Imodium® ).
What to do if my dog squints?
However, if your dog continues to squint or blink, take him to your veterinarian right away. He may have an eye infection, a scratch on his cornea, or a foreign body that needs to be removed. If your dog’s eyes look red or swollen, or if you notice a discharge, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What to do if my dog's wound doesn't look better?
If your dog’s wound does not look better after a couple of applications, have it evaluated by your veterinarian. Topical antibiotic ointment. Neosporin® is a common topical antibiotic used on minor cuts and scrapes. This ointment is pretty safe in dogs and should be in every first aid kit. Verify that the ointment only contains antibiotic ...
What is the best way to clean a dog's wound?
Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can be used topically to clean out a superficial flesh wound and can also be given orally to induce vomiting if your dog ingests something he should not have (i.e., your medications, rodenticides, toxic plants).
Why do dogs blink when they bathe?
You can place a couple of drops in your dog’s eyes before giving him a bath to avoid irritation from soap. Artificial tears. If your dog squints or blinks excessively, he may have dry eyes or could have a bit of dust or debris in them. Even the tiniest speck in your eye is annoying and dry eyes are irritating.
Is it safe to give dogs antihistamines?
Antihistamines are usually safe but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive. OTC antihistamine preparations may contain other ingredients such as decongestants that are not safe for dogs. Read the label carefully to ensure that the product only contains antihistamine. Check with your veterinary healthcare team to make sure ...
What is the best medicine for dogs with diarrhea?
Loperamide, commonly known as Imodium®, is a synthetic piperidine derivative, that is used to treat diarrhea in dogs. It works primarily by slowing the movement of the intestines and may also decrease intestinal secretions, and enhance mucosal absorption.
Why do dogs need diphenhydramine?
Diphenhydramine is routinely used for dogs for treatment of symptoms associated with allergies or allergic reactions. Signs of allergies in dogs often include excessive itching and licking of the skin. Dogs with acute allergic reactions can have swollen faces (especially around the muzzle and eyes) and hives.
How long does omeprazole last?
Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors and lasts about 24 hours.
What is the name of the drug that decreases acid production in the stomach?
Ranitidine, commonly known by the brand name Zantac among others, is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist that decreases the production of acid in the stomach. Like Famotidine listed above is commonly used to treat stomach problems such ulcerations.
What is OTC drug?
Drugs you may obtain without a prescription are referred to as “OTC” drugs which means over-the-counter. OTC drugs are available at most pharmacies such as Wal-Mart®, Walgreens®, CVS®, Target®, ...
How much otc is 10 mg?
Common oral sizes include 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. A common OTC size is 10 mg. A common dosage is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg/pound once to twice a day. For example, a 10-pound dog would get 2.5 mg to 5 mg total dose or ¼ to ½ of a 10 mg tablet. A 20-pound dog would get 5 mg to 10 mg per dose which would be ½ to 1 10 mg tablet.
What is culturelle for dogs?
Culturelle is a probiotic recommended in dogs with diarrhea, constipation, or dog that have excessive “gas”. Probiotics are substances that stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestinal flora. They are generally live bacteria and yeasts.
What is the best antibiotic for dog diarrhea?
The most commonly used antibiotic for dog diarrhea is metronidazole.
What to feed a dog with diarrhea?
This kind of feeding includes food low in fat and fiber to help your pet form a solid stool.
What are the signs of food intolerance in dogs?
Food Intolerances. Diarrhea and gas may be the signs of food intolerance. All dog breeds can be hypersensitive to certain types of foods, especially to gluten, fat, and dairy. However, some dog breeds are more vulnerable to these intolerances than others.
How long does diarrhea last in dogs?
Accidental diarrhea can happen to dogs and you shouldn’t be worried as long as the condition ceases after 24 hours. However, persistent diarrhea may require veterinary intervention and the use of some medications. Fortunately, most cases of dog diarrhea can be managed using home remedies.
What happens if a dog has a parasite infestation?
Most dogs with a parasite infestation will have diarrhea along with other symptoms such as scooting and throwing up. The majority of parasites, such as hookworm, giardia, tapeworm, roundworm, and whipworm, aren’t life-threatening for adult dogs.
How long does it take for diarrhea to go away in dogs?
Most cases of diarrhea go away within 48 hours. However, the time may vary from one dog to another. Diarrhea triggers can be as simple as an upset stomach, but they may just as well indicate a more severe condition, such as a bacterial infection, parasitic infestation, or gastrointestinal cancer.
How long does it take for a dog to get diarrhea?
Dog diarrhea after a recent dietary change is quite normal. Many pet parents may not realize that it takes several days for a dog’s digestive system to get accustomed to a new food.
What home remedy can I give my dog for diarrhea?
No one wants to make an unnecessary trip to the vet’s office, especially your pup. Luckily, diarrhea on its own probably won’t need a full checkup, though you should let your vet know before taking on a few of these at-home remedies. Others, however, are as safe and simple as preparing a bland meal or two.
What stops diarrhea fast?
Although many foods and nutrients can help combat canine diarrhea, some options may be more effective than others. It’s best to check in with your veterinarian before trying out any medications, even if they’re over the counter, as not all diarrhea comes from the same root cause.
What is the best antibiotic for dogs?
Neosporin (neomycin/ polymyxin/ bacitracin)- is a common antibiotic ointment used in first aid kits that is safe for your dog. It is used to treat minor burns, scratches, or wounds to prevent infection from occurring. Using this ointment after cleaning the wound is safe and effective.
What is the purpose of decongestant spray for dogs?
Decongestants – obviously, a decongestant’s main job is to clear the blocking that is causing our dog’s breathing issues. They are often offered in nasal sprays however, it is best to consult with your veterinarian on the safety of giving a nasal spray to your dog. Some common decongestant sprays are:
What is the best medicine for pupper allergies?
Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before giving any medication that you can get over the counter. Antihistamines – perhaps the most common and well-known allergy medication is the antihistamine.
How to get rid of dust in dogs?
You can try Epsom salts or eliminating anything new or dust provoking for environmental allergies. Using simple ingredient cleaning products and detergents can also help.
What to do when your dog self mutilates?
Antibiotic ointment – When your dog self mutilates, as stated above, it is vital to treat the secondary infection or issue at hand. Antibiotic creams can be helpful to heal and treat wounds. They do not replace systemic antibiotics if needed; however, they only aid in the topical aspect.
How to help a dog with food allergies?
Using simple ingredient cleaning products and detergents can also help. Doing a food trial is another way to limit what might be giving your dog food allergies. Remember, with a food trial, it is essential to be very strict. You have to adhere closely to giving your dog the right foods.
Can a dog be bothered by allergies?
Whatever the case, your dog is bothered. If this is the first time it has happened to your dog then make sure to consult with a veterinarian. If this has happened before and you’re aware of your dog’s allergies it can be frustrating since they are so general.
