Despite the fact that you might not be familiar with the name, famotidine is a popular human drug. In fact, a lot of individuals keep it on hand at home for sporadic attacks of indigestion and heartburn. In order to treat disorders like acid reflux and uremic gastropathy in dogs, famotidine is also utilized as a stomach acid reducer.
Given its safety and accessibility, famotidine is frequently the first antacid that veterinarians suggest. Even though you can buy this medication over the counter, you should still talk to your doctor before giving it to your dog to make sure it will be both safe and helpful for their condition.
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Continue reading to find out more about famotidine in dogs and how to administer this typical prescription to your dog.
What is Famotidine?
An H2 blocker, or more precisely a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, such as famotidine is used to lessen the formation of stomach acid.
Although there are no veterinary products and it is not FDA-approved for usage in animals, the human medication is used off-label to treat illnesses such esophagitis, gastritis, esophageal reflux, and gastrinoma. It comes in the form of a pill and is available without a prescription.
Is Famotidine a Safe Option for Canine Health?
When given in the proper dosage, famotidine is safe for dogs, and when taken as prescribed by your veterinarian, there are very few negative effects. Although the drug is sold over-the-counter across the nation, you should talk to your vet before giving it to your dog.
What Does Dog-Friendly Famotidine Look Like?
The most popular form of famotidine on the market is an oral tablet. Since famotidine comes in a variety of generic versions, the manufacturer will have an impact on the tablet’s precise look. Other brand names for famotidine include Zantac, Pepcid AC, and Pepcid.
How Famotidine Functions in the Body?
Famotidine prevents the stomach from creating more acid by inhibiting histamine H2 receptors in the stomach. This aids in the relief of symptoms brought on by stomach hyperacidity, including acid indigestion, gastric ulcers, and heartburn. Famotidine, however, has a diminished impact over time with repeated use in dogs and cats, according to studies.
The Role of Famotidine in Dogs
In circumstances when stomach acid can be too much or hazardous, famotidine is used to reduce the acidity. This includes ailments like:
- Esophagitis
- Gastritis
- Gastrinoma
- Gastric ulcers (prevention and treatment)
- Duodenal-gastric reflux
- Esophageal reflux
- Uremic gastropathy
- Exercise-related erosive gastritis
Administering Famotidine to Dogs
Usually, famotidine comes in the form of a pill that you can give to your dog orally. You can conceal the tablet in a goodie like a small piece of cheese or a pill pocket to make taking the medication simpler. Give your dog a treat without the hidden tablet before trying to get it to take it. Then give your dog the treat with the sly pill inside, and offer him another pill-free treat right away. The treats should keep your dog so occupied that they won’t even notice the pill is there!
A different option is to “pill” your dog by giving them the tablet orally and without food. Hold your dog’s head up while doing this, aiming their nose upward. The tablet should be placed as far back on the tongue as you can after gently opening your dog’s mouth. To stimulate swallowing, blow on your dog’s nose or rub their throat while gently holding their mouth closed and directing their head upward. You’ve administered the tablet successfully once they’ve swallowed it!
Potential Side Effects of Famotidine for Dogs
When used in the proper dosages, famotidine is a generally safe treatment, and most dogs do not have any negative side effects. The following negative impacts in people have been documented:
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Pancreatitis
- Drowsiness
- Abnormal liver and renal levels in blood work
- Diarrhea
Famotidine can have negative side effects in dogs, so stop giving it to them and call your vet right away.
Interactions with Other Drugs and Medications
Famotidine may interfere with the absorption of other oral medications because it alters the stomach’s pH and gastric (stomach) acid levels. Famotidine might not be properly absorbed if given along with other oral antacids, too.
Optimal Famotidine Dosage for Dogs
The dosage of famotidine varies according to the size of your dog. Although famotidine is sold without a prescription, you should always check with your doctor to be sure the dosage is right before giving it to your dog. Never administer over-the-counter drugs to your dog unless your vet has advised you to.
What to Do If Your Dog Misses a Famotidine Dose?
Famotidine should be administered to your dog as soon as you remember if they miss a dosage. Don’t administer a double dose to make up for a missed dose if the following dose is soon due. Simply carry on with the recommended dose plan. Consult your veterinarian for advice on the best course of action if your dog constantly forgets to take his or her medication.
Pricing of Famotidine for Dogs
Since famotidine is widely accessible over-the-counter in generic form, it is reasonably priced for dogs. Famotidine for dogs should cost no more than $20 for a 30-day supply, according to pet owners.
Guidelines for Storing Famotidine
Film-coated famotidine pills should be kept in dark, airtight containers and kept at a consistent room temperature (77 degrees Fahrenheit).
It is simple to obtain an ESA letter so that you can always have your dog with you. You can apply for an ESA letter for dog from the comfort of your home and bring your pet with you to locations that allow pets.
