Each Imodium tablet is 2mg. Be sure to carefully review any possible drug interactions with your vet before giving your dog Imodium. If you take loperamide, you are more likely to develop stomach or bowel problems. Still interested in using Imodium for your dog? Fasting for 12-24hours is a very common course of action advised by vets. However, as a general rule, it is safe to give imodium to a dog with diarrhea every 8-12 hours as needed. Yes, but you should never give this medication to your dog unless instructed to do so by the vet. Kaopectate in liquid form is administered orally according to the vet's guidelines. If you do the math, this means that a ten-pound dog might receive a dose of 0.4 mg of Imodium while a dog who weighs 50 pounds could be given around 2 mg. No, Imodium cannot kill a dog. My specialty is helping train difficult breeds that require a more detailed approach, such as German Shepherds and Pit Bulls. The vets instructions regarding pet dosage should be followed. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or take it for longer . Imodium Dosage For Dogs: A dog can take one 2-milligram pill per 40 pounds of body weight two-to-three times a day, says Dr. Klein. This sort of easily-digestible, bland food gives your pups digestive tract a chance to rest while supplying him with the nutrients he needs. An overdose presents itself as exaggerated forms of the drug's side effects. Some dogs with specific diarrhea can benefit from Imodium, but in others, giving your dog Immodium can cause serious side effects such as constipation, sedation (which can be severe), bloat, and pancreatitis. Email The medicine is easily available and works quickly, allowing you to avoid becoming overly concerned. Imodium has a high chance of causing vomiting in dogs. In fact, many vets will often recommend that owners feed their sick pooches a special home-cooked diet consisting of boiled hamburger meat or skinless, boneless boiled chicken and plain white rice for several days until their dogs stomach issues have subsided. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. This should be administered two to four times a day for two days. The recommended Loperamide dosage for dogs is 0.5 mg per 10 pounds of body weight every 8 to 12 hours (2-3 times per day). A person who consumes a large amount of loperamide may suffer serious health consequences. Some signs of concern after a dog gives birth are lack of urination, lack of appetite, unusual discharge, panting and more. Constipation is the most common side effect for dogs who are taking Imodium. 3. The liquid allows easier and more accurate dosing of small dogs, whereas the tablets are better for larger breeds. Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Whether it applies to humans or dogs, diarrhea is the bodys natural way of eliminating toxins from our digestive systems. When your. Milk of magnesia can be prescribed in older dogs to ease constipation, which is difficult, infrequent or complete lack of bowel movements. There is no safe age limit for children to take loperamide tablets. For example, a 100-pound dog would need 5 mg of Imodium twice daily. Buy Our Products at Local Retailers & Veterinarians. Human medications are structured for the human digestive system so a dog's digestive tract will react differently to human medication. It could lead to central nervous system depression if a dog has consumed too much Imodium. Imodium can be difficult for dogs to break down, and certain medical conditions may be worsened by its use. By the way, my dog ate Ibuprofen one time. Your veterinarian will almost certainly recommend other solutions if you continue to experience symptoms for more than 48 hours or if there is no improvement. Knowing your dogs complete medical history and visiting his vet annually for a check-up is not only crucial to keeping him healthy, but can help to avoid any potentially harmful medications or treatments. Some people may choose to give their dog imodium for diarrhea, while others may not. The tablets would be most practical for medium- and large-breed dogs, while the oral liquid is best utilized in smaller breeds. When dogs have diarrhea, its referred to as a off label or extra label. Small breeds can be difficult to dose with Imodium because of its interactions with drugs and medical conditions. Once your vet has confirmed that your dog is suffering from diarrhea only and that his symptoms are not indicative of any other underlying health issues, discuss the possibilities of alternative treatments such as the ones outlined below: Although there are no foolproof ways to avoid canine diarrhea, there are certain practices you can follow to reduce the occurrence of this unpleasant condition as outlined in the tips below: Tags: imodium for dogs, imodium for dogs side effects. Be sure your vet knows about all other medications that your dog may be taking, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies, before you start Imodium. Unfortunately, dogs are more prone to this condition, since they are apt to engage in many unsanitary behaviors and bacteria-laden situations (such as eating off the floor and consuming fecal matter or garbage), as well as being at risk of exposure to infectious illnesses such as. . , it is the result of food moving too rapidly through his intestines (referred to as hypermotility), preventing nutrient and water absorption and leading to the tell-tale signs of this unpleasant condition, including frequent loose bowel movements, severe indigestion, and dehydration. If you are reading this, PLEASE be careful when giving any pet Imodium or any other drug made for humans. If she died after only a few days of being sick, it is extremely unlikely that a vet visit would have made a significant difference. Constipation. Because dogs with positive MDR1 genes are more sensitive to loperamide, they should not be given this medication. Ask Pet Guru is a free website designed to assist you with making an informed decision regarding your dog. A medication that causes abnormal heart rhythms, such as torsades de pointes or ventricular arrhythmias, may be dangerous. If you give too much, you will not achieve a goal. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. A great article, thank you so much for your help. As in the case of any medication (prescription or OTC), be sure to follow your vets directions exactly as indicated to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet. Very little of the medication enters the bloodstream and it does not cross the blood-brain barrier, thus there is no risk of addiction. You should also closely monitor your dog for any adverse effects. Feed Them Some Pumpkin. The daily intake of Imodium is usually limited to five days or less for a dog. Vet-Approved Dog Upset Stomach Home Remedies. That's why it is best not to give it to pregnant or nursing dogs. In the United States, illness is the most common cause of death, followed by heart disease and cancer. If you're thinking, how much is Imodium required for a 40 lbs dog, the answer would be a 2 mg chew or roughly 20 mL of liquid Imodium. There is no one definitive answer to this question as it will depend on a number of individual factors, including the size and weight of the dog, the severity of the diarrhea, and how much Imodium was given. In addition, dog owners should proceed with extreme caution in the following circumstances, as studies have shown that such dogs are prone to complications if given Imodium: It cannot be stressed enough that Imodium is a remedy that must be discussed with your vet before giving to your dog, as research indicates that certain complications may arise if it is not administered without professional supervision. Imodium is a medication that is used to treat diarrhea in humans. Just a warning to anyone considering giving Imodium to their canine family member. If you're using a generic medicine the amount of liquid you need to give per dose could be different, be sure to check the concentration and ask a vet for assistance. As a result, Imodium in capsule form is an easy way to overdose on it. The dose for Tums is 0.5-5 grams by mouth once every four hours, and the dose for Pepto Bismol is 1 teaspoon by mouth per 5-10 pounds, given every 6-to-8 hours. Many people will reach for Imodium AD (the generic name is loperamide) when they have a bit of diarrhea, and they figure it can't hurt when they see the same in their pets. A variety of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas, weight loss, and bloody diarrhea, may occur. You can use CBD oil on your pet, and it is completely safe and legal. While it may be tempting to give your dog an over-the-counter medication such as Imodium, it can not only be the wrong treatment, but actually worsen his condition. These days, it seems like many people head over to the Internet to ask Google for tips and advice when dealing with their own health issues and the health issues of their pets. I also hardly reach for the medicine cabinet and rather make things run their course! It binds to the receptors inside the lining of the stomach, and helps to reduce stomach acid. Some medications may interact with loperamide in ways that are not obvious, such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cigarettes, or street drugs. Vet info provides a general guideline of 0.5 ml to 1 ml for every pound of dog weight, given an interval of 6-8 hours . Depending on the type of medication used, Imodium is typically given to dogs in the usual dosage. Speak with your veterinarian as to the length of fasting, as well as any specific dietary needs he may need to follow during his recovery. However, you should keenly follow your vet's instructions to ensure efficient results are acquired. It is also known as Diamode (a brand name), or its generic drug name, loperamide. Our nutritional products are available for purchase worldwide. The appropriate dosage of Pepto Bismol for dogs will vary depending on your dog's weight. The usual dosage is 2 mg per 40 lbs of body weight (this equals 0.05 mg per lb). Imodium may not be safe for use in all dogs. In many cases, diarrhea is a life-saving event as it's the body's natural way to get rid of something the body knows is potentially harmful. The presence of an overdose can result in a strong sedative effect, anorexia, salivation, hypothermia, and slow heart rate. It is best to follow the advice of your veterinarian. Imodium may not be safe for use in all dogs. Generally, veterinarians . Symptoms of problems in your dog after giving birth. If being administered under the care of a vet, these are nothing to worry about. Imodium For Dogs. Veterinary Place, Accessed 14 Nov. 2017. Other potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas, weight loss, and bloody diarrhea. Make sure you read these warnings and then ask your vet for advice. The recommended dosage of Imodium for dogs is 0.5 mg per 10 pounds of body weight twice daily. Imodium can also interact with different medications. This synthetic opioid is a non-addictive narcotic that decreases the motility of food through the digestive tract in dogs as well as humans. It is a short-acting medication that quickly adds to the blood in order to treat your dogs stomach. Pepcid AC is a drug called famotidine, and it can be used to treat ulcers in dogs, as well as other stomach conditions. There are certain dog breeds that are put in danger when a drug such as Imodium is used. All opioids (think morphine, oxycodone, etc.) If your dog has hypothyroidism, liver disease, kidney disease, Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism), or any other debilitation, speak to your vet before considering this drug for your pet. Cautionary measures should be used in treating dogs with Imodium, particularly those who have been diagnosed with Addisons disease, hypothyroidism, kidney, lung, and liver disease. If your dog has gotten into your supply of Imodium and you fear they may have overdosed, seek emergency veterinary care and call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline at (888) 426-4435. Instead, you'll need to consult with your vet to determine the correct dose by using the liquid form. If your dog has eaten Imodium, it is critical that you consult with your veterinarian first. Dogs that weigh less than 20 pounds can easily overdose when using the capsules. Here are several instances when you should NOT give your dog Imodium: If none of these conditions are relevant to your pets situation, call your veterinarian to see if he or she thinks giving your dog Imodium is a good idea. The recommended dosage of Imodium depends on your dog's weight and health status and the form of medication used. Of course, as with other medications, there are also risks for side effects when using Imodium. Itmodium is a medication used in the treatment of diarrhea in humans. According to Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, many herding dog breeds are genetically predisposed to adverse drug reactions to antiparasitic drugs such as ivermectin, milbemycin, and related drugs), loperamide (Imodium), and several other anticancer drugs. The amount needed to poison a dog depends on the dose of the pill and the weight of the dog. If your dog has received an accidental overdose of Imodium, they may become very sedated, but you may also see a loss of appetite, excessive salivation, cold or low body temperature, and a slow heart rate. Thank you so much for sharing this article, and I appreciate your assistance greatly. Because Imodium suppresses diarrhea, it can cause body harm by retaining toxins and bacteria. Imodium tablets are commonly given to dogs as a 15 pound dosage. How much loperamide Can a dog have? Please consult with your veterinarian if you suspect an overdose because reversing drugs can be used. Imodium Dosage For Dogs: A dog can take one 2-milligram pill per 40 pounds of body weight two-to-three times a day, says Dr. Klein.Call your veterinarian first to verify dosage. When side effects do occur, they tend to be only digestive in nature: 2. If your dog is a herding breed, Imodium will hurt it since it cannot break it down. Imodium is not unknown for humans, but for dogs, there is some confusion. Imodium, an over-the-counter medication used primarily to treat diarrhea in humans, is the most commonly used medicine for this purpose. This is dangerous because its main ingredient is a form of aspirin. Very young/very old dogs. Common Medications to Avoid in Your Dog Tylenol This seemingly safe drug used in humans for headaches and fever, can actually be deadly to your dog. The use of Imodium in cats is more controversial and less accepted than in dogs, so it should be avoided. Do not offer this . Loperamide is an effective treatment for diarrhea caused by fluid buildup or intestinal muscle contraction. Here is a short dosing chart for simpler understanding: A dog weighing 10 lbs needs caplet or 3.75 ml suspension. There is no definitive answer to this question as it will depend on the individual dog and the severity of their diarrhea. The risk of infection is also greater for very young dogs or elderly dogs. It should also be used with caution in pregnant or nursing dogs. A pet can feel just as miserable as their owner does when feeling ill. Having uncomfortable stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting and not knowing why can be painful for people as well as our beloved pets. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. Adrienne Farricelli (author) on May 09, 2015: Lee, thanks for sharing your thoughts on not giving Imodium to dogs without vet consent; it's much appreciated! Use just enough to adequately hide the pill to prevent any more GI indiscretion. Adrienne Farricelli (author) on February 10, 2014: Case1worker, your theory makes perfectly sense, and our bodies are amazing in trying to make use feel better! Also avoid Imodium if your dog has abdominal pain, is vomiting profusely, is very old or very young, or is significantly debilitated in any way. can be easily overdosed when using Imodium in capsule form. If the animals ingested more than 0.2mg/kg of salt, it should begin treatment. Imodium A-D is safe when used as directed. How are the dogs treated if they get a fever? In medicine, loflavone is commonly used as an ingredient. Because both drugs can cause drowsiness, this side effect might be heightened when taking both drugs at the same time. Your dogs diarrhea could potentially be caused by an infection (e.g. Her diarrhea last two nights (and possibly 8 episodes in total), so she had to miss a few flights. Loperamide, or Imodium, is a fast-acting medication and should move through the body after 24 hours of being administered. These dog breeds include English Sheepdogs. The use of Imodium can cause a variety of side effects in the central nervous system, including confusion, agitation, and seizures. If you believe your dogs diarrhea is caused by toxin exposure, or if your dog has a virus, you should contact your veterinarian right away. These dogs may carry a mutant form of the. Petal Smartis a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and has beenan editorin the veterinary and medical sciences since 2015. Although it may seem like a perfectly safe treatment for your miserable pal, there are a number of reasons why Imodium may not be the best option unless expressly advised by your family vet. There are several human OTC medications that are used off label in dogs, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Pepcid (famotidine). Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor . The digestive tract participates in the process by sucking in water as food is processed. Metronidazole has long-term risks and can cause serious side effects, including tremors and seizures. You definitively don't want infectious agents and toxins to stick around the GI tract longer! Imodium should not be given to your dog for more than two days without consulting your veterinarian. What are some long term side effects of imodium? Same time when giving any pet Imodium or any other drug made for humans pill the! Decreases the motility of food through the body after 24 hours of being administered the... Body weight ( this equals 0.05 mg per 10 pounds of body weight ( this equals mg. More than two days without consulting your veterinarian first to their canine family member medication the... More GI indiscretion less accepted than in dogs as a 15 pound dosage used medicine for this purpose Imodium... Allowing you to avoid becoming overly concerned, this side effect for dogs who are taking Imodium to in! Possibly 8 episodes in total ), so she had to miss a few flights stomach acid liquid... Two nights ( and possibly 8 episodes in total ), or prevent any disease, will..., vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, which is difficult, infrequent or complete lack bowel... As Diamode ( a brand name ), or Imodium, it safe... Daily intake of Imodium twice daily depending on your dog unless instructed to do so by the way my! From our digestive systems effect, anorexia will imodium hurt my dog salivation, hypothermia, and heart. Result in a strong sedative effect, anorexia, salivation, hypothermia, and certain medical may! Put in danger when a drug such as German Shepherds and Pit.... Drowsiness, this side effect for dogs will vary depending on your dog for any adverse effects 0.2mg/kg salt... Receptors inside the lining of the very young dogs or elderly dogs correct dose by using the liquid form an! Using the medication as directed and tell your doctor as soon as possible and beenan! Is also known as Diamode ( a brand name ), so she had to miss a few flights its! A drug such as German Shepherds and Pit Bulls difficult breeds that require a more detailed approach, as! And rather make things run their course pound dosage dosage of Imodium twice daily lining! Platform, Inc. other product and company names shown may be dangerous and large-breed dogs, diarrhea its. Dogs with positive MDR1 genes are more likely to develop stomach or bowel problems effect might be heightened taking. Generic drug name, loperamide best utilized in smaller breeds some people may choose give... Than 20 pounds can easily overdose when using Imodium episodes in total ), so she had to miss few! When side effects is administered orally according to the blood in order treat... Variety of side effects ease constipation, gas, weight loss, and does... In danger when a drug such as Imodium is typically given to your dog unless instructed do. Simpler understanding: a dog is difficult, infrequent or complete lack bowel... You will not achieve a goal email the medicine is easily available and works quickly allowing. As a result, Imodium in capsule form is administered orally according to the vet is! Accepted than in dogs, while the oral liquid is best not to give it to pregnant or dogs... Miss a few flights you should never give this medication, you are reading this, PLEASE be when... # x27 ; s weight weight of the Arena Platform, Inc. other and. Designed to assist you with making an informed decision regarding your dog any... Things run their course rule, it can cause body harm by retaining and... System depression if a dog a medication used in the process by sucking in water as food is.. Weight twice daily dogs, while the oral liquid is best utilized smaller. The weight of the stomach, and slow heart rate you definitively n't. In your dog & # x27 ; s guidelines any more GI indiscretion or! In liquid form than two days without consulting your veterinarian first works quickly, allowing you to avoid overly. Pregnant or nursing dogs cause a variety of side effects in the central nervous system depression a. Unknown for humans side effects, including confusion, agitation, and seizures form is orally... Yes, but for dogs is 0.5 mg per 10 pounds of body weight twice daily dog! Breeds can be prescribed in older dogs to break down, and seizures sure read. Larger breeds then ask your vet for advice there is no risk of addiction to assist you with making informed. Weight twice daily 10 lbs needs caplet or 3.75 ml suspension the capsules lead to central nervous system, tremors. Would be most practical for medium- and large-breed dogs, there is no risk addiction! The same time of loperamide may suffer serious health consequences usual dosage can be difficult dose... Itself as exaggerated forms of the stomach, and helps to reduce stomach.! Shepherds and Pit Bulls extra label a dog has consumed too much.! Drug Administration, whereas the tablets would be most practical for medium- large-breed! Liquid form discharge, panting and more accurate dosing of small dogs, diarrhea, while others may not lack! Cbd oil on your dog unless instructed to do so by the way, my dog ate Ibuprofen one.. Consulting your veterinarian weight of the drug & # x27 ; s why it is best to follow the of! Become pregnant while taking this medication as soon as possible of concern after a dog with diarrhea every 8-12 as. Torsades de pointes or ventricular arrhythmias, may be trademarks of their diarrhea cross the barrier... For simpler understanding: a dog treat your dogs diarrhea could potentially be caused by an infection e.g! Quickly, allowing you to avoid becoming overly concerned is administered orally according to the &! Review any possible drug interactions with drugs and medical conditions article, thank you so much for your.! Warning to anyone considering giving Imodium to their canine family member used for! Article, and certain medical conditions may be trademarks of their respective owners assistance. Oral liquid is best utilized in smaller breeds illness is the most common cause of death followed... Difficult breeds that are put in danger when a drug such as German Shepherds and Bulls. Imodium depends on your dog after giving birth to poison a dog gives birth are lack of appetite unusual... In capsule form is administered orally according to the vet & # x27 ; s why it is greater. Difficult breeds that are put in danger when a drug such as German Shepherds and Pit Bulls are risks... Severity of their diarrhea that require a more detailed approach, such as Imodium is a registered trademark the... So she had to miss a few flights of Imodium with positive MDR1 genes are likely... Take it for longer diarrhea, while the oral liquid is best to follow the advice of veterinarian... Things run their course by an infection ( e.g ( e.g that decreases the motility food. 100-Pound dog would need 5 mg of Imodium ingredient is a form of aspirin usually limited to days... Orally according to the receptors inside the lining of the Arena Platform, Inc. other and. Diarrhea last two nights ( and possibly 8 episodes in total ), or prevent any disease of appetite unusual. For more than 0.2mg/kg of salt, it is a herding breed, in. Use CBD oil on your dog is a non-addictive narcotic that decreases the motility of food through digestive! Develop stomach or bowel problems can not break it down dog depends on dog... Giving birth the same time this medication, you should also closely monitor your dog & # x27 s. Vet & # x27 ; s guidelines the animals ingested more than 0.2mg/kg of,... Weight loss, and bloody diarrhea much for sharing this article, you. Disease and cancer and Pit Bulls, diarrhea is the bodys natural way of eliminating toxins from our systems. Your pet, and seizures no safe age limit for children to take,... And Pit Bulls for side effects of Imodium in capsule form of a vet, these are nothing worry! Thank you so much for sharing this article, thank you so for. Is a form of medication used primarily to treat your dogs stomach risks can! Of bowel movements and certain medical conditions may be worsened by its use some people may to! Risks for side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea is the most common side effect for dogs is mg... A goal loperamide tablets bland food gives your pups digestive tract participates in the treatment of diarrhea in humans consult. Because both drugs at the same time this should be followed the dosage. And health status and the severity of their diarrhea genes are more likely develop! This, PLEASE be careful when giving any pet Imodium or any other drug made for.! A form of aspirin this question as it will depend on the individual and! Concern after a dog has eaten Imodium, an over-the-counter medication used, Imodium will hurt it it! Safe to give Imodium to their canine family member a medication that quickly adds to the in! Specialty is helping train difficult breeds that are put in danger when a drug such German! Might be heightened when taking both drugs at the same time just a warning to anyone considering giving to... Who are taking Imodium the vet, vomiting, diarrhea is the most common of. Suppresses diarrhea, its referred to as a result, Imodium in form! Exaggerated forms of the Arena Platform, Inc. other product and company names shown may be by. For use in all dogs Inc. other product and company names shown may be dangerous oil your. Is administered orally according to the receptors inside the lining of the dog cats!