Just like in people, Imodium is used primarily in dogs to treat diarrhea , but it may also prove beneficial for other gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome and acute colitis.
Dogs can have diarrhea for a multitude of reasons, though, and not all of them should be treated with Imodium. So make sure to check with your vet whether your dog's diarrhea would be responsive to Imodium or not before starting. Imodium is readily available in 2 mg tablets. The tablets would be most practical for medium dogs and larger, while the oral liquid is best utilized in small breed dogs.
The usual dosage is 2 mg per 40 lbs of body weight this equals 0. So a 40 lb dog would receive 1 full tablet, a 20 lb dog would receive half of a tablet, and a 10 lb dog would receive a quarter of a tablet. If your dog is less than 10 lbs, you may find it difficult to split a tablet small enough for them. Imodium is also readily available as an oral liquid at a concentration of 1 mg per 7.
At this concentration, the dosage would be about 0. Some of the flavorings and additives that are used to make oral liquid medications more palatable for people may not be safe for dogs, so always check the list of inactive ingredients and consult your veterinarian before giving to your dog. To administer the medication, simply wrap the tablet in a small piece of high value food, such as a pill pocket, chicken, bread, etc.
Use just enough to adequately hide the pill to prevent any more GI indiscretion. The oral liquid is most easily measured out and administered with a syringe with measurements on it. When in doubt, check with your local veterinarian. Known generically as loperamide, Imodium is a synthetic opioid that was originally developed as a pain management medication.
One of the side effects of Imodium in both humans and dogs is constipation, so the medication quickly became an antidote to diarrhea. And it still is today. The same holds true for Imodium. In fact, it can prove quite dangerous for many dogs. Imodium can be safe for a dog when given with the direct approval and guidance of a veterinarian.
But for many dogs, this medication is no-go. These include abdominal pain, bloating, lethargy, central nervous system depression, and weight loss, among others.
In MDR1-affected dogs, certain drug components cross the blood-brain barrier and end up leaking into the liver, or central nervous system, causing toxicity and even death. Symptoms of toxicity include drooling, ataxia, blindness, coma, and respiratory problems. If you are concerned about your dog being MDR-1 affected you can have him tested.
As with many other drugs, there are risks for the drug to cause problems in dogs with certain conditions. While you may think your dog is healthy, you may not be aware of underlying conditions that aren't readily recognizable and may even be missed by vets at your dog's annual exam.
Loperamide should be used with caution in dogs with hypothyroidism , kidney disease, Addison's disease, dogs with head injuries, lung disease, acute abdominal pain or liver disease explains veterinarian Dawn Ruben. The dosage of Imodium is 1 Imodium capsule 2 mg per pound dogs, according to veterinarian Dawn Ruben.
Dogs that weigh less than 20 pounds can easily overdose when using the capsules. For this reason, Imodium capsules shouldn't be given to them. Instead, you'll need to consult with your vet to determine the correct dose by using the liquid form. Of course, as with other medications, there are also risks for side effects when using Imodium. Constipation, bloating, and central nervous depression are just a few. It may also create problems when administered with other central nervous system depressants such as antihistamines, barbiturates, and MAOIs.
Still interested in using Imodium for your dog? Make sure you follow these safety guidelines on how to use Imodium safely.
It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Answer: I had to look up the overdose Imodium symptoms on a veterinary website I am a member of. The site said that the symptoms of an Imodium overdose in dogs are usually seen within 2 to 4 hours and include lethargy, respiratory distress and incoordination.
Paradoxically, excitement may also appear. With severe overdoses, it is possible to also see muscle tremors and loss of consciousness. If you suspect an overdose, please consult with your vet as there is a reversal drug. Tina, choosing a good dog food is not an easy task. It would help to determine whether your dog may have a food intolerance to some ingredients or if there's something else going on health-wise.
With the help of your vet, or even a second opinion from an internist, you may be able to treat the underlying issue. Really informative. Try to encourage your dog to drink plenty of water. It may be helpful to give him some water that has been used to cook rice or chicken, as this may provide a bit more flavor and encourage him to lap it up like soup. Take your dog outside frequently so he can go ahead and clear out his digestive tract.
About 12 to 24 hours after the diarrhea appears to have subsided, start feeding your dog again. Some of the most effective options include:. Pumpkin is great for dogs. This will usually put an end to his diarrhea pretty quickly. Feed him small amounts of pumpkin puree two or three times per day until his poops start looking normal again.
However, it can cause problems for dogs taking some medications such as anti-inflammatory medicines , as well as those experiencing some health problems such as stomach or intestinal bleeding.
Pepto Bismol for dogs is usually administered at a rate of 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight, and it is usually given every 6 hours or so. However, it should not be used over the long term. Boiled white rice is helpful for treating diarrhea in some dogs, and is one of the best things to feed a dog with an upset stomach. So, be sure to call your vet before administering it to your dog and be sure to measure the dosage carefully. How did it work out? Let us know in the comments below!
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