A dog should take the same amount of pill every 40 pounds of body weight. 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. 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 . Animals may experience vomiting and nausea just like a human being. Waste is slowed down in their intestines as a result of the medication loperamide. There are countless websites, some reputable and some not, that suggest giving dogs with diarrhea Imodium, but many seem to fail at warning about important factors that may make the difference between bringing a dog back to health or causing more harm than good. The liquid allows easier and more accurate dosing of small dogs, whereas the tablets are better for larger breeds. Imodium, which is available over-the-counter and in dog form, is an antidiarrheal medication that can be used to treat diarrhea in humans as well as canines. Paradoxically, excitement may also appear. How much Imodium can a 10 pound dog have? Be aware that use of Pepto Bismol may change the color of your dog's stool to a gray or greenish-black. A person who consumes a large amount of loperamide may suffer serious health consequences. 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. 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. Frequently used by humans to treat occasional bouts of diarrhea, Imodium (generically known as Loperamide) works by slowing the contractions within the intestines. A dog with hypothyroidism, kidney disease, Addisons disease, head injuries, lung disease, acute abdominal pain, or liver disease may be prescribed loperamide with caution. have a well-earned reputation for causing constipation. The amount needed to poison a dog depends on the dose of the pill and the weight of the dog. Your vet may recommend a different dose (or different treatment altogether), but something along the lines of 0.1 mg/kg of Imodium given twice a day is typical. When a dog has diarrhea, food moves rapidly through the intestines (hypermotility) preventing water and nutrients from being absorbed. If being administered under the care of a vet, these are nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, veterinary-specific research is rather spotty in this area, so less common drug interactions are sometimes diagnosed using information taken from the field of . She has edited more than 700 assignments, including research studies published in various academic journals,continuing medical education materials, and articles on pet health. 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! Liquid Imodium A-D contains one mg of loperamide per 7.5 mL of liquid and can be given to dogs twice to three times per day at a dosage of 0.3 to 0.6 mL/lb. Get expert advice to help your pet live its best life, Other Considerations Before Giving Imodium, The 8 Best Flea and Tick Prevention Products for Dogs of 2023, The 7 Best Flea Treatments for Cats in 2023. Some dogs with certain types of diarrhea can take Imodium, but in other cases, giving your dog Immodium can lead to potentially serious side effects like constipation, sedation (which can be severe), bloat and pancreatitis. 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. Imodium Dosage for Dogs. Imodium is not unknown for humans, but for dogs, there is some confusion. If you believe Imodium should be given to your dog, you should consult with your veterinarian first. The dosage of famotidine depends on your dog's weight; typically, vets recommend giving up to 0.2-0.5 milligrams per pound. Adrienne Farricelli (author) on August 27, 2019: Tina, choosing a good dog food is not an easy task. If you have any of the conditions discussed here, you may be unable to take some forms of this medication. It is generally recommended to give your dog no more than 5 mg of sodium per pound of body weight. This medicine is recommended for use in animals at doses of 0.1-0.2 mg/kg [0.05- 0.1 mg/lb] according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Some people may choose to give their dog imodium for diarrhea, while others may not. It takes a few hours for imodium to be effective. When you miss a dose of this medication, you should take it as soon as possible and stick to your recommended dose schedule. A variety of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas, weight loss, and bloody diarrhea, may occur. You should give one pill every 25 to 50 pounds of weight to a dog who is experiencing diarrhea. Imodium Dosing Chart for Dogs. 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. Make sure you read these warnings and then ask your vet for advice. Some dogs are extremely sensitive to Imodium. It should also be used with caution in pregnant or nursing dogs. . If the diarrhea is a result of an infection or toxins, administering Imodium will hurt it. The digestive tract participates in the process by sucking in water as food is processed. www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/blog/2018/09/14/is-imodium-safe-for-dogs. 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. Cerenia Does NOT Cure Acute Vomiting. 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. 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 you are reading this, PLEASE be careful when giving any pet Imodium or any other drug made for humans. Imodium, an over-the-counter medication used primarily to treat diarrhea in humans, is the most commonly used medicine for this purpose. Dogs can't talk, so you may not know if your dog had a feast on who knows what when he was in the yard unsupervised. Is Imodium Safe for Dogs? Therefore, if your dogs diarrhea appears chronic or recurring, bring your dog to the vets office as soon as possible to figure out the cause of his illness and identify the best course of therapy. Probiotics help support a healthy immune system by keeping the intestinal bacteria in good balance and aiding in digestion. If your dog is having tummy trouble, you may be tempted to give a little Pepto-Bismol to offer relief. The tablets would be most practical for medium- and large-breed dogs, while the oral liquid is best utilized in smaller breeds. Pets should not be given pepto bismol because it is safe for them to use when they have stomach upset, diarrhea, or other symptoms. For Imodium A-D caplets or EZ . Administering Imodium for an infection caused by diarrhea inhibits the dog's ability to flush out the toxins. My vet prescribed Imodium to help my puppys diarrhea and she ended up overdosing. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends a dose of 0.1-0.2 mg/kg [0.05-0.1 mg/lb]. How are the dogs treated if they get a fever? If your pet has eaten loperamide, you should consult a veterinarian right away. Loperamide is dosed at 0.04 mg per pound (0.08 mg/kg) three to four times daily. Always check with your veterinarian before administering any drug to your pet. According to experts, many herding dog breeds have a genetic predisposition to certain medications, including Imodium. It gives your dog's digestive system a chance to rest and reset essentially. So make sure to check with your vet beforehand to determine whether your dog's diarrhea would be responsive to Imodium or not. 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. Really informative. A mild case of toxicity will involve hyperactivity and an increase in heart rate. Very little of the medication enters the bloodstream and it does not cross the blood-brain barrier, thus there is no risk of addiction. If dogs consume Imodium, it may cause problems with their pancreas. 9. Make sure you follow these safety guidelines on how to use Imodium safely. There are certain dog breeds that are put in danger when a drug such as Imodium is used. The use of this synthetic opioid reduces food movement through the digestive tract in dogs and humans without the possibility of addiction. Pepto-Bismol is a popular option for humans experiencing gastrointestinal distress. Although Pepto-Bismol can sometimes be given to dogs, it should be . . Can too much Imodium hurt a dog? If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately. If a doctor recommends it, a child aged 6 to 12 years old can take this medication for acute or chronic diarrhea. Generally speaking, the recommended dosage is 0.1mg/lb every 8-12 hours, but it is always best to check with a veterinarian before giving any medication to a pet. She died while lying on her back on the sofa, which she normally slept on. Imodium A-D contains 1 mg of loperamide for every 7.5 mL of liquid and can be given to dogs at a dosage of 0.3 - 0.6 mL/lb twice to three times daily. It can be used in place of a bacterial infection if you have a brief diarrhea. With the help of your vet, or even a second opinion from an internist, you may be able to treat the underlying issue. Still interested in using Imodium for your dog? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. If your vet has approved usage and your dog is still experiencing chronic diarrhea or related symptoms, be sure to follow up immediately for a secondary consultation. The central nervous system (CNS) is a vital part of everyday bodily functions. If the animals ingested more than 0.2mg/kg of salt, it should begin treatment. It is not safe for your dog to take it without the knowledge of your veterinarian, even if it is sold over the counter. Consider the guidelines below as a starting point if Imodium appears to be a viable treatment option. 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 the drug to your dog. Some experts have even indicated that filtered or spring water is preferable to tap water during recovery. Carefully follow all dosing directions on the medicine label. Always confirm the correct dose of Imodium with your veterinarian since it may be adjusted based on your dog's unique situation. This drug mainly works by decreasing the motility of food through the digestive tract. Although it may seem obvious, what you feed your dog during his bout of diarrhea can have a huge impact on his recovery. You should be aware that your dogs breed is vulnerable to an Imodium reaction, so you should be aware of his medication limitations. Dogs that have a mutation on their MDR1 gene may experience profound sedation while on Imodium. 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. Research has shown that certain forms of probiotics have reduced the duration of diarrhea from seven to four days, while eliminating the need for antibiotic treatment by about 10% over placebo. 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