Dogs love to eat things they shouldn’t. This trait is stronger in some dogs than others! They may try to eat medications, such as Pepcid, if they see their pet parents “eating” the medicine. Other dogs may eat Pepcid out of curiosity. But what happens if a dog eats Pepcid?
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Has your dog eaten Pepcid? Are you worried that Pepcid will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about Pepcid and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Pepcid?
Pepcid is the brand name of the generic medication called famotidine. This medication is used to treat gastrointestinal conditions in humans and dogs. The medicine works by reducing acid production in the stomach. Pepcid is beneficial in treating stomach ulcers, acid reflux, and gastritis.
The normal dosage of famotidine for dogs is 0.25mg to 0.5mg per pound of body weight, given twice a day.
Pepcid may be prescribed by the vet, or they may advise buying the medication over the counter. While this medication is OTC, you should never give it to your dog unless advised to do so by the vet.
While Pepcid is safe for humans and dogs (when given in the correct dose), what happens if a dog eats Pepcid?
Pepcid & Dogs
Unfortunately, if a dog eats a large amount of Pepcid, he could become very sick. This medication, in large amounts, can be toxic to dogs.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Pepcid Toxicity in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten Pepcid:
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty walking
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Pale gums
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Pepcid Toxicity in Dogs
The vet will work to decontaminate your dog’s body by inducing vomiting and/or using activated charcoal. These methods work to remove the toxin from your dog’s system.
In addition, your dog may require an IV with fluids and to give him additional medications. If your dog’s condition is serious, he may need to be hospitalized until he’s in stable condition. The vet will also treat other symptoms as they arise.
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt medical treatment after eating Pepcid. In the future, it’s best to keep Pepcid and all medications out of your dog’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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