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What is the use of Famotidine for dogs?

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What is the use of Famotidine for dogs?

You can teach a dog to sit, stand, run, and perform other feats for you, but you can't teach it to fart or burp. It's very possible that you'll find yourself in a circumstance when you're relaxing with your house guests and your dog's noisy burps or farts disturb the atmosphere. We'd like to let our fellow dog parents know that it's perfectly normal for their dogs to feel gassy from time to time. It's common since dogs are prone to swallowing air while eating, and their lousy feeding habits can also lead to a nasty stomach. However, if your dog's gastrointestinal troubles are more severe than usual, you should consider using an antacid for dogs such as Famotidine. For dog

Famotidine is probably something you've used for yourself, but it can also be given to your dog. It is a relatively safe medicine that veterinarians recommend for dogs with gastrointestinal issues. If you want to learn more about the use of Famotidine medication in dogs, keep reading.

What is Famotidine? What is its use in Dogs?

Famotidine is an H2-receptor antagonist used in dogs, cats, and other small mammals as a "extra-label" or "off-label" medicine. This medication is intended to reduce excessive stomach acid secretion in diseases such as;

  • Gastrointestinal ulcers,
  • Acid reflux,
  • Esophagus inflammation,
  • Stomach inflammation caused due to stress and kidney dysfunction.


Other than this, Famotidine can also be used to treat;

  • Nausea/Chronic vomiting
  • Canine parvovirus
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

Because the FDA has not yet approved the use of Famotidine in dogs, veterinarians prescribe it as a "off-label" treatment.

The generic version of the medicine, Famotidine® (Apo-Famotidine®), is sold under the trade names Pepcid® and Pepcid AC®. It comes in the following forms:


  • Pills in the concentration of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg.
  • Powdered material for suspension at 50 mg/5 ml.
  • Injectable mainly at 20 mg/50 mL.

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How does Famotidine work?

Famotidine is a medication that belongs to the histamine receptor-2 (H-2) antagonist class, as previously stated. Due to its one-of-a-kind way of operation, experts classify it in this category. H-2 receptors are found on the cell membrane of stomach cells, and when stimulated, they release gastric acid. However, they might produce discomfort if they secrete too much stomach acid in response to excessive stimulation. However, when you take Famotidine/Pepcid, the release of gastric acids slows down, giving stomach ulcers more time to heal. Because of its activity at the chemoreceptor trigger zone, famotidine is also used to treat nausea and vomiting.


What is the appropriate Famotidine/ Pepcid dosage for dogs?


The dosage of Pepcid for dogs is determined by the dog's weight. We recommend that you only give your dog famotidine pills if your physician recommends it. Only a veterinarian can determine whether or not to give your dog a certain drug, based on its current condition and medical history. Basics of famotidine dosage for dogs:


  1. You should wait at least 12 to 24 hours before taking the following dose.
  2. Food interferes with the effectiveness of Famotidine, so avoid taking it during mealtime.
  3. If medication is taken on a regular basis, it will lose its effectiveness after two weeks.

For safe storage, keep Famotidine tablets at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. The liquid formulations, on the other hand, should be kept at a temperature below 30°C but not frozen.


What are the Famotidine side effects in dogs?

If you are thinking, “what are the side effects of Famotidine?” Then let us tell you, like every other medicine, Famotidine also has some harmful effects on the body. If your dog is allergic to Famotidine, for sure, the after-effects of its intake would be harmful for your dog. However, the possibility of Famotidine allergy is relatively low. Basically, the Pepcid side effects in dogs can be any or mixture of the following;

  • Dry and rough skin
  • Dehydrated mouth
  • Facial swelling
  • Difficulty in Breathing
  • Puking
  • Loose bowels
  • Constipation
  • Lethargy
  • Headache
  • A decline in the WBC count
  • Poor appetite
  • Pale Gums
  • Slowed heart rate (From injectable)

If your dog shows any of the side effects mentioned above, you should take it to the Veterinarian as soon as possible.



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