Can I Give My Dog Kaopectate
As a dog owner, I know you will be really worried when your canine friend is suffering from diarrhea, the most common gastrointestinal problem in dogs. It is quite distressing to see your dog lying down due to weakness and lack of energy and treatment should be given to stop diarrhea immediately before the condition worsens. So how do you treat canine diarrhea? What most dog owners do is to give their dog Kaopectate, without realizing that giving people’s medicine to dogs can cause problems as it might not be safe.
Kaopectate is an over-the-counter medicine that is used to treat diarrhea in humans, but what about dogs? Is it safe for dogs? If your dog is suffering from diarrhea, do you want to know if you can give him Kaopectate? The answer is right below….just scroll down.
The answer is yes, but only the prescribed dosage
Though Kaopectate is yet to be approved by the FDA, it is actually safe to give your dog if he has diarrhea, but only the dosage that is recommended, because over-dosage can cause side effects. Kaopectate is an anti-diarrheal drug that contains bismuth subsalicylate and has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antacid properties. Canine diarrhea is mainly due to change in his diet or due to some bacterial or viral infection and Kaopectate has proved to be effective in resolving diarrhea in dogs as in humans.
How does the Kaopectate work for dogs?
Kaopectate reduces inflammation in the stomach and destroys the virus or bacteria which causes diarrhea. It makes the stool firmer and reduces the number of bowel movements. It slows down the working of the gut by limiting secretions in the digestive tract. Kaopectate has the power to stop diarrhea in 24 hours. Apart from diarrhea, Kaopectate is also effective in treating other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress like nausea, indigestion, stomach upset and heartburn.
What are the side effects of Kaopectate?
Overdose of Kaopectate can cause side effects such as dizziness, constipation, different color stool, stomach pain, and decrease in energy and sometimes fever. Monitor your dog after administering Kaopectate to see if he is suffering from any side effects and if so, don’t be alarmed. But if your dog keeps crying, bumping into walls or experiencing involuntary spasms, then call the veterinarian immediately. Kaopectate should be given only for two days and if diarrhea still persist, take your dog to his vet.
How to give my dog Kaopectate?
Kaopectate is available in liquid form and as chewable tablets. If you are using liquid Kaopectate, use a syringe to administer the medicine. If you are using the tablet, crush it and add it to your dog’s food.
How many mg of kaopectate can I give my dog?
The recommended dosage is 1 tsp per every 5 pounds of the dog’s weight 4 per day, to be given 4 times. So first you have to know your dog’s weight and take the dosage as per the weight. Divide the dosage into 4 portions and give 4 times during the day.
Though it is safe to give your dog Kaopectate for stopping diarrhea, the correct dosage is the most critical factor, to avoid unnecessary risks. Also the medicine should be administered only under the guidance of a veterinary doctor.
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