Dose of Imodium for Diarrhea in a Dog
Diarrhea in dogs can have many causes, including stress, dietary changes, parasites, chronic illness and poisoning. A mild bout of diarrhea can often be treated with medication, such as Imodium. Diarrhea can be a sign of something serious, such as an obstruction or parasite infestation, so contact your veterinarian if it persists or worsens.
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Imodium
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Imodium is a brand name of the drug loperamide, which treats inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea. It is available over-the-counter in capsule, caplet and liquid forms and is administered orally. While it is not FDA-approved for veterinary use, it can be used in dogs; however, its use should be approved by your veterinarian.
Dosage
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According to the PetEducation.com, the recommended canine dosage for Imodium is 0.05 to 0.1 mg per pound of body weight, and should be given approximately every eight hours. This dose should be necessary for only one or two days; if your dog's diarrhea gets worse or lasts for longer than this period of time, consult your veterinarian.
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Side Effects
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Imodium may cause your dog to be constipated or bloated. More serious conditions that may be seen but are rare include pancreatitis and problems with the central nervous system.
Overdose
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It is possible for your dog to overdose on Imodium, so it is important to only administer the amount your veterinarian recommends for your dog. If your dog weighs less than 20 pounds, you should use the liquid form of Imodium in order to give a more exact dosage. If given an overdose, your dog may experience depression, stimulation of the nervous system, constipation, respiratory problems or a decreased heart rate.
Precautions
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Do not use Imodium in dogs that are nursing or pregnant. If your dog has any other conditions, such as hypothyroidism, kidney disease or respiratory problems, or if your dog is older, you should check with your veterinarian to make sure it is safe to use this product. It should not be used in dogs on monoamine oxidase inhibitors or in dogs that take medications that suppress the central nervous system (such as antihistamines or antiseizure medications). If your dog's diarrhea is caused by a toxin, it is important to make sure your dog's system is cleared of the toxin before using Imodium. This medication should not be used without veterinary supervision.
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References
- Photo Credit stray dog image by Cherry-Merry from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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Very good information to know since my dog seems to have issues every couple of weeks or so. He's been checked by the vet and given a clean bill of health so I'm happy to know about Imodium and dogs.
