Imodium AD for Dogs
Dogs can suffer from diarrhea, much like a human. One possible treatment is the over-the-counter medication Imodium AD.
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Diagnosis
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Just like in people, diarrhea in dogs results in loose, watery stools, an increase in bowel movements and a larger amount of stool than normal.
Treatment
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Imodium AD can be used to treat a dog's diarrhea, according to PedEducation.com. The drug in Imodium is called loperamide and is an opiate anti-diarrhea medicine. It works by reducing the intestinal muscular contractions (motility) and the secretions that cause diarrhea in dogs.
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Side Effects
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As with any medication, treating with Imodium AD can have side effects. They range from mild--constipation and bloating--to more serious, such as pancreatitis, though that is rare.
Warnings
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Imodium AD should not be used to treat dogs with allergies to opiates, dogs suffering from certain diseases, such as kidney or liver disease, glaucoma or respiratory disease. It also should not be used for dogs who are pregnant or nursing their young. It should not be used with other medications that affect the central nervous system--monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), antidepressants, tranquilizers or antihistamines. If an overdose occurs, a dog may exhibit constipation, depression of the central nervous system or slowed heart and respiratory rates.
Storage
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To keep this medication safe for use, it should be stored at room temperature in an air-tight container.
Persistent Symptoms
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If a dog's symptoms persist longer than 48 hours, the stools contain blood or the diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting, its owner should call a veterinarian for an appointment.
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References
- Photo Credit dogs in the grass image by Lars Christensen from Fotolia.com
