Our pets are our world and whenever they fall ill, it hurts us as much as it hurts them. We get worried about our dogs and try everything we can to soothe them. After all, pets cannot express their discomfort by speaking, so we need to pay attention to their expressions and activities. A number of medications that are available for humans are also prescribed for dogs.
In this article, we will be focusing on one particular medicine for dogs i.e., Imodium. We will discuss what it is, how it works, and its effects on dogs in detail. We will also let you know the dosage of Imodium for dogs. We will also share some at-home remedies for the ailment Imodium is used for.
Imodium: What is it and How it Works?
Imodium is a brand name of Loperamide medicine that is helpful in the treatment of diarrhea. It is generally used by the human population as it works quickly. Most people can digest Imodium without any side effects.
Imodium was developed as a pain medication initially, but as it was required in high dosages to alleviate pain it was discarded as a pain medicine. Due to its property of causing constipation, Imodium became popular as a medicine in case of diarrhea.
As to how the drug works, it slows down the movement in the intestines enabling it to absorb electrolytes and water properly. The movement of food through the intestines is also slowed down. It targets the smooth muscles of the digestive tract.
Hence, its major side effect transformed it into a popular medicine for treating diarrhea. The medicine is found in most first aid kits because of its negligible side effects in humans.
Can You Give Dogs Imodium?
The first question we need to answer is “Can dogs take Imodium?”. Yes, dogs can take Imodium. However, there are certain restrictions on the usage of Imodium in dogs.
Although Imodium is approved by the FDA for use in human beings, its usage in the case of dogs is still not approved. Hence, it is not commonly used for pets.
It is available as an over-the-counter medication, but you should only give it to your dog if the vet prescribes it.
Imodium is generally prescribed for diarrhea where it has been caused due to a side effect of chemotherapy medicines. Imodium is not prescribed in cases where diarrhea is caused by infectious agents. Also, Imodium is not prescribed in case of poisoning caused by toxins.
Because Imodium prevents the infectious agents from being excreted swiftly, it may cause the intestines to inflame. Hence, till the time the causing agent behind diarrhea is not recognized, Imodium is not recommended by the vets.
What is the Prescribed Dosage of Imodium in Dogs?
Imodium is available in the market in two forms: tablet and liquid. It depends on your pet’s traits and symptoms which form will your vet prescribe? The medicine in tablet form contains 2 mg of loperamide.
Hence, the tablet form is only suitable for dogs of large size. On the other hand, its liquid form contains a concentration in the form of 1mg/5 ml. So, if your furry pet is small in size, your vet might prescribe Imodium in liquid form.
Generally, as a rule, in the case of tablets, 2 tablets are given two to three times a day. In the case of liquid, 0.3 to 0.6 ml two to three times a day is prescribed. The vet will guide you about the dosage keeping your dog’s symptoms and traits in mind.
How Safe is Imodium for Dogs?
As discussed above, Imodium is prescribed in a few cases only. There are certain dog breeds where using Imodium may cause problems. These dog breeds include Collies, Shelties, and Australian Shepherds. These breeds are unable to digest certain kinds of medications owing to the mutation in their genes.
Imodium does not work well with certain medications such as heart medications, antifungal medications, sedatives, antihistamines, antifungal medications, and certain antibiotics.
Imodium is also prohibited in dogs who suffer from diseases such as hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, cases of brain damage, and some respiratory issues. Puppies, old dogs, and pregnant ones should not be given Imodium. This is due to the side effects that Imodium may cause. Some side effects are simple but others may cause serious complications. Imodium generally may cause the following side effects:
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Lethargy
- Inflamed intestines
- Loss in weight
- Depression
- Pancreatitis
- Vomiting and drooling
At Home Care for Dogs in Diarrhea
It is not a reason to panic if your pet is suffering from diarrhea. If your dog is active while they have diarrhea, you can easily care for them at home. You can follow the below steps:
1. Offer your dog fresh water from time to time.
2. The vet might prescribe probiotics. Probiotics help in maintaining a healthy gut health.
3. You can offer them bland diets, such as boiled chicken, rice, pumpkin puree, etc.
4. Anti-diarrheal supplements that have kaolin and pectin in their composition are safe bets.
5. Also, make sure your dog does not eat from the garbage bin and do not feed it scraps from your table.
Imodium for Dogs: Alternative medications
The vet might prescribe dewormers, antibiotics, acid blockers, and anti-nausea medicines in case of diarrhea.
In case your dog is exhibiting the following symptoms, get them to the vet at the earliest:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Bloody stools
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
If your pet is not recovering from diarrhea even after two days, it is a cause for concern. Bring them to the vet immediately without further delay.
To conclude, Imodium for dogs is a safe medication only when it is given as prescribed by the vet. Never try any over-the-counter medicines on your pet that are widely available for humans. We hope this article will be able to resolve all your queries about Imodium and you will be able to administer it to your pet when needed.