Famotidine Pepcid For Dogs: Dosage Calculator, Chart & More

Pepcid for dogs is the brand of famotidine that works like a charm for canines that are suffering from multiple gastrointestinal problems. This is very powerful medication, yet proven to be safe, providing it works to reduce the acid production! this medication works by blocking the histamine-2 receptors in the stomach lining.

When your furry friend is suffering from uncomfortable conditions such as acid reflux, stomach ulcers, or frequent vomiting, Pepcid can offer much needed relief by changing their digestive tract to a less acidic environment.

Pepcid Dosage For Dogs

Key Takeaways

• Famotidine (Pepcid®) for dogs, helping to reduce the acid in their stomachs, and protects the lining of their stomach through various forms of issues within the GI pipeline.
• Always give famotidine for dogs under the supervision of a veterinarian although it is available over-the-counter.
• Proper dosage is dose dependent on your dog’s weight but mostly it will be between 0.5 mg and 1 mg per kilogram every 24 hours.
• Dogs Pepcid can interact with other medications including antibiotics such as Simplicef for dogs so tell your vet of all medications your pet is taking.
• Most dogs do pretty well with parcelle side effects when given at the right dosage of Pepcid.

Pepcid® Famotidine Dosage Chart For Dogs

Dog Weight (lbs)	Dog Weight (kg)	Pepcid Dosage (mg)	Pepcid AC Tablet Strength
5-10 lbs	2.3-4.5 kg	2.5-5 mg	10 mg (1/4 to 1/2 tablet)
11-20 lbs	5-9 kg	5-9 mg	10 mg (1/2 to 1 tablet)
21-40 lbs	9.5-18 kg	10-18 mg	10 mg (1 to 2 tablets)
41-60 lbs	18.6-27 kg	18-27 mg	20 mg (1 to 1.5 tablets)
61-80 lbs	27.7-36 kg	27-36 mg	20 mg (1.5 to 2 tablets)
81-100 lbs	36.7-45 kg	36-45 mg	20 mg (2 to 2.5 tablets)

How to Administer Pepcid to your Dog

Getting your furry friend to take medication sometimes can be tricky, but Pepcid is generally easier to get your pet to take the meds due to the rather neutral taste factor.

Here are some successful ways to ensure your canine gets his or her proper dose:

Administration Techniques

• Direct administration:
  • Open your dog’s mouth gently and put the tablet as far back on your pup’s tongue as you can. Then, stay their mouth closed and stroke their throat in order to appeal for them to swallow it.
• Mixing With Food:
  • The tablet can be concealed by a soft food that your furry friend will eat.
• Crushing method:
  • Crushing the tablet by mixing it with a little bit of wet food or a tasty liquid can be a good option. It must be noted that there are certain extended-release formulations that should not be crushed.
• Liquid formulation:
  • Liquid form can be measured with a dropper and mixed to food or straight.

Famotidine Pepcid Side Effects in Dogs

Is Pepcid® safe for dogs? Most puppies have an extremely positive reaction to Pepcid and significant side effects are rare. When they do occur are usually in the form of mild and may include:

• Mild gastrointestinal upset
• Drowsiness/lethargy
• Loss of appetite (temporary)
• Headache (You can see a change in behavior)

Serious & Allogenetic reaction

While rare, severe reactions can happen, in which case your vet needs to be contacted immediately. Keep an eye out for allergic reaction signs which may include:

• Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
• Hives or skin rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea
• Extreme lethargic or collapse behaviour
• Loss of consciousness

Which Dog Should Not Take Famotidine

• Dogs with kidney disease
• Dogs with liver disease
• Dogs with heart rhythm problems
• Dogs that are pregnant or nursing
• Dogs with a history of drug allergies, especially to acid reducers
• Dogs taking medications like ketoconazole, sucralfate, antifungals, or blood thinners (possible interactions)

Drug Interactions

Pepcid can interact with certain types of medication that your dog may be taking that can either impact the effectiveness of medication or increase the risk for side effects. This is why it is important to let your veterinarian know all drugs, supplements and herbal remedies your dog is receiving.

• Antifungals: Medications such as fluconazole or ketoconazole may have had an alteration to the absorption mechanism when used together with Pepcid
• Antibiotics: Some types of antibiotics, such as Simplicef, for dogs (cefpodoxime), may also interact with famotidine. In case that your dog has prescribed two drugs at once, your veterinarian might suggest you provide them at different times of the day.
• Dichlorphenamide: This medication used for glaucoma may have enhanced side effects with its combination with Pepcid.
• Iron supplements: The absorption of iron may be slowed down when taken with famotidine.
• Other antacids: The use of Pepcid in combination with other acid-reducing medications may cause too much decrease in stomach acid.

How to Manage the Potential Interactions

Give your veterinarian a full list of all medications and supplements your dog is taking. Follow certain timing instructions if your veterinarian recommends providing medications at different times.

Watch your dog for any new or unusual symptoms when using combination of drugs with that of Pepcid. Never give any medication, nor discontinue any medication, without first consulting your veterinarian first.

You May Also Like To Read:

• DiaGel for Dogs: Dosage Chart
• Carprofen For Dogs

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