Now that you’ve searched ‘Imodium for Dogs’, it is highly likely that your dog has diarrhea and the vet has prescribed this medicine. But you usually won’t check the safety level of any medicine prescribed by your trusted vet, so either you’ve already read something on the internet before or a pet-parent friend of yours has told you that ‘Imodium is not good for dogs’. Either way, it is a good thing that you’ve come here to clear your doubts.
Can dogs have imodium? Continue reading below to learn more from Spot Pet Insurance.
What is Imodium?
Imodium or Loperamide, as it is generally known, is a synthetic opioid originally developed for pain management. But it had a side effect – constipation. As a result, it became a solution for diarrhea.
It treats diarrhea by slowing digestive motility, the natural forward muscle movement of the digestive tract. This helps in making the food stay in the digestive tract for a longer time, allowing better reabsorption of water, electrolytes, and nutrients back into the body.
This applies to us humans but in the case of dogs are opioids safe for them?
Yes, they are safe but only when a doctor prescribes them for your dog. But they do have some side effects in certain situations.
Potential side-effects of Imodium for Dogs
Can dogs have imodium? It is important to learn about potential side effects The side effects as mentioned above, are breed-specific and hence these drugs can become a strict NO for them. Here’s a list of dogs that should NOT be given Imodium -
Herding breeds – Breeds like Australian Shepherds, Collies, and Shetland Sheepdogs carry a form of MDR1 gene. It helps to clear chemicals and possible toxins, including certain medications, like loperamide, from the body for dogs. Some herding dogs may not have this gene but it’s better to check and then administer the medicine.
Dogs with certain health issues – If your dog has breathing issues, kidney or liver problems, inflammatory bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, or a recent head injury then this opioid should be avoided. Dogs with intestinal infections should also avoid it as diarrhea is the body’s natural mechanism to get rid of the toxins.
Ongoing medications – Your vet will ask you if your dog is on any other ongoing medication because these drugs do not go well with certain medications like antihistamines and other sedation medicines.
Bacterial diarrhea – If the vet identifies the cause of diarrhea as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, they won’t recommend Imodium as it’s not good to have these toxic agents in the body for long
How much Imodium can you give a dog?
Imodium is available in both tablet and liquid form. If your dog is one of the large breeds like Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Great Dane, English Bulldog, etc. then the vet would usually recommend a tablet which comes in the dosage of 2mg of loperamide. For smaller breeds like Pomeranian, Poodle, Chihuahua, Pug, etc. the liquid form is preferred which comes in the dosage of 1mg/5ml.
How to cure diarrhea without medicines for dogs?
Diarrhea can be cured at home using remedies and diets as well if you want to avoid any type of medication. Below are some ways –
Fasting – An 8-12 hrs fast can help cleanse your dog’s stomach. For mild or infrequent bouts of diarrhea, this is one of the best ways to cure it.
Rehydration – Diarrhea causes dehydration. Make sure you rehydrate your dog throughout the day.
Introduce nutrition slowly – Once the dog’s stool becomes solid, introduce a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken with no bones, skin, or spices mixed with white rice. Lengthen the time between meals until your pup's stool returns to a solid state.
Pumpkins - Adding pure pumpkins to your dog's food can provide fiber and help regulate your dog’s digestive system. 1-4 tablespoons per meal works well for their dogs.
Probiotics - Probiotics like Saccharomyces boulardii, Bacillus subtilis, Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus acidophilus, or Enterococcus faecium can help regulate your dog's gut flora and improve their digestive health.
Herbs: Certain herbs, like marshmallow root, can help soothe the gastrointestinal tract and decrease inflammation. 1/2 to 1.5 ml per 20 pounds body weight given twice daily can help.
Reduce stress – Stress is one of the leading causes of diarrhea in humans. Even for dogs, changes in the environment, diet, etc, can cause digestive imbalance. Keep your dog in a calm and comfortable environment to reduce stress.
Get Your Dog an Insurance Plan Today!
Imodium can cause the following in severe cases.
Impaired motility
Inflammation of the intestines
Pancreatitis
Vomiting
Drooling
Weight loss
Depression
We at Spot Pet understand the stress of being a parent to a four-legged baby. And there can be times when you can’t reach a vet. This is why, we have a 24/7 helpline assistance for all your emergencies and queries. Our plans start from as low as $10 and our comprehensive plans include coverage for surgery, cancer treatment, prescription medications, X-rays, behavioral issues, dental diseases, alternative therapies, and much more.
Conclusion
Imodium is an opioid that should be used only under a doctor’s guidance. And don’t worry about the vet’s fees and the prescription medications as we’ll have all of them covered under our plans. Contact us today to learn more about our dog insurance plans and puppy insurance plans.
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including; broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote.
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
