If your dog suffers from acid reflux, you may be wondering if omeprazole is a good treatment option. This medication can help to reduce stomach acid and alleviate symptoms like vomiting and nausea. It can also be helpful for dogs with other health conditions. This medication reduces stomach acid and helps your dog feel better fast. Keep reading for more information about omeprazole for dogs!

What is omeprazole and what are its uses for dogs?

Omeprazole, commonly known by the brand name Prilosec®, is an antacid drug used to reduce stomach acid production.

Omeprazole for dogs is used to treat many gastrointestinal conditions such as gastric ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and esophagitis. Omeprazole can also be used in the management of syringomyelia as it reduces cerebrospinal fluid production. Dogs with kidney disease may also benefit from omeprazole as it can help reduce stomach irritation caused by toxins from kidney disease. Finally, dogs that are on daily doses of NSAIDs for long-term use, may also benefit from omeprazole to prevent stomach ulcers.

Omeprazole for dogs is a safe medication when given at the correct dose prescribed by your veterinarian. The most common side effects of omeprazole include diarrhea and/or constipation and rarely skin dermatitis.

How does omeprazole work in dogs?

Omeprazole belongs to a group of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors. Its main job is to reduce the amount of acid produced in your dog's stomach.

Inside your dog’s stomach are cells called parietal cells. These cells are responsible for producing hydrochloric acid, which is stomach acid. Omeprazole works by blocking an enzyme in these cells, effectively slowing down acid production.

Remember, omeprazole doesn't work instantly. It usually takes a couple of days to see significant effects, as it gradually reduces acid production. At our animal hospital, we find that it starts working in 1-2 days but maximum benefits are seen in 2-4 days.

What doses are recommended for dogs taking omeprazole?

When it comes to dosing omeprazole for your furry friend, it's crucial to get it just right. Generally, the dosage ranges from 0.5 to 1 mg per kilogram of your dog's weight, given once a day. Here's what you need to know:

  1. Starting dose: Typically, vets recommend starting with a dose of 0.5 to 1 mg per kilogram of your dog's weight. This means if your dog weighs 10 kg (about 22 pounds), the dose would range from 5 to 10 mg.
  2. Frequency: This dosage is usually given once a day. It’s important because omeprazole needs time to work on reducing stomach acid over several hours.
  3. Adjustments for severe cases: In more severe cases, such as extreme acid reflux or significant ulcers, your vet might increase the dose. It can go up to 2 mg per kilogram, given twice a day. For our 10 kg dog, this would mean a dose of 20 mg, twice daily.
  4. Vet consultation is key: Always consult with your veterinarian before starting omeprazole. They will provide the exact dosage and frequency based on your dog’s specific health needs.
  5. Monitoring and adjusting: Your vet might adjust the dosage based on how your dog responds to the treatment. Close monitoring is essential to ensure the best outcome for your dog’s health.

Remember, each dog is unique, and the right dosage can vary. Your veterinarian is your best resource to determine the perfect balance for your dog's health and comfort.

What are the main uses of omeprazole for dogs?

Omeprazole for dogs is mainly used to treat disorders of the stomach but there are other off-label uses for omeprazole use in dogs.

Stomach ulcers (gastric ulceration)

As omeprazole decreases stomach acid production, it is very useful for the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding and stomach ulcers in dogs.

Esophagitis (GERD)

Omeprazole can also be used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. This can lead to symptoms such as excessive swallowing, gagging, and regurgitation.

Helicobacter infection treatment

Some dogs can be infected with Helicobacter spp., leading to symptoms like vomiting, inappetence, and weight loss. Omeprazole creates a less hospitable environment for these bacteria, enhancing the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Syringomyelia and hydrocephalus

Omeprazole may also be used in the management of syringomyelia, a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, weakness, and paralysis. Omeprazole also works by reducing CSF production, therefore it can also be beneficial in treating hydrocephalus.

Kidney disease

Dogs with kidney disease may also benefit from omeprazole as it can help reduce stomach irritation caused by toxins from kidney disease. With kidney disease, the toxins that are normally excreted into the urine back up into the bloodstream. As these toxins are acidifiers, the use of omeprazole for dogs is warranted.

Protection against chronic NSAID use

Omeprazole for dogs may also be used to protect the stomach lining in cases where chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is necessary. NSAIDs are commonly used to treat pain and inflammation but can cause gastric irritation, bleeding, and ulceration when taken for a long time. Examples include Metacam®, Deramaxx® and Rimadyl®.

What are the side effects of omeprazole in dogs?

Omeprazole is a safe medication when given at the correct dose prescribed by your veterinarian.

The most common side effects of omeprazole for dogs include diarrhea and/or constipation. Rarely, omeprazole may also cause skin dermatitis. If you notice any of these side effects, contact your veterinarian immediately.

That being said, we do not routinely see dogs have any side effects when using omeprazole at our veterinary hospital.

Are there any drug interactions?

Omeprazole changes stomach acidity, which can alter the absorption of certain medications. This means some drugs might become less effective or too potent.

Be cautious if your dog is taking benzodiazepines (like diazepam), certain antibiotics (like clarithromycin), blood thinners (like warfarin), or antifungal drugs (like ketoconazole). Omeprazole can interfere with how these drugs are processed in the body.

When your dog requires omeprazole and another medication that can be impacted, your vet might recommend administering omeprazole at a different time than other medications to avoid interactions.

How is omeprazole given to dogs?

Omeprazole for dogs is typically given orally in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid. Your veterinarian may be able to have omeprazole compounded into a liquid for easier administration in some dogs. The dose and frequency will be determined by your veterinarian based on the condition being treated and your dog's response to treatment.

Omeprazole for dogs should be given 30-60 minutes before eating for the maximal benefit of stomach acid reduction. While omeprazole can be given once daily, studies have shown that dosing every 12 hours is more beneficial than once daily.

Is Omeprazole Better Than Famotidine in Dogs?

Yes, a study has revealed that omeprazole is far superior to famotidine (e.g. Pepcid AC®, Zantac®) in reducing stomach acid in dogs. Therefore, omeprazole should be used as a first-line treatment for acid reflux and related conditions in dogs.

FAQs about omeprazole for dogs

How long does omeprazole take to work in dogs?

It generally takes omeprazole 24-72 hours to work. However, some dogs may see a reduction in stomach acid production within 24 hours.

How long can I give omeprazole to my dog?

Although omeprazole can be given long-term if needed, most veterinarians do not recommend giving it for longer than 2 months.

Can I give my dog omeprazole with other medications?

As omeprazole affects the stomach pH levels which can impact the absorption of some medications, it is very important to consult with your veterinarian if your dog is on concurrent medications. Omeprazole may need to be given at a different time than other medications.

Omeprazole for dogs is a safe medication when given at the correct dose prescribed by your veterinarian. The most common side effects of omeprazole include diarrhea and/or constipation and rarely skin dermatitis. What are the main uses of omeprazole for dogs? Omeprazole for dogs is mainly used to treat disorders of the stomach but there are other off-label uses for omeprazole use in dogs.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your veterinarian. They will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment for your dog. Thanks for reading!