If your pet dog suffers from persistent and frequent ulcers or heartburn due to acid reflux, he may benefit from being put on a treatment program involving omeprazole. Omeprazole is a medicine that is designed to help treat ulcers and related conditions in your pet's body. This medicine is known most commonly by the brand name Prilosec, but it's also available in generic formulations as well. Read on for a brief overview of how to use omeprazole for your pet in order to provide him with a chance to have his ulcers heal.
Omeprazole Overview
Omeprazole is techically known as a proton pump inhibitor. These types of drugs are responsible for restricting the passage and movement of ions in your pet's bloodstream and stomach lining. By restricting this movement, omeprazole is able to limit the amount of stomach acid that your pet's body produces and which is secreted into his stomach. This helps to balance out the enzymes and chemicals in his stomach and to provide a less acidic environment. When this stability point is reached, your pet's ulcers will be better able to heal without being subject to the stress of stomach acids that might otherwise prevent these sores from healing.
Using Omeprazole for Your Dog
Omeprazole is designed for humans and is only approved by the FDA for use in human medicine. However, it has shown to be effective in many veterinary medicine cases as well, and vets will legally prescribe it in some cases. However, you'll need to keep your pet under the watchful care of a veterinarian while he's taking omeprazole.
Omeprazole is typically given in tablet form and can be mixed in with your pet's food or given along with a treat that he eats. The medicine is usually provided in a dose once per day. The exact amount of the medicine that you'll need to give your dog is dependent upon his health, size, age, weight, breed and other factors. Be sure to follow your vet's advice for dosing this medicine as carefully as possible to be sure to avoid any potential risks.
Side Effects of Omeprazole
Omeprazole is generally seen to be safe for use in dogs. However, it's possible that your dog might have an allergic reaction to this medicine. If this is the case, take your pet to a vet's office for immediate examination. It's also important that you tell your vet about any and all other drugs that your pet is taking before you begin to provide him with the first doses of omeprazole.
The most common side effects that are associated with omeprazole include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Excessive flatulence
- Lethargy
In most cases, these side effects are mild and they are unlikely to occur if you follow the proper dosage recommendations provided by your vet. The treatment typically is continued for a period of days or weeks until the ulcers ahve had a chance to heal. Ask your vet for more information about omeprazole.