Omeprazole for Dogs – Top Dog Tips

April 25, 2023 Kar-Bay-Inc

Our furry friends are happiest when they’re healthy. It helps them walk, play, and continue through their day, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.

But, like us, they may fall sick due to gastrointestinal problems such as acid reflux and stomach ulcers.

While such concerns are easily treatable through omeprazole, administering the correct amount may be challenging.

It may pose several difficulties when administered without the informed opinion of a veterinarian.

In this blog post, we’ll address everything about omeprazole as an effective treatment for dogs, ranging from how it works, the conditions it treats, the associated benefits and risks, and much more.

Omeprazole for Dogs: How it Works

Understanding the complexity and efficacy of a medication or drug is essential to a successful treatment.

Giving a dog medicine it does not need may cause more harm than good to its overall health and well-being.

Here, we have described the basics of how omeprazole works for dogs. This will allow you to understand its effects on your pet based on its functionality.

Mechanism of Action

Omeprazole is a human medication used to treat acid-related disorders in dogs.

While it may not be specifically designed for dogs only, it is commonly used by veterinarians to treat health concerns such as:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Gastric ulcers
Gastritis
and the like

It works as a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the acid produced in the stomach.

It works by blocking the activity of the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme, which causes excessive gastric acid in the stomach.

The alkaline calcium carbonate in some versions of omeprazole works by neutralizing the pH of the stomach when it comes into contact with acid.

Although, the contents and formulations of the medicine may also vary, depending on the manufacturer.

How It Reduces Stomach Acid

When a dog takes omeprazole, it travels to the stomach lining, where it blocks the activity of the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme, which automatically stops stomach acidity.

At the same time, it is important to remember that each manufacturer has their own formulations of omeprazole.

Depending on each dog and its individual concerns, these may vary in the potential dose to be given.

This is why one must always contact a veterinarian and inform them of all related concerns before resorting to omeprazole as a treatment.

Effect on the Digestive System

The reduction of the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme is proven effective at alleviating the symptoms associated with acid-related disorders.

It can help minimize pain related to heartburn, indigestion, and stomach pain.

This medicine can even help reduce their recurrence, ensuring long-term health for your loving four-legged friend.

It is important to remember that omeprazole is most effective for managing symptoms and not as a cure.

The use of omeprazole must always be under veterinary supervision.

The professional will consider all existing and comorbid signs to formulate a treatment that best suits your canine friend’s needs.

When Omeprazole is Used in Dogs

Omeprazole can be an off-label medication for treating dogs with acid-related disorders.

Here, we’ll discuss the health concerns that omeprazole can help resolve, the symptoms it can help manage, and the recommended dosage veterinarians generally prescribe.

Gastrointestinal Conditions Treated With Omeprazole

Have you ever heard of someone suffering from a health condition because of a malfunctioning digestive system?

They may appear bloated or suffer from abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, etc.

This is exactly what gastrointestinal conditions are about. They’re a range of disorders or diseases that affect the digestive system.

The digestive system is directly associated with food processing and waste disposal from the body.

So any organs or structures starting from the mouth to the anus may be affected here.

These include the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.

This lack of optimum functionality can cause a variety of symptoms in your pet, ranging from vomiting, nausea, rectal bleeding, etc.

Gastrointestinal conditions commonly treated by omeprazole in dogs include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers.

Symptoms That Omeprazole Can Alleviate

Omeprazole can help alleviate many symptoms associated with acid-related disorders in general.

Since it blocks excessive acid production, the abnormalities caused by them may also undergo relief.

These include a reduction in:

Heartburn
Acid indigestion
Sour stomach
Nausea
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Chest pain
Excessive salivation
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Bad breath

Your pet may also experience an increase in appetite with usage.

It’s important to remember that omeprazole targets acid-production symptoms and helps alleviate related symptoms.

It can not be used for treating any individual symptoms without a knowledgeable veterinarian’s guidance and supervision.

Veterinary Recommended Dosage

Your veterinarian may recommend a dose of 0.5-1 mg/kg of omeprazole, depending on your dog’s body weight and previous medical history.

They will also inform you of the ideal time to take it and any other precautions you’ll have to take based on your pet’s unique genetic makeup and needs.

Benefits and Risks of Omeprazole for Dogs

Much like any medication, there are benefits and risks associated with omeprazole.

Its efficacy in treating acid-related concerns in dogs is quite known in the veterinary sector.

Benefits of Using Omeprazole for Dogs

Here are some of the benefits of using omeprazole as a form of treatment for dogs with gastrointestinal concerns:

1. Treatment of Gastric Ulcers

Stomach acid is an integral part of the digestive process in dogs.

Excessive stomach acid can be harmful and cause damage to the stomach lining, leading to gastric ulcers.

Omeprazole assists in blocking stomach acid, which helps treat gastric ulcers altogether.

2. Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that occurs when stomach acid flows into the esophagus, causing discomfort and irrigation.

Omeprazole assists in alleviating pain by stopping the production of excessive stomach acid and eliminating the problem at the root.

3. Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare condition in which the stomach produces too much acid.

This can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Since omeprazole helps minimize the amount of acid production, it can relieve your pet of acid-related pain.

Potential Side Effects of Omeprazole

Omeprazole may also have certain side effects for dogs, especially when taken in the wrong amount without the prescription of a professional.

Potential side effects of omeprazole include:

Diarrhea
Gas
Decreased appetite
Nausea
Flatulence
Abdominal pain (rare)

Risks Associated With Long-Term Use

One must not give omeprazole for long-term use without the recommendation of a veterinarian.

It may present certain health complications, even when devised as a treatment plan by a professional.

Long-term use of omeprazole may help reduce stomach acidity yet increase susceptibility to other health complications.

These include:

1. Increased Risk of Bacterial Infections

It is important to remember that acid is not the stomach’s enemy; excessive acid production is the problem.

Stomach acid is essential to the digestive system as it helps kill harmful bacteria ingested through food or water.

When you stop the production of acid entirely, it can create an environment where the harmful bacteria aren’t killed, leading to an increased risk for bacterial infections.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

Omeprazole—in one way or another—interferes with the functionality of the digestive system.

It can sometimes create problems with the absorption of nutrients such as vitamin B12 or calcium, causing nutritional deficiencies.

3. Kidney Damage

According to a National Library for Medicine study, 42.7% of people suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) were omeprazole users.

There was a higher chance of CKD development in users of omeprazole than in non-users.

While the susceptibility of omeprazole was regarded as 70.6%, it was merely 10.5% amongst non-users.

This emphasizes the potential risks of kidney damage that omeprazole ingestion may cause to its user.

4. Bone Fractures

We’ve already discussed how omeprazole may interfere with optimum nutritional deficiency.

In some cases, it may obstruct the absorption of calcium in the dog, increasing susceptibility to bone fractures among dogs.

This is why one must always give their dogs a part of a treatment prescribed by a veterinarian.

They will prescribe the right dose according to your furry friend’s general health checkup and medical history.

How to Administer Omeprazole to Your Dog

Administering the correct omeprazole dosage ensures your pet stays healthy and fit.

Incorrect amounts given without a consultation with a veterinarian may cause discomfort and may even lead to adverse effects on your four-legged friend.

Here, we’ll discuss everything you need to know before, during, and after giving your dog this efficacious medication.

Best Practices for Administering Omeprazole

Here is a set of instructions and advice one must be mindful of while administering omeprazole to their dog:

Generally, omeprazole should be administered on an empty stomach. It should be given one or two hours before a meal.
If your dog vomits or gets sick after getting omeprazole on an empty stomach, you should give it with the meal instead. All relevant changes and data must be discussed with the veterinarian for additional guidance.
You may crush the tablet and mix it with your pet’s water or food to make swallowing easier.
Hydration is key. Ensure your dog drinks ample water (depending on weight and size). This will help the medication work optimally and lead to an effective recovery.

Note: It’s always better to consult with your veterinarian to determine if omeprazole would be a suitable treatment for your dog.

They may also prescribe the appropriate dose and schedule based on your dog’s general health checkup and medical history.

Precautions and Possible Interactions with Omeprazole

No medication should be taken without the proper prescription by a veterinary professional.

This means one must not give omeprazole to their dogs, even in small doses.

Suppose you suspect your dog might need this effective medicine.

In that case, it’s always better to contact a professional than perform your own research on the sidelines to understand the various complexities better.

Dogs That Should Not Take Omeprazole

According to Plumb’s Veterinary Medication Guides, omeprazole should not be given to dogs who have suffered from similar conditions and exhibited allergic reactions to the treatment offered at the time.

But it can be given to dogs with the following conditions with caution:

Your dog has liver or kidney disease
Your dog is pregnant or nursing
Your dog is hypersensitive to similar medications

While omeprazole may be safe for dogs with the mentioned treatments, it’s always up to the veterinarian to prescribe the appropriate dose.

This is because of the safety concerns of omeprazole and the potential side effects when used irresponsibly.

For example, dogs with liver or kidney disease may not be able to metabolize properly, which can cause build-up and potentially cause adverse side effects.

The efficacy of omeprazole for pregnant and nursing dogs has not been scientifically established yet.

Veterinarians have observed a correlation between omeprazole and the reduced birth rate for puppies born while the mother was on omeprazole.

We recommend disclosing all relevant information to the veterinarian.

This includes any side effects your pet may suffer, including allergic reactions, diarrhea, itching, lack of appetite, hair loss, etc.

This will assist them in creating a health plan tailored to your pet’s individual and unique needs.

Potential Interactions With Other Drugs

Omeprazole may conflict with other medications when not given appropriately or without caution.

Certain antibiotics should never be paired with omeprazole in the first place.

These include benzodiazepines, clopidogrel, digoxin, phenytoin, warfarin, and more.

One must also mention all vitamins, supplements, and herbal therapies the dog may be taking because of the potential risk of adverse interactions between the two supplements.

Remember that the name of the medicine, the amount your pet is taking, and their timing are equally important in ascertaining if omeprazole would be the suitable course of action.

The informed opinion of the veterinarian will be your best friend here, and it’s best if they know everything relevant to your dog’s condition to decide the efficacy of omeprazole for your dog.

Omeprazole for Dogs: Conclusion

Omeprazole is a safe medication when administered in the correct dose as administered by a veterinarian.

This is because all medicines may be adverse when given without informed knowledge of your dog’s unique genetic makeup and health concerns.

You should be free of all worries when you have consulted a professional. The medicine is quite effective in reducing stomach acidity.

Your dog may begin to feel better within 1-2 days. It may also be prescribed for longer if the benefits outweigh the costs.

The bottom line is this: your pet deserves the best life, and omeprazole may help them get that through improved health.

Your pet may recover and feel healthier and happier, which may also put your concern at ease.