Can omeprazole cause diarrhea in dogs? A Comprehensive Guide

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What is the best antacid for dogs?

Pepcid (famotidine): If your pet has issues with stomach acid build-up, gastric ulcers, or other stomach- or GI-related issues, many veterinarians recommend this.

Drug Name:

Equine oral paste (2.28 g per syringe);10, 20, 40 mg tablets and capsules; oral suspension

What is omeprazole used for in dogs?

This reduction in acid production is helpful for several conditions in veterinary medicine:

Veterinarians will primarily prescribe omeprazole to treat ulcers in the stomach and small intestines. Sometimes they will also use the combination of omeprazole and sucralfate for dogs with ulcers. Sucralfate is a great short-term addition because it acts like a band-aid to help protect and heal the ulcerated areas. And the omeprazole decreases acid production to help prevent further ulceration.

Omeprazole can also be a great choice for dogs who are prone to stomach ulcers. For example, dogs who take certain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be more likely to form ulcers.

This is because NSAIDs can inhibit the lipid molecules called prostaglandins that form the mucus barrier that lines the stomach. When this protective barrier is lessened, the stomach acid can eat away at the inside of the stomach. Also, NSAIDs themselves can be slightly irritating to this protective lining. The combination of these two effects leads to erosion or ulceration in the stomach wall.

Sometimes dogs on steroids such as prednisone for dogs may also be at a higher risk of stomach ulcers. For this reason, the vet may decide to use omeprazole and prednisone for dogs in certain situations.

Omeprazole can also be useful for patients who have acid reflux in dogs or esophagitis (i.e. inflammation of the esophagus). The esophagus (i.e. the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) can be susceptible to erosions and ulcers. This is especially the case when the valve between the esophagus and stomach (called the cardiac sphincter) leaks stomach acid up into the esophagus. Suppressing acid secretion in the stomach will help prevent further irritation to the esophagus.

Even though the stomach is a very acidic environment, some bacteria can flourish in these conditions. One such bacteria is Helicobacter spp.. Infected dogs may be asymptomatic, but they could also experience symptoms such as vomiting and inappetence. This bacteria can cause inflammation of the lining of the stomach (i.e. gastritis) too.

By giving omeprazole, the inside of the stomach becomes less habitable for Helicobacter. This makes antibiotics more effective.

Omeprazole may also be helpful for cases of gastritis that are related to other factors such as:

  • Exercise— Exercise-induced gastritis has been described in sled dogs and dogs who race professionally.
  • Stress— For dogs with chronic stress, the protective mucosal layer inside the stomach becomes compromised.
  • Tumors—If the dog has an acid-producing stomach tumor (i.e. gastrinoma), the excess acid can also lead to gastritis.

    • Can omeprazole cause diarrhea in dogs?

    Interestingly enough, omeprazole may also decrease the production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This can be helpful as an adjunctive treatment for hydrocephalus in dogs (i.e. an abnormal build up of CSF in the brain). It may also be useful for dogs with syringohydromyelia, a condition where abnormal CSF-filled cavities develop in the spinal cord.

    Diarrhea in Dogs: How To Quickly Treat At Home

    Omeprazole is usually well tolerated by dogs and cats. However, it can sometimes cause GI upset (poor appetite, colic, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and diarrhea).