Diarrhea, one of the most common symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) problems in dogs can be treated with kaopectate. The medication targets the bacteria that are often responsible for this. The following DogAppy article elaborates more on using kaopectate for dogs.
Diarrhea, one of the most common symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) problems in dogs can be treated with a variety of treatments. If your dog has bloody diarrhea call your veterinarian for an appt asap. Try this first instead of kaopectate. Feed small amounts a couple times a day of a bland diet that essentially consists of a 50/50 mix of boiled rice, ground chicken/turkey or scrambled eggs. You can add a teaspoon of plain canned pumpkin for fiber or we keep this product around always Firm Up! Pumpkin. Help your dog’s microbiome recover with a probiotic made for dogs. There are other helpful aids out there to help with gut flora such as Propectalin. Ensure that your pet has enough supply of drinking water, so as to prevent dehydration associated with diarrhea.
The following DogAppy article elaborates more on using kaopectate for dogs. Owners should not give it to dogs to treat severe diarrhea, and treatment should only last for about 48 hours or less. In general, Kaopectate should be used with caution. Always consult your vet.
Kaopectate that contains bismuth subsalicylate should not be given to cats, since our feline friends are sensitive to salicylate formulations.
Kaopectate is essentially a human formulation but can be safely used in dogs. It is used for the same purpose as in humans, to treat digestion problems. The medication also acts as an antacid, and has antibacterial properties, which may help to resolve digestive issues in dogs. It is available in both liquid and chewable forms. Usually, the liquid formulation is preferred since it is flavored which makes it easier to administer. The chewable tablet is usually crushed and then sprinkled over dog food.
Kaopectate, particularly when not given in the appropriate doses, can have some bothersome side effects. However, in general, the medicine is found to be safe and is unlikely to cause any serious side effects.
The dosage will vary depending upon the weight of the dog. The general guideline for daily dose of kaopectate in dogs is 0.5 – 1.5 ml for every pound of weight. Usually, a 10 ml dose (1 teaspoon = 5 ml) is given for every 10 pound weight of the dog. This daily dose is split in 2 to 4 doses and usually given every 6 hours.
Although the medication is available over the counter, a prior consultation with your vet is a must before giving it to your pet. Apart from giving the medication, ensure that your pet has enough supply of drinking water, so as to prevent dehydration associated with diarrhea.
Also, for the first 24 hours, avoid giving any solid food. Your pet should be put on a bland diet that essentially consists of 50/50 mix of boiled rice, ground chicken or turkey or scrambled eggs. You can add a teaspoon of plain canned pumpkin for fiber. Always have fresh water available. After a couple of days, slowly start adding regular food into your dog’s bland diet. Giving a probiotic made for dogs is very helpful to help a dog recover from an episode of diarrhea and to maintain the gut for a few weeks after. Or you can feed a teaspoon of yogurt daily as it contains good bacteria, which can be helpful to soothe the dog’s gastrointestinal tract.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a veterinarian.
That said, Kaopectate may cause your dog to experience side effects (which we’ll go into). Dosing, alternatives and other tips are also covered here!
Though not designed for this purpose, the product can be carefully administered to canines under the right circumstances.
Kaolin/Pectin drugs no longer contain Kaolin. In some newer formulations, Bismuth subsalicylate (also known as Pepto-Bismol®) is used. Pepto-Bismol® is not considered safe for use in cats, so please check the drug label of new formulations of Kaopectate® before administering this drug to your cat.
In the United States, the new formulation of Kaolin/Pectin is most likely replaced with Bismuth subsalicylate. This drug has anti-inflammatory, mild-antibiotic, antacid, and protective qualities. It is commonly used in humans to treat indigestion and diarrhea, but is sometimes used by veterinarians to treat the same symptoms in dogs. It is not safe to give to cats.
However, kaolin is sometimes replaced with a substance called attapulgite. Attapulgite occurs naturally in clay soil and is used medically to bind to acids and toxins, as well as absorb some bacterias in the digestive tract. Attapulgite is mostly found in formulations outside of the U.S., and its effectiveness is debated.
Kaolin with Pectin treats diarrhea with it’s absorptive and soothing qualities. It no longer contains the Kaolin or Pectin and new formulations have arisen though the Brand names have stayed the same.
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Drug Name:
Diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, and certain toxicities
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