WARNING! The FDA has recalled all ranitidine products as of April 2020 due to a contaminant called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). This substance is known to cause cancer in humans. You may read the FDA press release here. At this time, DogTime recommends that you DO NOT use this product in dogs until the drug is reformulated for safety or the FDA presents further information.
This article only serves as an archival resource and should not be taken as current medical advice.
Ranitidine, also known by the brand name Zantac, is a medication that can be used to reduce acid in the stomachs of dogs. This is helpful in treating or preventing conditions such as ulcers and acid reflux.
It works by blocking histamines in the stomach that cause acid production. Zantac is the human form of the drug, and there is no veterinary specific brand. While the FDA has not approved Ranitidine for veterinary, it dogs can take it for treatment with veterinary supervision.
Although it is available over-the-counter, this drug should not be given to dogs without veterinary supervision, and you should follow your vet’s instructions closely when giving any medication to your dog.
Here is what you should know about the uses, dosage, and side effects of ranitidine for dogs.
WARNING! The FDA has recalled all ranitidine products as of April 2020 due to a contaminant called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). This substance is known to cause cancer in humans. You may read the FDA press release here. At this time, DogTime recommends that you DO NOT use this product in dogs until the drug is reformulated for safety or the FDA presents further information.
This article only serves as an archival resource and should not be taken as current medical advice.
Veterinarians primarily use ranitidine to treat and prevent ulcers in dogs, though its ability to reduce stomach acid also helps in treating other gastrointestinal conditions. Reducing stomach acid further helps to soothe inflammation, promote healing, and move food through the digestive tract.
WARNING! The FDA has recalled all ranitidine products as of April 2020 due to a contaminant called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). This substance is known to cause cancer in humans. You may read the FDA press release here. At this time, DogTime recommends that you DO NOT use this product in dogs until the drug is reformulated for safety or the FDA presents further information.
This article only serves as an archival resource and should not be taken as current medical advice.
The usual dosage of ranitidine for dogs is 0.25 to 1 mg per pound every 8 to 12 hours. It can be given orally or in the form of an injection.
It’s available in regular tablets or dissolvable tablets that usually come in strengths of 75 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg. Your veterinarian can further instruct you on how to properly measure the dosage for your dog.
Your dog should take the medication without food because food makes it less effective. You should continue the medication regimen your veterinarian prescribes, even if symptoms improve, until your vet tells you to stop.
Your veterinarian may adjust the dosage depending on your dog’s response to the drug or the specific condition that they’re treating.
Can I give Zitac with Gabapentin
Caroline
Can I give Zitac at the same time as Gabapentin or what gap should I do please? Thank you
Yes Zitac and Gabapentin can be used together. There is no reason to leave a gap between dosing them both as they should not interact. However these are prescription only medications so you should raise any concerns with your prescribing vet as well.
Can a small dose be given on a permanent basis?
S. Clarke
My dog was prescribed Zitac last year when she had nausea and acid reflux which caused pain in her throat. Her vet advised a change in diet and said I should get her off the Zitac as soon as possible because it is not good for dogs long term. However, my dog keeps getting flare-ups and I am always putting her on and off Zitac. Her symptoms always start during the night – would it be a good idea to just give her 1/2 tablet every night on a permanent basis?
This is a prescription only medication that your vet will need to prescribe to you. We recommend contacting them regarding any dosing advice, the medication may be safe for this use but not necessarily for your specific pet.
maz
can painkillers such as childrens calpol be given with zitac tablets?
You should not be giving human medications to your dog, such as Calpol, unless alongside veterinary advice. This can be very dangerous as some over the counter human meds can be fatal to pets. If your pet is in pain then I recommend contacting your vet to discuss other medications they can prescribe for you. There are multiple veterinary licensed pain relief medications that can be safely prescribed and used alongside Zitac.
Marg
What interval does there need to be between tablets, and do they need to be equally spaced round the clock day and night or can it be purely before meals
Zitac should be given 3 times a day, as evenly spaced as possible but you do not need to get up during the night to do it. Assuming that your dogs meals are evenly spaced through the day it is fine to give the tablets just before meals.
diane
can 200mg per day of zitac tablets have any side affects for my dog.
Potentially any drug can have side effects, but in fact this drug is remarkably safe and there are virtually no reports of side effects in dogs with this drug. It can sometimes interact with other drugs being given, but usually this just reduces the effect of the Zitac itself and not cause any direct harm. Nothing is perfectly safe, but this drug used in the normal way at an appropriate dose is extremely safe in dogs. (Usual dose is up to 10mg per kg bodyweight given 3 times daily.)
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my pet been on this product for 2 years now and it helps him tremendously
After several attempts to stop my Yorkshire terriers projective watery bile-this has helped so much. Still does it occasionally-but down from half a dozen times a day-to maybe one or two-and he seems much happier. Far better than the other remedies.
Used for my Cavalier for treatment of CM/SM [Syringomyelia], as per neurologist Dr Clare Rusbridge [see http://www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/Syringomyelia/] It helps keep Tommy happy and comfortable.
Under the guidance of my vet, these tablets solved all my dogs vomiting problems. Wonderful product made a poorly dog, well again. Very happy with the product.
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Below are some recent questions weve received regarding Zitac Tablets for Dogs, including answers from our team.
FAQ
What is the best thing to give a dog with pancreatitis?
How long can a dog take zitac?
What does zitac do for dogs?
Can dogs stay on zitac?
- Fast the dog for as long as the vet recommends.
- When the dog shows no vomiting the dog may be offered small, frequent amounts of water. …
- Electrolytes such as Pedialyte or Gatorade can be offered always in small amounts frequently during the day.