Omeprazole for dogs can be a great solution for a variety of dog digestive problems. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby explains the uses, side effects, and precautions for omeprazole so you will be prepared should your dog ever need it.
If you suffer from heartburn, you probably keep a steady supply of your favorite over-the-counter antacid medication within reach. But did you know that dogs can benefit from antacids too? Unlike you, they probably won’t be getting heartburn from tomato sauce or spicy food. But dogs with conditions like stomach inflammation or gastrointestinal ulcers can certainly benefit from an antacid such as omeprazole.
What is omeprazole for dogs?
If you are familiar with human antacids, you have probably heard of Prilosec®. This is the brand name (i.e. trade name) for an antacid with the active ingredient omeprazole. While there is a form of omeprazole labeled for use in horses (brand names: GastroGard®, UlcerGard®, etc.), there isn’t one for dogs and cats. This means that veterinarians will use the human version of omeprazole in an off-label fashion for dogs. Don’t worry though—veterinarians safely use many human drugs off-label on a regular basis.
Most commonly, veterinarians use omeprazole to treat intestinal and stomach ulcers in dogs. They may also prescribe it for patients with acute inflammation of the stomach and those with Helicobacter spp. infections. It is useful for those conditions because of its ability to block stomach acid production.
But if you are thinking about reaching into your medicine cabinet and grabbing the Prilosec for your dog, don’t do that just yet. Here’s my answer to…
Can dogs have Prilosec?
Yes, dogs can take Prilosec, but you should only give your dog Prilosec under the direction of your veterinarian. While Prilosec is safe for most dogs, it isn’t always the right choice. Sometimes your dog’s symptoms may be caused by an issue that Prilosec doesn’t do much (or anything) to address. Or your dog might be on a medication that doesn’t play nicely with Prilosec or have a medical condition, such as liver or kidney disease, that may make Prilosec less safe. By only giving your dog Prilosec as directed by the vet, you can help ensure it is safe and effective for your dog and correctly dosed.
How does omeprazole work?
Some antacids work by making stomach acid less acidic. For example, the calcium carbonate in Tums® is very alkaline while stomach acid is very acidic. (Think back to the pH scale you learned about in high school chemistry). When the alkaline calcium carbonate meets the acidic stomach acid, the pH of the fluid in the stomach becomes closer to neutral. This is helpful because it can make an upset stomach feel better. However, there are much better options for dogs than Tums, as you will soon discover.
Omeprazole takes it one step further though. Instead of just neutralizing stomach acid like some antacids, omeprazole works by suppressing acid production altogether. It comes from a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs directly affect the parietal cells in the stomach that produce hydrochloric acid (i.e. stomach acid).
Normally, the parietal cells exchange protons (i.e. hydrogen ions or H+) for potassium ions (K+) through a proton pump. An enzyme called hydrogen/potassium ATPase (or H+/K+ ATPase) facilitates this exchange, and the end result is hydrochloric acid production.
After a dog takes omeprazole, it enters the bloodstream then diffuses into the stomach’s parietal cells. Next, it accumulates in a little fold in the cell and becomes activated. Finally, the active form (tetracyclic sulfenamide) irreversibly binds to H+/K+ ATPase, inhibiting the proton pump.
Because this binding cannot be undone, the parietal cell must make more proton pumps to be able to keep making stomach acid. This takes time, so omeprazole administration results in prolonged gastric acid suppression.
What is omeprazole used for in dogs?
There are a variety of GI conditions that vets may treat with omeprazole, including stomach and intestinal ulcers, acid reflux, gastritis, esophagitis, and Helicobacter infections. Omeprazole is an effective part of treatment for those problems because of its ability to reduce acid production in the stomach.
Plus, because omeprazole may also decrease cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production, it has a bonus use in neurologic conditions like hydrocephalus and syringohydromyelia.
Let’s take a closer look at how omeprazole can help treat these conditions:
Stomach and intestinal ulcers
Veterinarians will primarily prescribe omeprazole to treat stomach ulcers in dogs (i.e. gastric ulcers) or ulcers in the 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 like carprofen for dogs 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.
Acid reflux or esophagitis
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.
Helicobacter spp. treatment
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 against the organism.
Gastritis
Omeprazole may also be helpful for cases of gastritis in dogs 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.
Omeprazole for hydrocephalus 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.
How long will omeprazole take to work?
When your dog is experiencing tummy troubles, you understandably want him or her to feel better as soon as possible. For some dogs, it might only take 24 to 48 hours to get some relief from gastritis or esophagitis. However, it can take two to four consecutive days of omeprazole usage to see maximal effects. This is because it takes a few days to inhibit enough proton pumps to see a big difference.
When aiming for maximal efficacy, it is also important to know that omeprazole always works better on an empty stomach. Ideally, you would give the omeprazole to your dog about one hour prior to breakfast. The reason for this is that the longer the fast (such as overnight), the more H+/K+ ATPase that is present in parietal cells. This means more targets for the omeprazole to inhibit, which in turn means better reduction of acid production.
What is the omeprazole dose for dogs?
As you can imagine, it is also important to give your dog the right amount of omeprazole. Typically, veterinarians will calculate the dose for omeprazole (in milligrams or mg) based on the dog’s bodyweight (in kilograms or kg). This is accomplished by multiplying the omeprazole dose (in mg/kg) by the dog’s weight (in kg).
Different conditions may require a different dose of omeprazole. So it is always best to consult your veterinarian to find the dose that is right for your dog.
Your vet will also advise you on the best dosing frequency. Usually, he or she will recommend giving your dog omeprazole every 24 hours on an empty stomach for five to seven days to start out. Administering it an hour before breakfast is ideal. If your dog isn’t doing well at that dose, your vet may recommend switching to twice daily dosing (i.e. every 12 hours).
What dosage forms does omeprazole come in?
Additionally, the vet will often suggest the form of omeprazole that would work best for your dog. Omeprazole labeled for humans comes in capsules, tablets, and a liquid formulation. These tend to be the options that vets pick for dogs as well. The most commonly available dosage form is the over-the-counter omeprazole 20 mg tablet or caplet, which is given orally. However, omeprazole is also available in 10 mg and 40 mg sizes. For tiny dogs, there is also the option of an omeprazole liquid.
There are granule formulations and oral pastes available but these are made for horses specifically so they have a higher concentration of omeprazole. This makes sense since horses weigh so much more than dogs. However, it also makes these dosage forms fairly impractical to use for most dogs.
Unfortunately, there is no injectable form of omeprazole. However, a cousin of omeprazole called pantoprazole is available in an intravenous formula. This is useful for patients in a hospital setting.
A word of warning: Although you can buy omeprazole over-the-counter, it is always best to talk to your vet before giving it to your dog. Omeprazole isn’t right for every dog or every situation and it is important to give your dog the correct dose for best efficacy.
What are the omeprazole side effects in dogs?
In addition to knowing how much omeprazole to give your dog and how often, it is also important to know about any side effects to watch for. Luckily, omeprazole is safe for dogs and adverse effects are very rare. Some dogs who take omeprazole may experience the following side effects:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas and mild bloating
- Decreased appetite
If your dog does exhibit side effects, they should be short-lived. In most dogs, omeprazole stops working about 24 hours after the last dose. However, the effects may linger for a little longer if the dog has liver disease in dogs or kidney failure in dogs. This is because the kidneys and liver are responsible for removing omeprazole from the body.
Thankfully, the safe dosing range is quite wide, and overdosing is extremely rare. In fact, the long-term use of very high doses of omeprazole has been studied in dogs over a period of seven years with no adverse effects.
This study is important because recent lab animal studies suggest that longer term omeprazole use in humans may increase the risk of certain stomach cancers. Understandably, this raised concerns among vets about the long-term use of omeprazole in dogs. However, the 7-year study mentioned previously did not show any evidence of stomach cancer development in any of the study dogs.
It is worth remembering, though, that long-term acid suppression might make it easier for certain bacteria to invade the stomach. If the dog vomits, then aspirates stomach contents, this could lead to severe pneumonia in dogs.
Are there dogs who should not take omeprazole?
We have just established that overall omeprazole is well tolerated by most dogs. But that doesn’t mean that it is right for every dog. Dogs who are sensitive to the effects of omeprazole or medications like it (e.g., pantoprazole) should not take omeprazole or any other proton pump inhibitor.
Also, dogs with liver disease or kidney disease should take very low doses of omeprazole. Safety has not been evaluated in pregnant or lactating dogs, so it is best to avoid giving it to them too.
For dogs taking certain medications, concurrent use of omeprazole may decrease medication absorption or increase the amount of medication present in the body. Before giving omeprazole to your dog, be sure to ask your vet about possible drug interactions. This is primarily a concern if your pup is taking any of the following:
- Benzodiazepines (like diazepam or alprazolam)
- Clarithromycin
- Clopidogrel
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
- Ketoconazole
- Levothyroxine
- Phenytoin
- Rifampin
- Warfarin
In the same way, if your pup takes any senior dog supplements or vitamins (especially B vitamins), omeprazole may decrease their absorption.
What are some alternatives to omeprazole for dogs?
As you can see, there may be times when a dog can’t take omeprazole due to the above contraindications. Or maybe your large or giant breed’s omeprazole is getting a bit pricey so you are looking for other options.
The good news is that there are some alternative antacids and other therapies that can help dogs who have or are prone to ulcers, vomiting, or other GI issues. However, as always, your vet is the best person to decide which, if any, of these options is best.
Omeprazole vs famotidine for dogs
Famotidine (which is sold under the brand name Pepcid®) is another popular antacid. It falls into a slightly different category than omeprazole. You see, besides harboring proton pumps, parietal cells also have histamine receptors. These receptors bind histamine (H2) and are utilized in the production of stomach acid. H2-receptor antagonists (i.e. blockers) like famotidine can reversibly bind to these receptors, effectively keeping them from producing acid.
In short, omeprazole and famotidine work to create the same effect—blocking acid production. However, a vet may recommend famotidine vs. omeprazole for dogs in different situations. While both are effective, overall, omeprazole tends to be the more effective antacid because it has longer-lasting effects. Also, from a convenience standpoint, omeprazole can be given every 24 hours while famotidine is typically repeated every 12 hours in dogs.
Tums: Can dogs take Tums?
Understandably, if you tend to reach for a bottle of Tums (calcium carbonate) when you have a sour stomach, you may wonder if dogs can take Tums too. While some forms of Tums can be safe for dogs, overall, I do not recommend giving your dog Tums. Here is why:
- Tums just aren’t a great antacid for dogs. There are much better and more effective options like omeprazole or famotidine. Thus, if you need to give your dog a medication to reduce acid production, it would only make sense to give him or her another antacid that has a much higher likelihood of working well, rather than Tums.
- Some Tums formulations can be bad for dogs because they contain an artificial sugar known as xylitol (i.e. birch sugar). Xylitol can be deadly for dogs since it causes sharp drops in blood sugar and/or liver failure.
Pepto Bismol: Can dogs take Pepto Bismol?
Pepto Bismol for dogs (bismuth subsalicylate) isn’t a great idea either. It can turn your dog’s stool a scary black color, and the subsalicylate ingredient may worsen GI upset or occasionally lead to ulcers.
Options other than antacids
Even though there are relatively safe antacids like omeprazole and famotidine, you should still consult your vet before giving them to your dog. While waiting to hear back from your vet, there are a few things you can do to help your dog’s stomach upset.
Bland diet
If your dog is vomiting, skip giving any more food or treats in case more vomiting is to come. The more vomiting that occurs, the more irritated the esophagus will become. If several hours go by and there hasn’t been any more vomiting, it may be safe to give a small amount of a bland diet for dogs. A little cooked rice and cooked chicken is a great option because these food items are bland yet easy to digest. However, remember to avoid any oils or seasonings when preparing the chicken and rice.
Probiotics
Another option is trying one of the many probiotic supplements available over the counter for dogs. Probiotics are live cultures of bacteria. They promote a healthy digestive tract, primarily because they compete with harmful bacteria for space in your dog’s intestines.
Probiotics for dogs may come in a powdered or tablet form. However, unlike for people, probiotic yogurt is not a great idea for dogs. Most dogs are intolerant to the sugars (lactose) found in dairy products, which means yogurt may make GI distress worse.
Other home remedies
Most people have their favorite home remedies for stomach upset, some of which might be safe and helpful for dogs. Unfortunately, there are few studies to prove their efficacy. But anecdotal evidence suggests that ginger root products for dogs may help settle an upset tummy. There are also anecdotes implying that giving a few slices of banana might soothe a sour stomach.
Ask your vet about omeprazole for dogs
As you have learned, omeprazole has some great benefits for dogs. It is useful for stomach ulcers, acid reflux, gastritis or other GI issues. Plus, it may only need to be given once a day, is safe for dogs, and effectively suppresses stomach acid secretion.
If your dog is having some tummy troubles and you are wondering if omeprazole would be a good idea, give your vet a call. He or she can examine your dog, give you an idea of what is wrong, and then create a treatment plan. Perhaps omeprazole might be just what your dog needs to get back to feeling great again.
Has your dog taken Omeprazole?
Please share your experiences in the comments.
My 4 year old Aussie has been diagnosed with ITP and has now been recovering from prednisone steroid use. He has been having bouts of vomiting and diarrhea throughout his treatment. He has now been off of the steroids for 2 months and is stable with his platelets. Now he is vomiting right after drinking water. He has had X-rays done of his esophagus. Normal. He has had comprehensive labs done for bloodwork checking his kidneys and liver. Normal. For 4 weeks he has been eating and pooping fine until he drinks water to quench his thirst and then he vomits everything in his stomach. We have also changed his diet to a low fat diet throughout this ordeal and has helped but this vomiting after drinking water is ridiculous. Our vet finally prescribed omeperzole. We haven’t tried it just yet. I’m wondering if this will help my beautiful boy? He’s becoming dehydrated and we’re worried!
Hi Colleen,
I am sorry your young dog has been through so much over the past few months. I am glad his ITP is in remission but understand your concern with this ongoing vomiting. If you need a way to get more water into him, you might consider offering canned food or adding some water to his kibble. Also, it may be time to ask for a referral to a specialist. Hoping you can find the answers you need to get this issue resolved. Praying for a clear path forward with treatment and a full recovery for your sweet boy.
Great article! I am owned by a 14-year old terrier mix, who more recently began to eschew breakfast and sometimes dinner. She’s diabetic and must eat before getting her twice daily insulin injection. Last week, her vet told me to start her on omeprazole once a day. It has made a huge difference in her eating.
Hi Kai,
Thats great news! I am so glad the omeprazole is making a difference and improving your senior girl’s appetite. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Wishing you continued success and many happy days ahead!
Vet recommended 10mg for occasional acid reflux for my 35 pound hound. We moved across country and the only dose I seem to be able to find here is 20mg extended release. Not sure if a higher dose is OK for extended release, or if I should try to cut the tablets in half?
Hi Kevin,
I am sorry you are facing this issue with obtaining your dog’s medication. In general, it is not recommended to cut extended-release tablets or caplets. Once you break through the specialized coating on the outside of the extended-release pill it allows the medication to be released faster (which could cause an overdose situation for your pup). I recommend you talk to your vet to see if a higher dosage is still in the acceptable range for your pup. Also, speak with the pharmacist at your local human pharmacy to see if the 10mg tablets are available behind the counter. Hoping for an easy solution and wishing you all the best.
My male dog who had “morning sickness” from time to time, puking small piles of bile in the morning, started taking omeprazole abt 18 months ago. This has “fixed” his issue and also, his breath no longer smells like his GI tract. I also have acid reflux disease and take it as well. I was told to take it for 2 weeks and then off for 2 weeks. However, for my dog, I was told he should take it non-stop. I was curious as to the difference.
Hi Ira,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I am glad your pup responded so well to the omeprazole and has made such a great improvement. I am not sure why your doctor has recommended that specific course of treatment. I did not see anything specific about length of treatment when I tried to research this, but then again, I am not a human medical practitioner. Hoping for continued success and wishing your sweet boy many happy days ahead.
My 11 year old retriever has been having ongoing issues with her tummy following a severe gastro case. We had bloods done and the vet suspects maybe an ulcer. She started losec last night and has very bad gas and more frequent stools today. Will this settle over a few days or do I call my vet and switch medications . She has had a tough run of it with Diarrhea in off the last 2 months … I am so anxious for her and don’t want to go backwards.
Hi Ruby,
I am sorry your senior girl has been having so many issues with her GI tract. I understand your concern and think it would be a good idea to go ahead and contact your vet. Hoping things have settled down a bit and praying all is well. Feel free to leave an update and let us know how your girl is doing.
This is a very informative article. It helped with understanding the whole mechanisms of the drug. My dog has cancer throughout her stomach lining and her liver is fully involved. Devasting news as she is palliative. Meds are tricky due to her compromised liver but I do think the omeprazole is helping. Her burping and lip licking are greatly reduced although she does seem to get quite bloated as the evening goes on. She is also on Cerenia as there is supposedly some pain relief gained by that med.
Anyway, I just want to say thank you for the informational article.
Hi Martine,
I am sorry your girl has received this devastating diagnosis but glad to hear the medications seem to be offering some relief from her symptoms. Thank you for the kind words and positive feedback about the article. Praying for your strength and comfort as you navigate this difficult path. Bless you and your sweet girl.
My dog is also on the same two meds for stomach cancer but we were told he couldn’t be on Cerenia for more than 14 days, but if he goes more than 48 hours without it he vomits again. Is there a safe and effective alternative to Cerenia?
Hi Lyn,
I am not aware of another medication that offers the same degree of anti-nausea activity and anti-inflammatory effects as Cerenia. I know that there are many instances where vets will use a medication “off label” and prescribe if for a longer period of time than what is recommended by the drug manufacturer. This may be one of those instances where your vet may make an exception. I would encourage you to discuss it with them and even ask for a consultation with a specialist if needed. Wishing you all the best as you navigate this difficult path. Bless you. ♥
Hi! Thank you for a great article! I have a brachiocephalic 7mo Frenchie that in the last month started regurgitating sometimes even hours after eating- watery undigested food mostly. No wretching and doesn’t seem to bother her. I know BOAS could be the underlying culprit but could Omeprazole seem to help? She even does in her crate but most times it’s when she’s active after eating/drinking. Some days are fine. Idk what to do.
Hi Eve,
I am sorry your Frenchie is having these ongoing issues with regurgitation. I would recommend you discuss this problem with your vet and see if they want to do some investigation. One of the first things I would want to rule out is megaesophagus. You should be able to see this on x-ray! Here is a link to an article with more information: Megaesophagus in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
While BOAS is definitely a possibility, I would hate to assume this is the cause and potentially miss something else that needs to be addressed. Hoping you can get a diagnosis and find the best way forward. Wishing you and your sweet girl all the best!
My senior Border Collie has been on Omeprazole for three days to help stop his vomiting. He now is not interested in food (he’s usually very food motivated) sleeps more than usual. Is this normal? We were going to stop the medication to see if it made a difference.
Hi S F,
I am sorry your senior guy is having these issues. Unfortunately, one of the possible side effects of Omeprazole is decreased appetite. Hoping you can determine if the medication is truly the cause and find a way to continue treatment for your pup’s nausea. Praying for healing and wishing you all the best.
Has there been any evidence that long term use of Omeprazole causing liver cancer in dogs? I know there have been studies that this happening in humans. My dog has been in Omeprazole for 2.5 years to treat is IBD and now has a 4.5cm mass on his liver. I am wondering if the Omeprazole could be the cause. I did see in the article that a 7 year study done did not indicate an increase of stomach cancer, but I am curious about liver cancer, I appreciate the advise. Thank you!
Hi Stacy,
This is a great question. While we know Omeprazole can cause an elevation in liver enzymes, I could not find any reference to it causing liver cancer (or tumors) in dogs. While anything is possible, I could not find mention of this in any of my research. Hoping the mass found on your boy’s liver is just a coincidence and praying it will not cause any issues. Thank you for bringing up this important topic!
what alternatives would you recommend for service senior baddies who have both and an enlarged heart, because he is teaching everyone he meets how to LOVE. Any advice or clinical trial referral is greatly appreciated.
yakoke,
taryn renee
Hi Taryn,
I think it is great you are searching for ways to help your senior pup. Unfortunately, without playing a personal role in his medical care it is hard to offer specific advice. I am not sure what would be best and when dealing with more complicated cases I like to defer to the specialists. It may be a good idea to consider a consultation with someone from internal medicine. Hoping you can find the answers you need for your sweet boy and wishing you both the best of luck.
That was hands down the best read on Omeprazole on the internet. Thanks. My dog has that bilious vomiting syndrome. 2 am yellow foam vomit. It looks so painful and it is just a mess if she missing the hardwood and hits the carpet. We spread out her meals and even give her a 2am snack during my trip to the bathroom most nights. Do you think the 10mg Omeprazole she is taking will help and possibly eliminate the need for the 2 am snack? She eats at 9 pm and again around 9am. Again at 3pm. I hope the Omeprazole will help her get throw the night so we can all sleep. Have you had results with the Bilious vomiting?
Hi Scott,
I am sorry your pup is dealing with this worrisome condition. It is hard to say for sure if the Omeprazole will eliminate the need for her 2am snack. You could try skipping the snack for a night and see how things go. Or you could even adjust the timing of her other meals to decrease the amount of time over night without a snack (ex: dinner at 10pm and breakfast at 8am). I have had some luck with treating this condition but that is usually due to finding a diagnosis and knowing what is causing the vomiting. If your girl has not had a thorough workup with blood work and abdominal ultrasound, that may be the next best step. Wishing you both the best of luck!
This website s the best I have come across and I have been reading up extensively over the past year as I have one dog with reflux who is successfully treated very occasionally with famotidine and now a younger dog who is given OMEPRAZOLE by the vets.
He is very well in himself,bouncy,eating,drinking playing,even before and after the vomiting has happened. He is a very sensitive sweet dog and suffers with PTSD after being attacked by two dogs as a puppy.He is now 4 and still cannot mix with other dogs except our own. He has had this vomiting over the last 3 years,usually with months inbetween.Before I take him back to the vets for this next round of vomiting,19 days after the last omeprazole,what would your likely diagnosis be ?
Different vets have said ,pancreatitis,tumor,hiatus hernia,reflux,stomach inflammation or ulcer.The next move is blood tests and scan.
Hi Carolel,
I am glad you are doing your research. Your pup is lucky to have you playing such an active role in advocating for his health and well-being. There are just too many possible options to make specific conclusions without personally examining your boy. All the things you mentioned are potential causes for your dog’s vomiting. I agree the best way to get a definitive diagnosis is to pursue some testing. Blood work is a great place to start. Hoping you can get some answers and move forward with treatment. Wishing your sweet boy the best of luck!
what would you be looking for in those blood tests results?
we did haematology and chemistry. Which values do I need to look at. I will be receiving the results before my vet appointment
Temporary vet prescribed Omeprazole and Pepcid as abdomen exam showed sensitivity.
I wish to know what to discuss with regular vet.
Thank you
Hi Yvette,
I understand your concern for your dog and think it is great you are taking such an active role in their medical care. There are so many individual results on a standard blood panel that it is hard to go over what to look for with each one. Here is a link to an article that discusses many of these values in more detail: Understanding Blood Tests For Dogs: Blood Chemistry, CBC, & More
Ultimately, I would wait for your appointment with your vet and let them offer their assessment and recommendations. Hoping for answers and a clear path forward. Best wishes to you and your pup!
Thanks for this helpful article! My 12yo German Shorthaired Pointer has (what we think) is acid reflux and it makes him extremely anxious. He exhibits anxious behavior and does a lot of ‘imaginary fly biting’, lip smacking, lifting his head up, pacing etc. We’ve ruled out focal seizures and any eye problems with his vet. His vet recommended we try Omeprazole and are currently on day 4. I haven’t seen much of an improvement yet but it’s only been a few days. I’m curious how long you’d recommend a course of Omeprazole for a dog? Should we try just 2 weeks like a human would with Prilosec, or once a dog is on Omeprazole, you can’t really stop taking it?
Hi Jackie,
I understand your concern for your Pointer and hope this medication will offer some relief. You should start to see results by day 4 but I definitely wouldn’t give up on it yet. Some dogs just need more time than others. I don’t think it would be wrong to wait at least a week if not two to see if this medication will work for your pup. Your boy may be one of the few that would do better with twice daily dosing instead of once daily. Of course, I would discuss things with your vet before you make any changes or discontinue the treatment, but you should be able to stop giving the Omeprazole at any point if it is not working. Hoping you can get things figured out and praying for a quick resolution.
Thank you for your articles, they are always very instructive!
My vet suggested omeprazole 10 mg for my 23 lb dog. I looked everywhere and only found the 20 mg omeprazole over the counter. I was told by the pharmacy that I need a prescription for the 10 mg.
– 20 mg OTC
– 10 mg Rx
I don’t understand…
Hi Marie,
I agree that seems odd. I am not sure in what form the OTC medication is available (capsule vs. tablet). If it is in tablet form, you should be able to cut the 20mg tablets in half. Please let your vet know you are having trouble finding the right dosage. They may have a solution or can recommend something different.
Ok soo the vet prescribed smaller pills are better than cutting human sized pills. This is because the red ‘enteric’ coating means that when I cut the human sized pills they do not get to his stomach.
I now have smaller doggy ones 20mg x2 daily without a coating so they go straight to my dogs stomach!!
FYI I am on day 3 and still waiting for a difference.
Hi Hannah,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Hoping the omeprazole will start to take effect and your boy will get some relief. Best wishes!
My dog has been prescribed Omeprazole we are on day 3 and still have a little bit of vomiting each day.
Hi Joanna,
I’m sorry to hear that your pup is still vomiting. It would be a good idea to check in with your vet at this point if you haven’t already. I don’t know what condition your vet prescribed the omeprazole for, but continued vomiting could mean that your dog’s condition is worsening or your dog needs further diagnostics to get to the bottom of what is going on.
I hope you are able to find some answers for your dog so that he or she can start feeling better soon!
Hi my dog has been on it for about 3 weeks now and she still vomit a little of a morning. Just trying to find out when is the best time to give her the tablet. We have been giving it to her at night. Cheers
Hi Glenda,
This is a great question! It depends on the dog. Some dogs do better with nighttime administration and others show improvement when it is given in the morning at least an hour before breakfast. As long as there are no other conditions or medications your pup is taking in the morning that would interfere with giving the Omeprazole, it should be fine to switch to a morning administration routine if approved by your vet. Please make sure your vet is aware of the ongoing vomiting issues. They may want to rule out other causes before making changes to your dog’s medication schedule.
Our yellow lab was prescribed omeprazole by our vet for GERD symptoms and vomiting bile. Omeprazole significantly improved her symptoms so we continued the medication as we understood that we should. Our vet’s office has 3 different vets. At the next yearly checkup we confirmed we were still giving our lab the medication. There were no concerns from the vet. At the next check up and after our lab had been taking omeprazole daily for almost 2 years we saw a different vet at the practice. He was horrified that we had been giving our dog omeprazole for so long and told us we have increased her chances of getting stomach cancer. I don’t know where the misunderstanding happened and why the other two vets did not express this concern. I was so upset that I’ve potentially hurt my dog. He switched her medication to Pepcid and we do that now instead. However, I’m still bothered by the whole situation. We truly thought we understood the original instruction to keep her on omeprazole. Do you think we harmed our dog by using omeprazole for so long? We feel so guilty.
Hi Rosemary,
I am sorry you have received some conflicting information. I understand why you are confused and concerned. As the article states, there are studies that indicate long term use in humans may increase the risk of certain stomach cancers. Luckily the same has not been shown in studies with dogs. The vet that recommended discontinuing the omeprazole was probably acting with an overabundance of caution. Either way you decide to proceed should be ok in the long run. Let go of the guilt and please don’t stress. You are doing a great job and taking excellent care of your girl. I hope this will help to calm your fears. Wishing you all the best!
Our Westie was prescribed 10mg Omezaprazole and 24mg Cerenia tablets and it worked very well.
We think she had eaten something she shouldn’t have and had a very upset stomach, with associated loss of appetite and bile sickness for days.
A bland chicken and rice diet (very little and often) together with this prescription worked very well and she is now completely back to her wonderful mischievous self again.
Hi John,
This is such great news! Thank you for sharing your success story with our readers. Best wishes to you and your Westie.
My westie had the same problem with chronic vomiting a few weeks back but after much testing was ultimately diagnosed with untreatable stomach cancer. He takes both Omeprazole and Cerenia daily now to calm his stomach but we’ve been told he can’t stay on the Cerenia. But whenever he has a break from it the vomiting resumes. Does your westie still take both meds?
Dear Lyn,
I am so sorry your Westie has been diagnosed with cancer. Praying you can find a way to keep him comfortable and make the most of the time you are gifted. Bless you and your sweet boy.
I started my preemie 2 month old puppy on this medication, prescribed from the vet. Since I gave it to her, she had been extremely tired, has diarrhea, and not eating as well. Is this normal?
Hi Mary,
I would not expect Omeprazole to cause these symptoms. While any medication can cause some upset stomach, this one should help to prevent it. I am suspicious there is more going on that could be contributing to your puppy’s problems. Please reach out to your vet and let them know about these new issues.
Your contradicting yourself. Your article states side affects can be diarrhoea and decreased appetite.
Hi Amy,
I understand how my previous comment could be confusing. I will try to clarify. Diarrhea and upset stomach are the main side effects for just about every drug/medication. Since the previous reader was specifically asking about a small puppy, I am always on high alert for any decrease in appetite and diarrhea as these symptoms can be early signs of the deadly Parvo virus. So, while Omeprazole could be playing a role in her dog’s worrisome symptoms, I am suspicious more could be going on here and think it would be wise to seek veterinary care/advice. I hope that makes sense? Thank you for calling this to my attention. Best wishes!
Hi, i am on day 5, 5mg twice a day and my jack russell chihuahua still vomit 2x a day, and had diarrhoea once.
what should i do? i’m so worry about her, not sure if i should stop the meds all together.
Hi Yess Min,
I am sorry your pup has not shown any improvement since starting the medication. It would be best to reach out to your vet and make them aware of these ongoing issues. They can decide if more testing needs to be done or discuss different treatment options. Hoping you can get the answers you need and praying for a positive outcome.
I have a basset rescue with major stomach issues. Tried the antacids.. prilosec made him very lethargic and he didn’t want to eat. it was absolutely the Prilosec, because when we stopped, he started eating again. We’ve moved on to his own diagnosed motility issue however, he still has issues. Hopefully we can figure this out soon.
Hi Nancy,
Sorry your Basset has had so many issues with his medications. Hoping you can get some answers quickly and ensure your sweet boy is happy and healthy. Wishing you both the best.
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for a great article! Knowledge is power and you just shared a ton of it. Greatly appreciated.
Hi Gorman,
Thank you for the great feedback! Glad the article was helpful and informative. Best wishes!
My 6 year old lab has gastrointestinal problems she’s been put on Omprezole and Rimadyl. . I don’t give her much of the Rimadyl anymore it concerns me. The other one I give every morning to her and her feces is still not solid like it use to be. I slowly changed her dog food to Hills digestive food kibbles for a week but she still licks her lips and chews some grass. I’m wondering what to do from here.
Hi Susan,
While Omeprazole is great for decreasing stomach acid and helping to heal ulcers, it doesn’t treat all sources of nausea. You mentioned your Lab is licking her lips and eating grass which can be symptoms of nausea. I recommend you talk to your vet and see if they could prescribe something in addition to the Omeprazole. There are also great options for probiotics that could help with the loose feces. Hoping this helps direct your conversations with your vet. Wishing you both the best!
My 50 pound Husky has a liver shunt and is taking Omeprazole 20mg 2 times a day. Is this too much? She is limping all the time and her belly turns pink a couple of hours after taking the med.
Hi Renee,
I understand your concern with these strange symptoms you are noticing in your Husky. Since I haven’t personally examined your dog, I can’t make specific conclusions or recommendations on medication dosages. Please make sure your vet is aware of what is happening. They may decide to do some investigation or try a different treatment all together. Hoping you get answers quickly and wishing you the best of luck.
my Lhasa has been on pepsid. starting Omeprazole today. Have some kidney issues also. But has so much lick lipping and regurgitating, doesn’t want any food. so hoping this helps.
Hi Linda,
I too am hoping the omeprazole will do the trick. Praying your pup is feeling better soon. ♥
My Jack Russell is almost 16 and has GERD.. I was going to give her famotidine until I read your article. She’s 20lbs and I’m wondering how much to give her.
Hi Leba,
Without playing a personal role in your dog’s veterinary care, I can’t give you specific medication dosages. I recommend you talk to your vet about the possibility of starting omeprazole. If they decide it would be beneficial for your dog’s condition, they will give you the dose that is best for your pup.
my 12 yr old Catahoula, 80 lbs has been on omprazole 20mg once a day before breakfast.for a year by instruction of our Vet. Our Dr. quit leaving us with the other Dr. in the office.
That Dr. didn’t like that Our dog had been on it for a year without a break and told us to stop and give it a rest.
After 5 days he has lost his appetite and has has a few small vomit areas .
Not sure what I should do next leave him off and have him miserable or do what the original Dr. said to do and give him peace.
will my dog have get better the long he is off it?
thanks I value you opinion
Char
Hi Char,
I am sorry you are in this difficult situation with your senior guy. Without being personally involved in his medical care, I can’t make specific recommendations. It does seem like the omeprazole may be needed since your dog was doing well while taking it and then the issues started once stopping the medication. Have you discussed these issues with the other doctor? Don’t forget, it is always ok to seek a second opinion if you have lingering questions or concerns. I am hopeful you will find the best way to keep your sweet boy happy and healthy. He is lucky to have someone like you advocating for his well-being!
Great information! I didn’t see signs symptoms for use in your dog? I have a 108lb boxer 7yr old occasionally I’d say usually always at night does this nervous behavior gulping swallowing licking with some belching and is very very needy needs you constantly patting him. He use to have one meal a day at some time between 5-6:00 chicken rice and vegetable and some treats during the day. Yes we cook their food we have 3 boxers! But we recently started breaking that meal into 2 in the morning to help with indigestion and giving probiotics. And now we think he’s got acid reflux and/or ulcer so we’re gonna start the omeprazole and see how he does. I think this is definately the answer if not we will go back the vet. But I was wondering the indications for usage or symptoms for omeprazole? Thank you.
Hi Kris,
It does sound like your pup may be experiencing some issues with his stomach. I recommend you talk to your vet and make sure they don’t want to do some investigation prior to starting your boy on omeprazole. I would hate to assume he is dealing with reflux and miss a more serious issue that could be easily resolved if caught early enough. At the title indicates, omeprazole is an antacid. So the indications for usage are for any condition or disease that involves increased acid production in the stomach. There are too many possible symptoms to consider, this is why it is important to partner with your vet to get a diagnosis first. I am hopeful you will find the best way to maintain your sweet boy’s health. Wising you and yours the best!
My little dog has been prescribed Omeprazole liquid, and takes it once a day, along with Famotodine. It, is a compound liquid, that I have filled and delivered through a mail order pharmacy. The medication itself, is very reasonable, but the refrigerated shipping, adds an extra $45 to the order, on a monthly basis. Is there any alternative? He’s doing so well, that I hate to change, but $70 monthly, is a lot for me. How can I find a local veterinary pharmacy, that deals with compound medications?
Hi Mary,
I am sorry you are having such a tough time with the cost of your pup’s medication. There is probably not a local veterinary pharmacy, but ANY compounding pharmacy may be able to make this medication for you. I have a human compounding pharmacy in my area that I can call to fill prescriptions for my veterinary patients. As long as the drug you are wanting compounded is not exclusively used in veterinary medicine, a human pharmacy may be able to help. Luckily omeprazole is used in human medicine as well. Please make sure your vet is aware of this financial strain. They may already have a plan B and just haven’t mentioned it because they didn’t realize there were concerns with plan A (if that makes sense?). I am hopeful you can find a better solution that will make things easier to bear. Wishing you the best of luck!
Hi there, if found to be acid reflux, is Omeprazole a drug that can be taken long term for a dog? Also, is it a drug that just “works on the day” (eg the human equivalent of gaviscon or tums, simply settling it on the day) or, is it a drug that has to have a few days build up to work? Many thanks.
Hi Susie,
Yes, Omeprazole can be used in dogs on a long-term basis. But make sure to check with your veterinarian before administering any type of medication to make sure your dog doesn’t have any issues that would make this treatment a poor choice. You wouldn’t want to unintentionally cause harm to your pup. And the information you are looking for as to how Omeprazole works can be found in the article under the paragraphs titled “How does it work?” and “How long will omeprazole take to work?”. I hope that helps a bit. Take care!
My 2 year old aussie has been on omeprazole, as originally advised by our vet, for vomiting. She is also eating Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Stress and Calming Care probiotic. It’s now been a couple months that she’s been on omeprazole. It seems any time I forget to give it to her, she vomits. Will this be a medication she will need for the rest of her life?
Hi Laurie,
I am sorry your Aussie is having so many GI issues. I understand your concern with her persistent vomiting when the omeprazole is not given. She may indeed have to stay on some type of antacid long term. Make sure your vet is aware of these ongoing symptoms. They may decide to do some more investigation. The next steps could include a referral to a specialist or the need to scope your dog’s upper GI tract. I am hopeful you will find the answers you need to help restore your girl’s health and quality of life. Wishing you both the best.
My Bonnie, a 17 yo chi hua hua, used to be a very healthy dog. She has no health issues at all until mid of June 2022. During her annual medi check in June, the vet done a stomach ultrasound on her and found out her stomach lining was thickening. The vet suspects it is due to gastritis or an ulcer inside her stomach. So she suggested us to use omeprazole tablets to see if that helps. The first day after I gave the omeprazole to my dog, she was having diarrhea for hours. On the second day, she started vomiting shortly after taking the medicine and it became progressively worse. She kept vomiting from evening until 6++ a.m. the next morning. You can even see the BLOOD in her vomit. I stopped the medicine immediately and went to the vet. Vet done a blood and urinalysis test on her and report came back was good. 2 days later, blood was found in her urine. We went to vet again, do some testing on her urine. Report shows USG reading was good and vet concluded that she was having urinary track infections. I went to 2 different vet after that and did 3 urinalysis test in total, the reports were all good and both vets also said it was a common UTI due to her age. But 2 weeks later, she was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney failure. So, I just want to know, is this omeprazole tablet causing kidney failure in my dog? Thanks
Hi Frances,
I am sorry Bonnie has dealt with so many issues this past year. Unfortunately, without examining your dog myself and being involved with all the case details, there is really no way for me to make specific conclusions. Bonnie’s case sounds a bit complicated. With so much happening in such a short period of time, it is almost impossible to know if the omeprazole played a role in her kidney dysfunction or not. I would not think this is the case since the lab work performed just after the diarrhea and vomiting started showed no abnormalities. Also, I am a bit curious to know why the stomach ultrasound was recommended in the first place as this is not typically part of a routine yearly physical for dogs. With that being said, I hope Bonnie is maintaining well and still able to live a happy life. Wishing you all the best.
My dog W is almost 15 years old. Over the years she had acidiy and we resolved with omeprazole. Now, she is taking Galliprant for mobility and pain. After a month of 1 galliprant a day she is developing dark stool and very soft. Can I combine 1 Galliprant with omeprazole?
Thanks,
R
Hi Ruth,
I understand your concern for your senior girl and these changes to her bowel movements. I think it would be best to have her examined by your vet prior to adding in the Omeprazole. Depending on how “dark” the stool is this could be a sign of more serious issues. Your vet will probably want to get a fecal sample and do some testing to rule out some of the possible causes. How are things today? Hoping everything has resolved and your pup is back to normal.
my jack Russell seems to be swallowing and slurping at night I wondered if it could be reflux as on occasions quite rarely he will vomit bile in the morning but quite rarely,many thanks
Hi Tim,
What you are describing could be signs of reflux in your pup. I recommend you discuss these concerns with your vet and see if they want to try a course of medication. Good luck!
Two of my three Chocolate labs (aka garbage can eaters) were on (vet recommended) famotidine…. 2xdaily…
I’ve begun to give the latest one to rescue me, probiotics with homemade Greek yogurt…
So far, so good!
Hi Fr jim,
Famotidine is great and I prescribe it all the time. I am glad you found something that works for your Labs. Keep up the good work!