Omeprazole for Dogs: Weight-Based Dosage Chart & Guidelines

Omeprazole, commonly known under the brand names Prilosec®, Gastrogard® and Ulcergard® is a medication widely used in veterinary medicine to manage various gastrointestinal conditions in dogs.

As a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), it plays a crucial role in managing conditions associated with excessive stomach acid production, such as gastric ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Understanding the correct omeprazole dosage for dogs is crucial for ensuring its safety and efficacy.

The veterinarian-recommended dosage of omeprazole for dogs typically ranges from 0.5 to 1 mg per kilogram (0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound) of body weight, administered once daily.

Omeprazole for Dogs: Overview

Category	Details
Ideal Dosage	0.5–1 mg/kg once daily
Recommended For	GERD, ulcers, gastritis, acid reflux
FDA Approved	No
Toxicity Dose	Above 5 mg/kg daily (prolonged use)
Administration	Oral tablets or capsules
OTC Availability	Yes, but only use under vet supervision
Brand Names	Prilosec®, Gastrogard®, Ulcergard®
Onset of Action	1–2 hours
Duration of Action	Around 24 hours
Contraindications	Allergies, severe liver/kidney issues
Drug Interactions	Ketoconazole, diazepam, warfarin

How Much Omeprazole For Dogs?

The veterinarian-recommended dosage of omeprazole for dogs typically ranges from 0.5 to 1 mg per kilogram (0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound) of body weight, administered once daily. In more severe cases, such as significant ulcers or severe acid reflux, the dosage may be increased to a loading dose of 1 mg/kg IV, followed by 8 mg/kg/day as a constant-rate infusion (CRI) under veterinary supervision.

Administer Prilosec®, Gastrogard®, or Ulcergard® to your dog on an empty stomach, ideally about 30 minutes before meals.

If your dog experiences nausea or vomiting when given on an empty stomach, future doses can be given with food.

Is Omeprazole Safe for Dogs?

Yes, dog omeprazole is generally considered safe when prescribed by a veterinarian. However, like any medication, it comes with some caveats.

• Mild: Diarrhea, nausea, or gas
• Severe (rare): Allergic reactions or changes in appetite

Avoid using Omeprazole in canines with known allergies to the drug or in cases where an alternative treatment is more suitable.

How Omeprazole Is Supplied

Form	Strengths Available	Notes
Capsules	10 mg, 20 mg	Commonly used for oral administration.
Oral Suspension	2 mg/ml	Suitable for dogs that cannot swallow pills.
Oral Paste	2.28 g per syringe	Easy-to-use option for precise dosing.

Omeprazole Dosage Chart for Dogs

Dog’s Weight	Dosage (0.5 mg/kg)	Dosage (1 mg/kg)	Equivalent Dosage (in Pounds)
5 kg (11 lbs)	2.5 mg	5 mg	1.25 – 2.5 mg
10 kg (22 lbs)	5 mg	10 mg	2.5 – 5 mg
15 kg (33 lbs)	7.5 mg	15 mg	3.75 – 7.5 mg
20 kg (44 lbs)	10 mg	20 mg	5 – 10 mg
25 kg (55 lbs)	12.5 mg	25 mg	6.25 – 12.5 mg
30 kg (66 lbs)	15 mg	30 mg	7.5 – 15 mg
35 kg (77 lbs)	17.5 mg	35 mg	8.75 – 17.5 mg
40 kg (88 lbs)	20 mg	40 mg	10 – 20 mg
45 kg (99 lbs)	22.5 mg	45 mg	11.25 – 22.5 mg
50 kg (110 lbs)	25 mg	50 mg	12.5 – 25 mg

Omeprazole Oral Suspension Dosage For Dogs

Dog’s Weight	Low Dose Volume (ml)	High Dose Volume (ml)
5 kg (11 lbs)	1.25 ml	2.5 ml
10 kg (22 lbs)	2.5 ml	5 ml
15 kg (33 lbs)	3.75 ml	7.5 ml
20 kg (44 lbs)	5 ml	10 ml
25 kg (55 lbs)	6.25 ml	12.5 ml

How Omeprazole Works

Dogs’ omeprazole works by irreversibly inhibiting the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme, commonly known as the proton pump, which is located in the gastric parietal cells. This enzyme is responsible for secreting hydrogen ions (protons) into the stomach, where they combine with chloride ions to form hydrochloric acid.

By blocking this enzyme, omeprazole effectively reduces gastric acid secretion. The medication is administered in an inactive form that is lipophilic, allowing it to easily cross cell membranes.

Once it enters the acidic environment of the parietal cell canaliculus, omeprazole is protonated and converted into its active form, which then binds to and deactivates the proton pump.

Although omeprazole has a relatively short plasma elimination half-life of about one hour, its effects can last significantly longer up to 3-4 days after a single dose.

This prolonged effect occurs because the inhibition of the proton pump is irreversible; new pumps must be synthesized for acid secretion to resume.

Research indicates that omeprazole is more potent than other acid-reducing medications, such as cimetidine, being 2-7 times more effective in dogs depending on the administration route.

Additionally, the drug’s efficacy increases with repeated dosing, reaching a steady state after several days of treatment.

Omeprazole Benefits For Dogs

• Reduces Gastric Acid Production
• Treats Gastric Ulcers
• Manages Acid Reflux (GERD)
• Prevents Esophagitis
• Supports Healing from Gastritis
• Useful in Long-term NSAID Therapy
• Potential Neurological Benefits

Omeprazole Side Effects For Dogs

• Loss of Appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Gas and Bloating
• Diarrhea

It is crucial to monitor your dog’s response to omeprazole. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your veterinarian, who may adjust the dosage or frequency of administration accordingly.

Drug Interactions You Should Be Aware Of

It is important for pet owners and veterinarians to be aware of potential drug interactions that can occur when omeprazole for dogs is administered alongside other medications.

1. Benzodiazepines:
   • Medications like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) can have increased blood levels when given with omeprazole, raising the risk of side effects.
2. Digoxin:
   • This heart medication may have elevated levels in the bloodstream when combined with omeprazole, potentially leading to toxicity.
3. Antifungals:
   • Drugs such as fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole can interact with omeprazole. The acidity of the stomach affects their absorption, so doses should be separated by at least two hours.
4. Seizure Medications:
   • Phenytoin, used to control seizures, may require dose adjustments when taken with omeprazole due to altered metabolism.
5. Antibiotics:
   • Doxycycline: Omeprazole may decrease its absorption, necessitating higher doses.
   • Clarithromycin: The combination can increase the blood levels of both drugs, leading to heightened side effects.
6. Levothyroxine:
   • This thyroid medication’s absorption can be impaired by omeprazole, which might require dosage adjustments.
7. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): When used together with NSAIDs like carprofen, omeprazole may exacerbate gastrointestinal issues rather than protect against them. Studies have shown that this combination can lead to increased intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis.
8. Iron Supplements: Omeprazole can reduce the absorption of iron from supplements; doses should be spaced at least one hour apart.

Which Dogs Should Not Take Omeprazole

• Dogs with Pre-existing Conditions:
  • Dogs with liver or kidney disease should use dog omeprazole cautiously due to the potential for increased side effects and altered drug metabolism.
• Allergic Reactions:
  • Omeprazole should not be administered to canines that have previously exhibited allergic reactions to it.
• Pregnancy and Nursing:
  • The safety of omeprazole in pregnant or nursing canines has not been established; therefore, use is generally discouraged in these cases

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