Almost all dogs are likely to experience occasional episodes of diarrhea.
Your intestines would revolt occasionally if you engaged in the act of licking the ground, taking appetizing things from the trash can, and looting the cat’s litter box.
Owners who wish to alleviate their dog’s diarrhea and safeguard their carpets may consider administering Imodium to their pet.
Regrettably, there is no simple response to this query. Although Imodium may be secure for specific canines, it must be avoided for some.
It is important to consult your vet prior to giving your dog Imodium.
In the following discussion, we will delve deeper into the utilization of Imodium for dogs, outline the necessary steps to take when your dog is experiencing diarrhea, and consider alternative options that can help alleviate your dog’s symptoms.
- You must always contact your vet before giving your dog Imodium. Imodium is a safe medication for some dogs, but it can be lethal for others.
- There are five basic groups of dogs who should not take Imodium. This includes dogs who’ve eaten something toxic, those who’re battling an intestinal infection, pooches suffering from several different health problems, herding breeds, or canines currently taking some other medications.
- There are a few alternatives to Imodium you may be able to use to ease your pet’s diarrhea (after consulting your vet) . Pumpkin puree and white rice are often helpful and safe for most doggos, and Pepto Bismol is even appropriate in some cases.
What Is Imodium and How Does It Work?
Imodium was developed initially for one purpose, but it turned out to be much more efficient in curing a completely different issue.
Originally intended for pain management, Imodium is a synthetic opioid named loperamide.
Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out to be effective for this purpose. It must be administered in very high dosages to provide pain relief – dosages that are not safe for most people.
Imodium, like other opioids (both natural and synthetic), usually leads to constipation. Although constipation is generally considered an undesirable side effect of opioids, in the case of Imodium, it is seen as a positive aspect rather than a negative one.
Imodium is currently employed to decelerate the activity of the intestine in humans, but it does not offer any form of pain alleviation at the customary dosages.
Is Imodium Safe for Dogs?
Although Imodium is deemed as a relatively safe medication for certain dogs, it has the potential to pose a significant risk and even prove fatal for others. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that you seek advice from your veterinarian prior to administering Imodium to your furry friend.
In case you are unable to contact your regular veterinarian, seek the advice of an online vet from JustAnswer to obtain their viewpoint on the issue.
However, the majority of veterinarians believe that Imodium is not harmful to dogs, unless they are categorized in one of these five groups:
1. Dogs Who Have Eaten Something Toxic
When a dog consumes something that might be harmful, diarrhea is a method that the body utilizes to eliminate those toxic or dangerous substances, so it is essential not to impede this process. Therefore, it is crucial not to hinder the elimination process if your dog has eaten anything that could potentially harm him.
2. Dogs Who Are Suffering from a Serious Intestinal Infection
Make sure not to give dogs with a bacterial intestinal infection Imodium.
Similar to harmful foods, allowing your dog’s system to naturally eliminate the majority of the bacteria is recommended. Your veterinarian may suggest a medication to aid in eradicating the infection.
3. Dogs Who Are Experiencing Additional Health Problems
Dogs with kidney disease, liver disease, Addison’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or hypothyroidism should not always take Imodium.
Moreover, it is not advisable to administer Imodium to dogs that are presently encountering respiratory distress or abdominal discomfort, or those that have sustained a recent cranial injury.
4. Herding Breeds
It is common for herding breeds such as Shelties, Australian shepherds, and border collies to possess a gene mutation (MDR1), which impedes their ability to metabolize certain drugs, including Imodium.
Some people in this group may not possess the gene, but the sole method of ascertaining it is by undergoing genetic testing (fortunately, you can easily take a dog DNA test kit for the same purpose).
Unless you are certain that your herding dog is free from this gene mutation, refrain from administering Imodium to them.
5. Dogs Who Are Already Taking Some Other Medications
Imodium can react with certain medications and lead to hazardous consequences. These medications may comprise sedative antihistamines, other sedative drugs, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
When asking your vet about whether Imodium is appropriate for your dog, be sure to inform them of any medications your dog is currently taking.
What Is the Typical Recommended Imodium Dosage for Dogs?
It is crucial to have a conversation with your veterinarian before administering Imodium to your dog as each vet may suggest a distinct dosage based on the breed and individual condition of the dog.
The typical recommended dosage for Imodium in dogs is approximately 0.1 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, and it is usually given twice a day with a 12-hour interval.
To begin with, dog owners typically have to change their pet’s weight measurement from pounds to kilograms. However, this is a simple task and can be accomplished by dividing the dog’s weight by 2.2, resulting in an approximation of the weight in kilograms. For instance, if a dog weighs 10 pounds, it roughly weighs 4.5 kilograms and would require roughly 0.45 milligrams of Imodium.
The challenge lies in breaking 2-milligram Imodium tablets into precise segments, making it a problem. Thus, opting for liquid forms of Imodium is a safer and more convenient choice for small dogs.
It is important to check the label before giving liquid medications to dogs because certain products may contain xylitol or other artificial sweeteners that can be extremely hazardous to their health.
The use of tablets is more convenient for bigger dogs. For canines weighing 50 pounds, administering a solitary tablet containing 2 milligrams of Imodium would suffice.
Unless specifically instructed by your vet, Imodium should not be given for more than five consecutive days.
BONUS: Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Recipe
As reports on recalls and details concerning commercial dog foods continue to vary, a growing number of dog proprietors are electing to craft their own canine cuisine. Although home-cooked foods are adored by dogs, creating it is a dissimilar process from cooking for oneself or human relatives. It is imperative to abide by specific guidelines to ensure the good health of your dog.
Should You Feed a Homemade Diet?
The trend of homemade diets is increasing as it provides the advantage of ingredient control, ensuring that dog food recalls are not a concern. Moreover, individuals are seeking healthier food options for themselves and want similar benefits for their pets. Consequently, some pet owners prefer homemade diets since they include whole foods that are believed to be more beneficial than processed dog food.
Before switching your dog to a homemade diet, certain factors need to be taken into account as home cooking dog food may not be suitable for everyone.
- Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
- It takes time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly. Be sure you have a schedule that allows enough time to properly make your dog’s food on a regular basis.
- Make sure you can afford the ingredients to make your own dog food. Homemade food is typically less expensive than commercially prepared fresh or raw dog food, but it usually costs a little more than kibble.
- If you have a picky dog, you may need to source multiple recipes so you can change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.
Proper Nutrition for Dogs
Dogs, much like humans, require proper nutrition to flourish. However, their nutritional requirements are distinct from our own, and thus one cannot merely offer their own meal to a dog. Failing to provide a complete and balanced diet can result in a deficiency of essential vitamins and nutrients in dogs.
To fulfill their energy needs, dogs require sufficient calories that vary depending on their activity level and life phase. It’s advisable to consult your vet to figure out the number of calories that your dog requires every day.
To achieve a well-rounded homemade dog diet, it is important to include an appropriate equilibrium of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and fat. Supplementing the food with essential vitamins and minerals is necessary to ensure that it is nutritionally complete and balanced.
- At least 10% protein , such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef
- Up to 50% carbohydrates, such as rice, pasta , and potatoes (also provides some fiber)
- About 2.5-4.5% fiber , which can come from vegetables like peas, green beans, and carrots
- At least 5.5% fat , usually in the form of vegetable oil
- Vitamin and mineral supplements (dog-specific; can be purchased from a reputable company like BalanceIT.com )
If you are ready to get started cooking for your dog, the first step is to talk to your veterinarian. Your vet may have recipes for you to try. Or you may need a referral to a veterinary nutritionist or a vet that focuses on canine nutrition.
How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs
It is crucial to ensure that the recipe for your dog’s homemade diet is both complete and balanced. After consulting with your veterinarian and selecting a suitable recipe, it is time to begin preparing it.
- Before you begin, it’s best if you have ready a food scale, food processor, pots and pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.
- Purchase fresh, high-quality ingredients that are not canned, seasoned, or heavily processed.
- Set yourself up in a clean area of the kitchen that is free of foods that may be harmful to your dog .
- Measure out the ingredients. Use a food scale if possible for accuracy.
- Cook ingredients as directed on the recipe
- Mix food and supplements together well (ideally, use a food processor to blend ingredients).
- Place food in containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
- In general, refrigerated food will stay fresh for three to four days. Frozen dog food is best within about two months. Avoid feeding homemade dog food that has been in the freezer for more than six months.
Numerous owners opt for bulk food preparation and store it in pre-portioned containers in refrigerators or freezers. This approach is an excellent time and money-saver, but starting with smaller quantities to assess your dog’s response to the diet is advisable.
Sample Dog Food Recipes
Northwest Holistic Pet Care: Cooked Meal for a 20 lb. Dog
It is crucial to seek advice from your holistic vet prior to altering your dog’s diet to ensure that it aligns with their present health condition. Take note of your dog’s weight before implementing any changes as it serves as a reference and gauge for modifying portions in case of excessive gain or loss. The quantity of food a dog needs will differ depending on their age, activity level and overall physical condition.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ground organic turkey thigh (boneless)
- 2 tbsp ground organic turkey organ meat (liver, gizzards, hearts)
- ¼ c finely grated organic veggies
- 1 tsp ground raw sunflower seeds
- ½ tsp organic coconut oil
- ½ tsp salmon oil
- 500 mg Calcium Citrate (*must include this!)
You should modify the quantity of ingredients according to your dog’s weight and level of physical activity. The measurements provided are suitable for a dog weighing 20 pounds and leading a sedentary lifestyle. If your dog engages in rigorous exercise, its caloric necessities may increase by up to four times. It is crucial to keep an eye on your dog’s weight and adapt meal sizes to meet their calorific needs.
- 40 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 2
- 60 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 3
- 80 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 4
Directions:
Boil vegetables and keep them separately. Cook ground turkey thigh and organ meat slowly on medium-low heat. Stop cooking when the majority of the meat changes color to white, but some parts remain pink. Place the boiled veggies in a food processor or a sanitised coffee grinder and blend until they become finely grated. Combine all elements and ensure that the blend has cooled to a safe temperature before serving.
Hints: The life force (vitality) of food decreases due to the heat used during cooking. Cooking the food gently and partially will preserve more of its vitality while also making it easier for certain pets to digest compared to raw food. To improve nutrient absorption and digestion, vegetables can be blanched and grated finely.
