Omeprazole Dosage Chart for Dogs: Risks, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

Has your vet just prescribed omeprazole to your canine companion with gastritis or acid reflux? If so, you may be wondering how this medication works and how it can help your dog feel better.

Let’s breakdown everything you need to know about omeprazole for dogs, including common uses, side effects, dosing, and more.

What Is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a medication that is designed to decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach. By lowering the acid production in the stomach, this proton-pump inhibitor is used to prevent, manage, or treat many conditions that cause stomach or esophageal irritation. Omeprazole is the active ingredient in the popular over-the-counter medication called Prilosec.

Is Omeprazole Safe For Dogs?

Omeprazole is generally safe for dogs when following your veterinarian’s dosing guidance. Severe side effects and overdose are rare, and the most common side effects seen are mild gastrointestinal upset symptoms. Though omeprazole is generally safe for dogs, we only suggest offering your dog a form of omeprazole that comes from your vet’s office or has been approved by your veterinary team.

Why Do Dogs Take Omeprazole?

Omeprazole can be effective in managing a variety of conditions that cause irritation of the stomach or esophagus. Let’s break down some of the most common uses of omeprazole in dogs below.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD in dogs is essentially a case of acid reflux. Dogs with GERD experience overflow of stomach acid into their esophagus, often leading to erosion of the esophagus and painful esophagitis. Omeprazole can help to decrease the acid production in the stomach and prevent acid overflow.

Stomach ulcers: Dogs can develop painful stomach ulcers just like humans can. Stomach acid will only further irritate the stomach ulcers, so omeprazole can help to decrease acid production and promote healing.

Gastrointestinal irritation from medications: Dogs can develop gastrointestinal irritation from prolonged use of certain medications, especially NSAIDs. Omeprazole can be given to dogs taking NSAIDs or other irritating medications as a preventative measure, or it can be offered after the fact to manage discomfort.

Kidney disease: Dogs with kidney disease often develop gastrointestinal ulcers due to the buildup of toxins in their bloodstream. Omeprazole can help to decrease stomach acid production and limit stomach irritation.

Dr. Amy Nicole Lewis, a veterinarian with Worldwide Veterinary Services told A-Z Animals that unless the dog has chronic kidney disease, it is important to make sure omeprazole is not given for more than a four-week period. You never want to decrease the stomach’s ability to produce acid completely, as stomach acid plays a major role in the proper digestion of food and bacterial overgrowth prevention.

How Is Omeprazole Given To Dogs?

Omeprazole can be found in tablet and capsule form. It is most effective when given on an empty stomach and before the first meal of the day. However, if your dog experiences nausea or vomiting after taking omeprazole, it can be given with a small amount of food. Just be sure that it is only offered with a small treat and not a full meal.

What Is The Dose Of Omeprazole For Dogs?

We should state again that you should never give your dog omeprazole without your veterinarian’s approval. With that in mind, there is a standard omeprazole dose that most veterinarians follow.

The standard dose of omeprazole for dogs is 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound of body weight every 24 hours. The standard dose will vary based on the condition that is being treated, as well as if the dog is taking any other medications. This is why it is important to consult with your vet before offering this medication to your canine friend.

Are There Any Side Effects With Omeprazole Use In Dogs?

Omeprazole is a generally safe medication that rarely cause severe side effects in dogs. However, some dogs have been known to experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, and increased gas. We suggest letting your vet know if your dog experiences any of the listed omeprazole side effects, as they may be able to offer guidance on how to decrease their discomfort.

Omeprazole can interact negatively with certain medications. Omeprazole drug interactions can occur with certain antibiotics, antifungal medications, benzodiazepines, seizure medications, cyclosporine, and certain vitamins. It’s important to let your vet know if your dog is taking any other medications so they can determine if omeprazole is safe for your dog.

How Do I Get Omeprazole For My Dog?

Omeprazole is a common over-the-counter medication that can be found in most stores and pharmacies, but we always suggest seeking veterinary approval before offering it to your dog. We suggest reaching out to your veterinary team if you think your dog can benefit from the use of omeprazole!