Read This Before Giving Your Dog Imodium AD!

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Are you wondering if Imodium is safe and effective for dog use?

Good news!

Can I Give My Dog Imodium?This anti-diarrheal has long been given to animals. For pets and people alike, it works just the same by slowing down digestion and giving the small intestines more time to absorb fluids.

Imodium is useful when your dog has diarrhea. Vets also rely on it.

Loperamide, the active ingredient, is generally safe for canines — with some key exceptions which we’ll get into.

Keep reading!

Dogs Can Take Imodium

On a short term basis, you can regulate your furry friend’s frequency with this medication. Stools tend to become more solid.

Routine Imodium Use?

Should this popular over-the-counter medication be the first choice for your dog?

In all honesty, probably not!

A soothing food like pumpkin will do the trick just the same.

The point is Imodium works, but it’s best to avoid overusing on your dog. Loperamide is not a long-term solution.

The MDR1 Gene Factor

While safe enough for most breeds, some are prone to terrible Imodium toxicity. Death is even possible.

These concerns mostly apply to:

  • Australian Shepherds
  • Old English/Shetland Sheepdogs
  • Collies

The problem relates to certain herding breeds having a mutant MDR1 gene. Such dogs should not be given Imodium under any circumstance — otherwise serious neurologic effects can result.

Key Precautions To Consider

Professionals prescribe Imodium to treat both acute and chronic diarrhea in dogs. But, the thing is, detailed instructions are a must.

Imodium A-D is not recommended for pregnant and nursing dogs.

And certain medical circumstances make Imodium risky including lung or kidney conditions. Dogs with head trauma, hyperthyroidism or Addison’s disease are also a rick of complications.

Any canine with chronic or recurring diarrhea should be diagnosed.

Check out this video concerning Imodium as well as similar OTC diarrhea products.

Common K9 Side Effects

Imodium A-D can cause drowsiness ie. sedation and dizziness.

Constipation, abdominal pain, bloating and vomiting are known to occur as well.

Your dog may experience discomfort while Imodium takes effect.

It’s important to monitor for worsening signs. Dehydration is also a concern.

Head to your vet if the situation seems serious. Loperamide is relatively safe, but not totally.

Dog Dosing And Other Factors

Imodium has different forms.

There are softgels, caplets, Multi-Symptom Relief tablets (MSR) and a liquid version. Some versions contain Simethicone which is fine.

As far as dosage goes…

Stick to 1mg (or 10ml) for each 20 pounds of the dog’s body weight (not more than 3 times daily).

Be sure to check with your vet first!

Caution: Imodium is not recommended if your dog’s diarrhea is a result of a bacterial infection.

Alternatives to Imodium A-D

Try withholding food for 24-hours. Yes, it can be that simple!

While your dog is fasting, supply fresh water to prevent dehydration.

An improving condition indicates you can begin feeding bland, low-fat foods. This is obviously preferable to Pepto Bismol or Imodium.

You could also consider getting a probiotic for long term normalization.

And feed quality foods to replenish lost nutrients. High-fiber greatly helps with diarrhea.

The Bottom Line

In general, Imodium can be temporarily given to dogs for diarrhea.

But Loperamide is too dangerous for certain breeds. Further, there are many precautions to fully understand before use.

Please consult with your vet before using Imodium AD on your precious pet dog.

What Do You Think? Have Your Say Below…

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25 thoughts on “Read This Before Giving Your Dog Imodium AD!”

  1. My 10 year old dog has suffered from intermittent diarrhea, on and off, since he had surgery on his jaw after a near death car accident. He sustained a lower jaw fracture and it was reconstructed by marvelous surgeons. But, I have been left with a dog who has suffered from diarrhea. It arrives out of the blue, first he passes a large watery amount of water and it comes out in a projectile manner. Then he passes very loose diarrhea.

    I have recently consulted a vet and requested an analyses on his stools. This has been done but, in the meantime, I have given him Imodium. At the moment it’s the only medication that seems to control the watery substance but it doesn’t control the near continuous, extremely smelly flatulence and ongoing bowel sounds that he makes all the time.

    I am now waiting for the result of the stool specimen, but am still giving him Imodium. The vet informed me that it might be a deep seated bacterial infection. This I can believe, because it started more or less after the accident. I know that the vets had to insert a drain into his bowels, in order to feed him, so I believe it’s the reason for this problem. Please, anyone, let me know what you think!

  2. I gave my dog 1 adult Imodium tablet for excessive diarrhea. It’s been a day already and I have seen no sign of him pooping. Is this normal? I am a concerned pet owner.

    1. Hi Deborah. My vet prescribed Imodium for a few days for my German Shepherd’s diarrhea. The vet said to try it for 3 to 4 days (one pill twice a day). If your dog is having trouble, it may be she has eaten something that’s having a hard time getting out. Or, you have a small dog and maybe half a pill might be better.

      If that isn’t the case, try a small teaspoon of pumpkin (from the can) and no Imodium. This will help better than the Imodium over the long term. It will also help her stomach pain as pumpkin is like an enzyme that helps digestion and will begin acting right away. Do this 3 times a day for a few days, it will not cause harm, and may actually make everything better.

      Pumpkin is really good for dogs and their digestion. It will soften everything up so they can go potty. If your dog is constipated, and it has been more than 2 days, call your vet immediately and ask for some advice. I am not a vet and just offering what has helped my dog.

      When things improve, you might try and feed your dog some brown rice and cooked carrots with each meal. This will help digestion and provide some vitamins and other nutrients that you cannot get from store bought dog food.

    2. If you have a herding breed dog do not give them Imodium. Many dogs, around 75% of Collies and half of Aussies, carry a gene called MDR1 that causes Imodium and other drugs to improperly metabolize. Check out the following link: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/index.aspx

      I gave my Aussie Imodium based on my vet’s advice. The vet knew of the gene but did not know that Imodium causes problems. We almost lost our Aussie! So again do not give Imodium to your dog until you check out Washington University’s info on the MDR1 gene.

  3. I have a 2 year old Dachshund that weighs 12 pounds. How much Imodium can I give him and should it be liquid or gel capsules?

    1. I have a 2 year old Dachshund/Chihuahua mix and he only weighs 8 pounds. The vet said to give him 1ml of the children’s version of Imodium. Make sure it’s liquid.

  4. Our 10 year old 100 pound Chocolate Lab-mix has a bad tummy. He gets chronic yeast infections in his ears that we have been treating using a prescribed ear cleaner and a combination of 1 tab daily Ketoconazole (2nd refill) and every other day Derma-Vet ointment in each ear for almost 2 weeks. Now the poor boy has a bad tummy.

    He never goes through the garbage nor spends any time outside by himself so I’m 99.5% he didn’t eat anything bad. Over the past 2 weeks he has suffered acute diarrhea and we’ve been feeding him boiled chicken and white rice and his appetite is very good. We have been trying Pepto Bismol yet he is still runny. He’s drinking fresh water but not a lot. His gums are okay, not dehydrated. What else can I try?

    1. Try brown instead of white rice. Just like in our bodies, yeast loves simple carbs. Add a quality probiotic as well. It should have CFUs in the billions not on manufacture but on use. New Chapter brand is what we use.

      Think about how you feed yourself. Meat and grain is not enough. Include some well-cooked cruciferous veggies. You may also wish to add a digestive enzyme-mix like Dr. Goodpet. There is no substitute for a visit to the vet to rule out other things.

    2. Hi David. I had a Rottweiler-mix who had constant ear infections. After going to the allergist, we found out she was allergic to chicken. We changed her diet to the Dick Van Patten brand and after 6 years of ear issues they completely cleared up.

    3. Try canned pumpkin 3 times a day. Use approximately one half of a fresh can and mix it with food. Best of luck!

    4. There is a prescription food, I/D, and you can get it at the vet. It will help with this problem immediately. I get it at my local VCA animal hospital with no visit required.

      1. I’ve been feeding my dog this I/D dog food for 2 weeks now. I thought that he was getting better but today it all let loose again. Just all brown water. So I am off to buy canned pumpkin tomorrow. I will try anything.

        We have had him on 2 different antibiotics now and no luck. I don’t know what else to do. I been fighting this for almost 2 months now and I am worried to death about him. My vet says she doesn’t know what else to do now. Go figure!

  5. My pup has diarrhea and is not eating. Should I try Imodium? Can I buy it from local drug stores? Please help!

    1. The vet recommended fasting for 12 hours, then boiled chicken with rice. He also said I could use Pepto-Bismol.

      1. I was told to let my Border Collie fast for 24 hours, then the boiled chicken and rice. Also I could use Immodium but only 1/2 pill, and not up to 3 in a day. Apparently that should cure the diarrhea she’s had for 2 days now. Last night it got her up 6 times, poor baby.

    2. This is a case for the vet. You want to find the cause rather than just treat the symptoms. It could be serious. Best wishes.

  6. My dog has had diarrhea for two weeks. He is a diabetic. He has boiled chicken. He also had pumpkin and probiotics. But he still has diarrhea and we are out of town until next week. What is wrong? Any ideas?

    1. Try ground turkey with only 1% fat. You can make it into meatballs and boil them. This worked on my dog when chicken with boiled rice didn’t. I added some Prozyme which is a digestive enzyme. This worked in 3 days, the chicken didn’t work at all after weeks of trying.

    2. I think pumpkin actually moves the stools, so I wouldn’t give it for diarrhea. What does the vet say?

      1. My daughter’s Pit was constipated and pumpkin worked for her dog.

  7. My dog has been suffering from loose bowels for 7 weeks. Vets have given her much medicine to no avail. I want to try Imodium. What amount should I give a 75 pound American Bulldog?

    1. Imodium (OTC drug) 0.05mg to 0.1mg per pound by mouth every 8 hours.

      1. The dosage is 1mg per 20 pounds, not per pound.

        1. 0.05mg per pound equals 1mg per 20 pounds.

    2. I have a Bulldog too. Try to find a vet who practices natural medicine, like homeopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture. Dry, plain, non-spiced pumpkin usually works well too.

      I don’t know how old he is or how much he weighs; dosing depends on his age/weight. Pumpkin can work either way; loosen bowels or tighten them up. Good luck.

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