In this article on our site we are going to talk about a drug commonly used in veterinary medicine. Specifically, we will explain how ranitidine for dogs is used, what its effects are and the precautions that we must observe in its administration, since, like all medicines, can cause problems.
As we always insist, all the medications we use with our dog must be prescribed by the veterinarian and we must respect their recommendations to avoid complications.
What is ranitidine used for?
Ranitidine for dogs is a drug that works at the digestive level, regulating gastric acidity and minimizing the risk of ulcers. It is also used in cases of reflux or when the dog must be treated with corticosteroids for a long time, since they can cause ulcers.
In short, ranitidine reduces the damage that hydrochloric acid can produce on the gastric mucosa. Therefore, the veterinarian can prescribe it when our dog suffers from a pathology that affects the digestive system, which usually causes vomiting or diarrhea.
The dose must be prescribed by the doctor, since each dog will present variations that will help the veterinarian to choose the most appropriate dosage. Ranitidine can be administered by oral, intramuscular or intravenous route, which is the most common mode of use in dogs that are hospitalized and undergoing fluid therapy. They are dogs that are dehydrated because they have lost fluids through vomiting and diarrhea and cannot replace them because they vomit everything they eat.
In these cases, as they would also vomit the medication, they are usually admitted to administer intravenous fluids and drugs. Once they improve, ranitidine can be administered orally, already at home, together with other drugs that have been prescribed. Can be given with food without affecting absorption.
Ranitidine contraindications
Ranitidine in dogs is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms or situations like the ones we have described, but we must be careful when giving it to dogs suffering from kidney disease, since part of the drug is eliminated by the kidney, to puppies or to pregnant or lactating bitches, since ranitidine is excreted in the breast milkCaution should also be used in dogs with liver failure
In these cases the veterinarian will assess the risks and benefits of administration and make a decision. We should never medicate animals on our own.
Side Effects of Ranitidine for Dogs
Although ranitidine does not usually produce adverse effects, like any medication, it can cause some problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat of the heart), drowsiness, thrombocytopenia (decreased number of platelets), rapid breathing, or tremors.
If our dog is taking ranitidine and shows any of these signs, we must Inform the veterinarian In addition, if he is taking any other drug, we must inform also to the veterinarian in case there is any incompatibility between the medications.
Some dogs, although not common, could be allergic to ranitidine, suffering an anaphylactic shock when consuming it, which is a veterinary emergency. Obviously, these dogs should not be re-prescribed ranitidine and should be substituted by another drug with similar effects. In any case, there are usually no adverse effects as long as we follow the prescribed administration protocol.
Ranitidine Overdose in Dogs
An excess of ranitidine in dogs can occur if we make a mistake when administering the drug and give more than the amount indicated by our veterinarian or if the dog accidentally ingests all the medication. In these cases an overdose can occur with symptoms such as tremors, vomiting or tachypnea (rapid breathing).
If our dog has swallowed a large amount of ranitidine or we have given him a higher dose, we must immediately notify our veterinary This may prescribe a product that neutralizes the drug or decreases its absorption or even perform gastric lavage
