{"id":627182,"date":"2024-03-08T15:31:58","date_gmt":"2024-03-08T20:31:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627182"},"modified":"2026-08-31T15:55:59","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T19:55:59","slug":"famotidine-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/famotidine-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Famotidine for dogs: Dosage chart and safety considerations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Famotidine<\/a> is a common over-the-counter (OTC) drug that reduces stomach acid. Veterinarians may prescribe it to dogs with stomach irritation, especially when ulceration or esophagitis is a concern. Famotidine is generally considered safe for dogs when used as directed by a veterinarian, though omeprazole<\/a> may be preferred for ulcers or severe esophagitis because it provides stronger acid suppression. If your dog needs famotidine, it\u2019s important to follow the veterinarian\u2019s dosage instructions and be aware of potential side effects.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFamotidine 20 mg (60 Tablets)\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\"Walmart\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$3.99\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$3.99\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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What is famotidine?<\/h2>\n

Famotidine<\/a> belongs to a class of drugs called histamine H2-receptor antagonists, or H2 blockers<\/a> for short. H2 blockers are widely available over-the-counter medications sold under brand names like Tagamet<\/a> (cimetidine), Pepcid<\/a> (famotidine), and Zantac<\/a> (famotidine). OTC and prescription famotidine are used in people for conditions such as heartburn<\/a>, ulcers<\/a>, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD<\/a>). Veterinarians use H2 blockers for many of the same reasons.<\/p>\n

Although H2 blockers are a type of antihistamine<\/a>, they target histamine H2 receptors involved in stomach acid production. Blocking these receptors reduces stomach acid, which can help relieve symptoms and allow irritated or damaged tissues in the stomach or esophagus to heal. H2 blockers work similarly in dogs.<\/p>\n

What is famotidine used for in dogs?<\/h2>\n

Famotidine reduces stomach acid secretion in dogs and may be used for stomach irritation, ulcers, esophagitis, and acid reflux. Veterinarians may also prescribe it when they\u2019re concerned a dog may develop ulcers or inflammation of the esophagus or stomach<\/a>, such as in some dogs being treated with an NSAID, vomiting frequently, or having problems with acid reflux.<\/p>\n

The veterinary use of famotidine is off-label<\/a>, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it for use in dogs or other animals. This is a common practice in veterinary medicine.<\/p>\n

Famotidine for ulcers<\/h3>\n

Dogs can develop ulcers due to various factors<\/a>, such as kidney disease, liver disease, extreme exercise, medication side effects, and inflammatory conditions. The incidence of ulcers in dogs is unknown, but they appear to be more common in dogs than in cats. Signs of an ulcer can be nonspecific and may include:<\/p>\n