Ondansetron for dogs, available under the brand names Zofran® and Zuplenz®, is used to treat extreme nausea and vomiting in cats and dogs.
They are used to relieve nausea in cats and dogs, but it is considered ‘off label’ or ‘extra-label.’ There are many medications today that are prescribed on an off-label basis in the veterinary industry. It is encouraged to consult the vet and follow his instruction before giving your buddy any medicine.
An extra-label drug means it is not approved for use by animals by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), but it is prescribed legally by animal professionals.
Odansetron Administration
This medication is given through the mouth in its tablet or liquid form, with or without food. If your pet vomits after taking it on an empty stomach, move it to an after-food dosage going forward. Liquids must be measured with accuracy. Some tablets come in dissolvable forms, so make sure your hands are dry before you handle them and offer them to your pet.
This medicine can also be compounded into a topical gel. Wear gloves when you apply this gel. In hospitals, it can also be administered as an injectible liquid infused through the vein, muscle, or under the skin.
This drug takes effect within 1 or 2 hours, and improvements in the pet’s health follow.
Side Effects
The side effects of this drug are rare. The symptoms include sleepiness, constipation, and head shaking. Some more serious side effects are low blood pressure that causes fainting or collapsing and severe lethargy.
This short-term medication should wear off within 24 hours. But they could persist if your pet has kidney or liver issues.
Is Ondansetron Safe For Dogs?
Ondansetron should not be given to pets that have an allergic reaction to it. It should be used with caution in pets with gastrointestinal blockage, certain abnormal heart rhythms, or liver disease. It must also be used with caution in pregnant or lactating pets.
Some dog breeds, such as sheepdogs, collies, or sheepdog crossbreeds, are particularly more sensitive to this medication. This happens because of a specific genetic mutation (MDR1) that makes them less tolerant of specific medications. Ondansetron must therefore be used cautiously in such breeds.
Ondansetron Dose For Dogs
The dosage of Ondansetron for dogs is 0.05 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.1 to 1.0 mg/kg) orally every 12 to 24 hours. The intravenous dose is 0.05 to 0.1 mg per pound (0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg).
But for cats, the dosage is 0.11 mg per pound (0.22 mg/kg) every 8 to 12 hours.
Drug Interactions
You must be careful about the following medications when administering Ondansetron: apomorphine, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, certain heart medications, serotonergic drugs, or tramadol.
Make sure your vet knows about all the other medications your pet is taking, such as vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions that you may want to keep notes of:
How much ondansetron can a dog take?
Like every other medicine, dosage is best recommended by a medical practitioner. They can tell you the necessary dosage needed for the issue at hand for your dog. The dosage will be based on individual needs such as age, weight, or breed.
Does ondansetron treat other conditions besides vomiting in dogs?
No, it is used specifically for nausea and vomiting. It cannot be used to treat any other illnesses and must not be used without a prescription. Consult your doctor for all your pet’s needs.
What are the benefits of Ondansetron?
It is effective against nausea and vomiting and is used in empiric treatment of the same. It works pretty well in dogs and helps them get over mild sickness within an hour.
What is the correct dose of Ondansetron for dogs?
The recommended dose is 0.05 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.1 to 1.0 mg/kg) orally every 12 to 24 hours. For dosage information, based on your dog’s specific needs, it is best if you consult the vet.
To Conclude
When this medication is given to your pet, you do not have to monitor their progress because the vet will do that. You have to store this medication at room temperature between 2°C and 30°C (36°F and 86°F) in an air-tight container, protected from moisture and light.
If you think your pet may have overdosed or is having an adverse reaction, call your vet without delay. If they are not available, get in touch with an emergency facility.
Before using Ondansetron for dogs, consult a vet.
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