Can I Give My Dog Water Pills?

Your veterinarian will prescribe your dog diuretics based on their body weight.

Diuretics are generally safe for dogs but always consult with your veterinarian before use to ensure proper dosage and care for your pup

.

What kind of diuretic can I give my dog?

Furosemide is a loop diuretic

and the most commonly used diuretic to treat CHF in dogs and cats. Torsemide is another loop diuretic that is ~10 times as potent and has a longer duration of action than furosemide with a similar adverse effect profile.

How much diuretic can I give my dog?

DOG:

One-half to one 50 mg scored tablet per 25 pounds body weight

. One 12.5 mg scored tablet per 5 to 10 pounds body weight. Administer once or twice daily, permitting a 6- to 8-hour interval between treatments.

Can dogs take diuretics?

Your dog could also develop overdose after sampling their owner’s diuretics.

Human diuretics work the same as canine diuretics but the doses are often far too high for dogs

and in these cases, multiple doses are often consumed.

How do you reduce water retention in dogs?

1. Compression. The affected tissue areas can be wrapped in a compression bandage to help reduce the swelling. …
2. Change in Diet. …
3. Medication.

What does hydrochlorothiazide do for dogs?

Hydrochlorothiazide in particular has been used to

prevent the recurrence of calcium oxalate urinary stones

. Its use in cats and dogs to treat nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, high blood pressure, fluid retention, or certain electrolyte imbalances is ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’.

What causes a dog’s belly to swell?

The bloat occurs due to

gas being trapped in the stomach area

and thus begins to expand painfully, restricting blood flow and preventing digestion. There is no agreed-upon single cause for GDV. Even so, it is generally thought to be caused by swallowing excessive air and heavy exercise after a large meal.

Should I put my dog down with congestive heart failure?

If the pet has a condition like congestive heart failure, or untreatable brain cancer — a disease that will, unchecked, lead to a painful death —

the recommendation may be for euthanasia sooner instead of later

.

How long does it take for a diuretic to work in a dog?

This medication will take effect quickly, in about

1 to 2 hours

, and improvement in clinical signs should follow.

What is the symptoms of congestive heart failure in dogs?

Many dogs with CHF will tire out more easily, have reduced stamina, and do not engage in playing or walking as they once did.

Coughing when at rest or sleeping, excessive panting, persistent loss of appetite, a swollen belly, and pale or bluish gums

are also signs associated with heart failure.

What is an OTC diuretic?

According to bariatric surgeon, Matthew Brengman, MD, FACS, of Advanced Surgical Partners of Virginia and HCA Virginia, diuretics are

any type of medication, prescription or over-the-counter, that forces the body to get rid of fluids it wouldn’t otherwise do on its own

.

What laxatives are safe for dogs?

Miralax is a laxative that can primarily treat constipation in dogs. It’s actually the brand name of a medicine also known by the generic name

polyethylene glycol 3350

. The medication works on a short-term basis by helping the dog’s stools retain more water, which in turn makes them easier to pass.

How can I help my dog with congestive heart failure cough?

The typical treatment is

a combination of oral medicines

. A water pill is a must to clear the pulmonary edema and stop the coughing. A medicine called Vetmedin is needed to increase the force of the heart muscle contraction.

What can you do for congestive heart failure in dogs?

• Medications to help the heart work and correct irregular heartbeats.
• Medications to slow fluid build-up in the lungs.
• Surgery to correct a torn valve or to insert a pacemaker to correct the heart beat.
• A commercial or prescription low-salt diet to help decrease fluid build-up in your dog’s body.

Do diuretics make dogs thirsty?

Lasix will make your dog thirsty

, so even though it gets rid of fluid, your dog will probably drink and urinate more than usual.

What would cause a dog’s back legs to swell?

Due to

damage or an obstruction in the lymphatic system

, a buildup of fluid occurs resulting in swelling of your dog’s legs or other parts of the body, including the face and abdomen. The causes of lymphedema may be from a chronic illness or an acute condition such as an injury.

How can you tell if a dog is retaining water?

1. Swollen abdomen.
2. Lethargy.
3. Difficulty breathing.
4. Panting.
5. Weight gain.
6. Decreased appetite.
7. Vomiting.
8. Discomfort.

What causes a dog to retain fluid?

Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, often leading to swelling. Ascites can be caused by a wide range of problems, including

heart failure, liver disease, kidney problems, or severe intestinal disease

. Treatment for ascites varies depending on the condition causing it.

Will hydrochlorothiazide hurt a dog?

With accidental ingestion of a diuretic medication, like hydrochlorothiazide,

your pet is at risk for extreme dehydration and damage to critical organs

. It is important to seek veterinary support immediately for rehydration with fluids.

What if a dog eats a blood pressure pill?

Blood Pressure Drugs

If your dog eats a small amount of this type of medication

it may cause low blood pressure, dizziness and weakness, but is not life-threatening

. However, you should still contact your vet, as dogs with kidney failure or heart disease may be more seriously affected.

What are the side effects from hydrochlorothiazide?

• blood pressure that’s lower than normal (especially when standing up after sitting or lying down)
• dizziness.
• headache.
• weakness.
• erectile dysfunction (trouble getting or keeping an erection)
• tingling in your hands, legs, and feet.

Why is my dog’s belly so big and hard?

For the condition to truly be bloat and not weight gain, your dog’s stomach will be swollen and hard or have an unusual shape. If you notice this, call your veterinarian immediately. If it’s after hours, you should take him to the emergency vet.

Bloat generally occurs when food or gas stretches the dog’s stomach

.

What home remedy can I give my dog for bloating?

You Cannot Treat GDV at Home

There are no home remedies, medications, or supplements that are safe or effective to give a dog that is suffering from GDV/Bloat

. No amount of Gas-X

^®

or any other at-home or over-the-counter treatment will cure or help a dog or prevent GDV from developing.

How do you get fluid off a dog’s stomach?

The fluid can be removed

via abdominocentesis

, but this is only a temporary solution, as fluid can build up again if the cause of the ascites is not addressed. Unless your dog is having difficulty breathing because of the amount of fluid in the abdomen, the veterinarian most likely will not recommend this procedure.

What are the end stages of congestive heart failure in dogs?

• Frequent coughing.
• Coughing up foam, or bloody foam.
• Labored breathing.
• Lethargy.
• Weakness, or inability to exercise.
• Fainting episodes.
• Distended abdomen.
• Decrease in appetite.

Do dogs know when they are dying?

She says

it’s tough to know how much a dog understands or is feeling near the end of their life

, but some behaviors might be more apparent. “Many dogs appear to be more ‘clingy’ or attached, following you around consistently and remaining close,” Bergeland says.

How long will my dog live with congestive heart failure?

Once congestive heart failure develops, the survival time of affected dogs is expected to be

between 6 and 14 months

. Some dogs, however, can live for nearly three years with the right treatment regimen.