Dogs were used in the original safety studies for Viagra, so
it's considered pretty safe for them
. The upper limit of the published dose for an 11lb dog would be about 15mg given orally 2 to 3 times daily. The dose ingested would be considered an overdose.
Why do vets give dogs Viagra?
It is used in dogs and occasionally cats
to treat high blood pressure in the lungs
and is ‘off label' or ‘extra-label'. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine.
What will Viagra do to a dog?
Besides some rare gastrointestinal irritation,
there are no side effects to dogs at the dose used in the study
. While sildenafil is most known to treat erectile dysfunction, the drug is also used to treat elevated pulmonary blood pressure in dogs and humans.
How much sildenafil can I give my dog?
Typically, sildenafil is dispensed in cost-effective and easily available 20mg tablets — and in most cases, this tablet will be well within the ranges for appropriate dosage levels. The recommended sildenafil dosage for dogs ranges from
1 to 3 mg per kilogram of the animal's weight
.
Can sildenafil for dogs be crushed?
Tablets with an enteric coating and capsules are usually meant to be absorbed further down in the GI tract.
Even if you can crush a pill without affecting its potency, you may not be able to get your pet to eat it
.
Does sildenafil cause dog erections?
Prolonged erection may occur in dogs and cats
. In people, sildenafil can cause a transient increase in pressure inside the eyes; however, the significance of this has not yet been established. If your pet shows any unusual symptoms whilst taking this medication, please contact your vet.
What is dog megaesophagus?
Megaesophagus is
a relatively common condition in dogs that affects the vital tube that moves food from the mouth into the stomach: the esophagus
. Though its digestive system location may lead you to assume we're dealing with a gastrointestinal disease, the truth is more complicated than that.
Can I dissolve my dogs pill in water?
Talk to your vet about giving the pills with water.
Some medications will lose their efficacy when opened, crushed and/or dissolved in water, while others are fine using this method
. One tried-and-true tip is to use a syringe or dropper to squirt some water into the side of your dog's mouth after giving them a pill.
Can you crush pills for dogs?
Don't crush up your dog's tablets or pills
and add them to your dog's food without asking your vet first. This is a “grrreat” way to distract your dog. Buy some pill-pocket treats from your local big-box pet store and prepare to play! Hide the pill in one of the treats and head outside.
How do you give a dog a pill when he won't eat?
- Use a pill pusher. Widely available from the vets, these often work best for small dogs. The idea behind them is you can push the tablet to the back of the pet's throat without losing your fingers. …
- Do as the vets do. If your dog won't take pills, do it like the vets do.
How does Viagra help dogs with megaesophagus?
Haines and her colleagues gave liquid Viagra to 10 dogs with megaesophagus. The drug
relaxed the smooth muscle of the lower esophagus so it was open enough to allow food to pass to the stomach
.
Should you euthanize a dog with megaesophagus?
When canine megaesophagus is first diagnosed, many pet owners are quick to consider euthanasia.
In many situations, however, that is simply not necessary
and there are alternatives. With a little bit of effort and a lot of awareness, many pets with megaesophagus can go on to live many quality years.
What is dog regurgitation?
Regurgitation is often just
water or undigested food
. Regurgitation can be common if a dog eats something that is too large – think large bones or chews. Some dogs will attempt to re-ingest it as soon as they've regurgitated it. But there are also some other reasons for regurgitation.
What's a Bailey chair?
A Bailey chair is
a piece of equipment designed to help dogs with megaesophagus
. These dogs have a weakness in their gullet (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach) which means food tends to collect there and not pass down into the gut.
What is the best way to give a dog a pill?
The easiest way to give your dog a pill is to
hide the pill in food
. This usually works best if you hide it in a special treat such as a small amount of canned dog food, peanut butter, or cheese. Soft treats are also available that can be used to hide the pill by molding the treat around it (e.g., Pill PocketsTM).
Is it OK to open capsule pills for dogs?
Can I break open capsule and sprinkle in his food?
You certainly can
. Make sure the food is mixed well as the medication can have a bitter taste. If your dog detects it, he may not eat the food.
Can you dissolve a pill in water and drink it?
Tablets:
You can dissolve some tablets in liquids like water before taking them
. And if you prefer, some medications can be cut in half along a scored line to make them smaller and easier to take.
