My dog has a hard stomach, fever, cough. Should I give Gaviscon?

Hi and thank you for your question! Indigestion in dogs or acid reflex can be treated with medications Rx through your veterinarian. Legally, I cannot provide drug recommendations or dosage information over the internet. There are a number of acid reducers out there that can help as well as gastric protectants. Some can be found OTC, but only through the direction of your veterinarian. Feeding a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice for a day or so can help. However, I would seek council from your primary care vet on the best treatment for Dogee's indigestion.

Hypothetically speaking , yes. However, I don't think we see if that often. If you are concerned your dog has gastric reflux, talk to your vet about a trial on famotidine. (Pepcid AC). See here for dosing information: (click on the chart for full view of drugs and dosages) https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/systemic-pharmacotherapeutics-of-the-digestive-system/therapy-of-gastrointestinal-ulcers-monogastric

A better choice for an antacid would be Pepcid. You can discuss it and get a dose based on Bella's weight from your veterinarian. Legally, we are prohibited from telling you to give it and providing a dose without a physical exam and a VPCR (Veterinarian-Patient-Client Relationship). The bland diet is definitely a good idea. Consider a short fast, 12-24 hours, to give her tummy a rest. Offer the bland diet in small, frequent amounts

Hello. Acid reflux can result from several things, not just the production of acid in response to food in the stomach. Esophageal disease/motility disorders, diet, over-secretion of pepsin & non-specific inflammation can all contribute to the problem. It may be as simple as switching to a sensitive skin/stomach formulation of dog food, or an actual GI diet or one geared toward allergies such as Prescription Diet z/d. Adding an acid reflux medication such as famotidine or omeprazole is often a pretty safe option to try. Talk to your vet about what might be the best option for Gemma. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. I am concerned that with a bloated stomach & walking stiff, he is in some discomfort. If he is not retching, trying to vomit, breathing fast or hard, & his gums are moist & pink, then he may just be very gassy. You can give him a 5 mg dose of Pepcid ( famotidine), & see if this helps in an hour or so. But if he is no better, or he begins to show increased signs of distress, you may need to get him to a veterinary ER. If he seems relieved of the bloating, though, then repeat the Pepcid in 12 hours. Thank you.

If she seems to be attempting to vomit without producing more than a little foam and she also seem painful, distressed, or her abdomen looks distended I would recommend seeing an emergency veterinarian right away to rule out GDV or bloat. A productive cough can also look like a dog is attempting to vomit, and can be caused by an upper respiratory infection like kennel cough or allergies. This might not be quite so emergent, although her breed would put her at higher risk for complications.

If the signs are not persistent and are gradually resolving, there is no need for a veterinary consultation at this stage. Continue with the same diet in small portions for the next 48 hours. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy or inappetence.