Famotidine for Dogs and Cats
Vet-reviewed by Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS MRCVS ·
What Is Famotidine for Dogs and Cats
Overview
Famotidine is an H2 blocker, meaning it reduces acid by blocking histamine-2 receptors in the stomach. This helps raise stomach pH and supports healing of irritated or damaged tissue. It is commonly used for gastritis, vomiting, stress-related stomach problems, and irritation caused by certain medications.
In hospitalized or critically ill dogs, famotidine may be given as a continuous rate infusion (CRI) for stronger acid suppression. It is also used in cats, although daily long-term dosing can lead to tolerance, making it less effective over time.
Explore more digestive and GI medications in our Digestive section.
What Is Famotidine for Dogs and Cats Used For
Famotidine works by blocking histamine-2 receptors in the stomach, which reduces the amount of acid produced. This raises the stomach pH and creates a gentler environment for the stomach and intestines to heal.
| Condition | Notes |
|---|---|
| Gastric ulceration | Helps reduce acid while ulcers heal. Common in hospitalized dogs. |
| Gastritis or stomach irritation | Used to calm an irritated stomach and reduce discomfort. |
| Acid-related vomiting | Helps when vomiting is caused by excess stomach acidity. |
| Medication-related GI irritation | Sometimes paired with NSAIDs or other drugs that can irritate the stomach. |
| Stress-related stomach issues | Helps protect the stomach lining during illness or hospitalization. |
Drug Facts
Famotidine is an acid-suppressant medication used in both dogs and cats. It reduces stomach irritation, raises stomach pH, and supports healing. Famotidine can be given orally, intravenously, or as a CRI. Short-term or intermittent use is often preferred to prevent tolerance.
Common Brands
Pepcid, Pepcid AC
Drug Class
H2 receptor antagonist
Substance Classification
Not a controlled substance
Generic Status
Generic widely available
Availability
Off-label for veterinary use
Famotidine for Dogs and Cats Dosage Forms
Famotidine is available as oral tablets, oral liquid, and injectable formulations. Tablets are commonly used at home. CRI or IV forms are used in clinics for stronger, more consistent acid suppression.
Below are common dosage forms and estimated prices:
Oral Tablets (dogs and cats)
| Qty/Size | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | $0.12 | $0.12 |
| 20 mg | $0.15 | $0.15 |
| 40 mg | $0.30 | $0.30 |
Oral Liquid (cats or small dogs)
| Qty/Size | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mL | $25.00 | $0.83 |
| 60 mL | $40.00 | $0.67 |
Injectable Famotidine (clinic use)
| Qty/Size | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|
| 2 mL | $6.50 | $3.25 |
| 20 mL | $18.00 | $0.90 |
Typical Dosing for Famotidine for Dogs and Cats
Famotidine can be given orally or intravenously. The dose depends on the pet's size, health condition, and the veterinarian’s plan. Cats may respond better to dosing every other day to avoid tolerance.
Oral Dosing
| Group | Typical Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | 0.5 to 1 mg/kg by mouth twice daily | Common home-use dose. |
| Cats (daily) | 0.5 to 1.24 mg/kg twice daily | May lose effectiveness after 14 days. |
| Cats (every other day) | 0.5 to 1.24 mg/kg twice daily every second day | Helps avoid tolerance in long-term use. |
IV Bolus Dosing (dogs)
| Group | Typical Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalized dogs | 1 mg/kg IV every 12 hours | Less effective than CRI for ideal pH levels. |
CRI (Continuous Rate Infusion, dogs)
| Group | Typical Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs (CRI) | 1 mg/kg loading dose, then 8 mg/kg per day infusion | Best method for stable gastric pH. |
Risks and Warnings for Famotidine for Dogs and Cats
Famotidine is generally considered safe, but some risks exist. Vomiting was noted more often in dogs receiving CRI compared to oral dosing. Some cats also experienced vomiting when given famotidine daily. Tolerance can develop, especially in cats, reducing its effectiveness.
Pets with kidney disease may need lower or less frequent doses because they clear the drug more slowly. Mild diarrhea or stomach upset may occur but usually resolves quickly.
Famotidine for Dogs and Cats Warnings and Precautions
Use famotidine carefully and only under veterinary guidance.
- Do not exceed recommended doses.
- Use with caution in pets with kidney disease.
- Stop use if vomiting worsens.
- Avoid combining with other acid suppressants unless approved by your veterinarian.
- Long-term daily dosing can lead to tolerance.
- Monitor for changes in appetite or GI symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before using or combining any medications for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does Famotidine treat in pets?
Famotidine treats
stomach acid irritation
, helps with
gastritis
, and may reduce
acid-related vomiting
.
How fast does Famotidine work?
It begins working
within hours
, with its strongest effect on the
first day
.
Can I give Famotidine long-term?
Daily long-term use may lead to
tolerance
, especially in cats. Intermittent dosing is preferred.
Is Famotidine safe for pets with kidney disease?
Yes, but
doses may need to be adjusted
since the kidneys help clear the drug.
Can Famotidine be given with food?
Yes. Famotidine can be given
with or without food
.
Related Medications & Supplements
Dogs experiencing stomach upset, acid reflux, vomiting, or gastrointestinal inflammation may require additional treatments alongside acid-reducing medications like famotidine. These related options are commonly used to protect the GI tract, control nausea, and support digestive recovery.
- Omeprazole – proton-pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid more strongly than famotidine
- Sucralfate – coating agent that protects ulcers and irritated stomach/intestinal lining
- Metronidazole – antibiotic/antiprotozoal often used for diarrhea, colitis, or GI infections
- Maropitant – anti-nausea medication (Cerenia) used for vomiting and motion sickness
- Ondansetron – anti-emetic used for nausea related to illness, medications, or chemotherapy
- Metoclopramide – promotility drug that helps stomach emptying and reduces nausea
References
- Golly, E., et al. (2019) ‘The frequency of oral famotidine administration influences its effect on gastric pH in cats over time’, J Vet Intern Med., 12:122. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6430900/
- Grady, K., et al. (2024) ‘From theory to therapy: a One Health approach guides current and future acid suppressant use in veterinary medicine’, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 262(10), 434-443. Available at: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/262/10/javma.24.07.0434.xml
- Tolbert, K., et al. (2024) ‘Rational use of gastroprotectants in cats: an evidence-based approach’, Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 26(5), pp. 423-433. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X241274235
- Tolbert, M.K., et al. (2016) ‘Repeated Famotidine Administration Results in a Diminished Effect on Intragastric pH in Dogs’, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 31(1), pp. 117-123. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.14615
- Golly E, Odunayo A, Daves M, et al. (2019). 'The frequency of oral famotidine administration influences its effect on gastric pH in cats over time'. J Vet Intern Med. 33(2):544-550
- Santilli RA, Vázquez DMP, Gerou-Ferriani M, et al. (2019). 'Development and assessment of a novel precordial lead system for accurate detection of right atrial and ventricular depolarization in dogs with various thoracic conformations.' Am J Vet Res. 80(4):358-368.
- Hedges, K. (2019) ‘Evaluation of the effect of a famotidine continuous rate infusion on intragastric pH in healthy dogs’. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 33(5). Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334410349_Evaluation_of_the_effect_of_a_famotidine_continuous_rate_infusion_on_intragastric_pH_in_healthy_dogs
- Winn Feline Foundation (2018) ‘Evaluating the effect of the prolonged use of an antacid in cats’. Available at: https://www.vin.com/apputil/Project/DefaultAdv1.aspx?pId=99&catId=216464&id=11377465
Editor
The Webvet Editorial Team is a collective of seasoned pet-care journalists, veterinary content specialists, and industry editors dedicated to delivering accurate, trustworthy, and compassionate pet health information. With decades of combined experience across veterinary reporting, pet wellness education, and consumer product research, our team works closely with veterinarians and certified pet experts to ensure every article is both evidence-based and easy to understand.
Veterinarian · BVMS MRCVS
Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, is a veterinarian with nearly 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. Dr. Elliott earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the University of Glasgow. She was also designated a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Married with 2 grown-up kids, Dr. Elliott has a naughty Puggle named Poggle, 3 cats and a bearded dragon.
