Impact on the animal's body
You can give Smecta to your dog without any fear.
Despite the fact that this drug was originally developed for humans, it does not pose any danger or harm to the animal’s body. The product is a publicly available and inexpensive medicine. The medication is produced in sachets containing light brown powder with a mild taste. This drug has no restrictions, but nevertheless, Smecta is contraindicated for animals with diarrhea in case of individual intolerance to the components and intestinal obstruction.
Most often, diarrhea occurs against the background of accelerated gastrointestinal motility, which is why mucus is actively produced on the intestinal walls. Such a reaction serves as direct evidence of the presence of the following factors in the body:
- any toxic substances;
- parasitic life forms;
- foreign objects traumatic to the gastrointestinal tract;
At the same time, dysbacteriosis often develops, since beneficial microflora at this moment cannot protect the body from disease-causing pathogens.
Smecta for dogs has the following effects:
- Envelops the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, preventing further influence of the irritant on the intestines.
- Binds toxic substances that subsequently leave the body naturally along with urine.
- Regulates intestinal motility, which is usually disrupted by diarrhea.
Smecta for diarrhea for dogs is an excellent emergency remedy. During treatment of the acute stage of diarrhea, you should not give your pet food (for about 12 hours). The intestinal walls swell greatly during this period, and even a small amount of food can cause injury or increase the risk of dehydration even further. For therapeutic purposes, Smecta is given to a dog for vomiting or nausea.
In case of an overdose of the drug, constipation may occur. In this case, the animal’s dose will need to be halved. If the situation does not change during the day, then you can give your pet a small amount of Vaseline oil to help him go to the toilet.
Is it possible to give?
For diarrhea
Diarrhea is not a rare condition in barking babies. It can be caused by allergic reactions, improper nutrition, severe stressful situations, parasites (worms and protozoa) and bacteria.
Smecta is one of those drugs that can be given for any type of diarrhea with the exception of osmotic diarrhea. It selectively adsorbs toxic substances and removes them from the body. It is absolutely safe for puppies and not contraindicated.
When vomiting
In general, smecta can help with nausea in babies, but it will be less effective than antiemetics. It should be borne in mind that smecta is one of the safest and most easily tolerated drugs for digestive disorders for puppies, so its use is quite acceptable.
Important! Before use, it is necessary to rinse the puppy’s stomach.
What else does it help with?
It happens that the puppy suffers from gas, bloating and rumbling. Smecta can help with this too. Diosmectite (the main active ingredient of the drug smecta) can also adsorb gases in the puppy’s intestines. After using the product, the baby will no longer be bothered by intestinal problems.
Attention! Although the drug is safe to use, you should not take it on your own. Consultation with a veterinarian is still necessary. In addition, monotherapy is not prescribed for puppies with flatulence.
Features of diarrhea in four-legged pets
Adults
Unlike the digestive tract of humans, the digestive tract of dogs is much more sensitive. In many breeds, intestinal upset can occur without any particular reason. The most common factors leading to loose stools:
- Poor quality food;
- Binge eating;
- Poisoning;
- Allergic reaction;
- Change of usual products;
- Stressful situation;
- Intestinal infection;
- Problems with the liver, kidneys or pancreas;
- Development of hidden pathology.
Smecta for diarrhea for a puppy
Smecta helps the puppy first of all to alleviate the general discomfort from diarrhea. There are usually two main causes of diarrhea in babies:
- New place of residence when he is taken from his mother or from a shelter;
- Change of composition and nutrition standards.
For two weeks when moving a small pet to a new place, it is advisable to leave the food the same.
Treating a dog with diarrhea
Before giving your dog Smecta, you should consider one important nuance: do not feed your pet during treatment. Food will enter the intestines and irritate it with renewed vigor. With diarrhea, it becomes inflamed and even a small amount of food will only harm, aggravating the situation. Let your pet drink more to prevent dehydration.
It is safe to treat a dog with Smecta, because it prevents another problem - disruption of peristalsis. If the causes of diarrhea are unknown, then this mechanism will be optimal.
They produce drugs that stimulate peristalsis, but they cannot be used at random; it is still better to use the safe Smecta.
Some people give Loperamide when a dog has diarrhea, but this should not be done without a veterinarian’s prescription, because the drug simply stops peristalsis and does not treat diarrhea, which will worsen the condition.
Also, you should not give Smecta immediately after the dog has been given another drug for diarrhea, because Smecta has an absorbent effect and can reduce the effectiveness of other medications and treatment in general.
Is it possible to overdose on Smecta?
The drug is given to animals not only for the treatment of diarrhea, but also for prevention purposes. Not everyone knows how much Smecta to give a dog, so they often overdo it.
The only side effect of an overdose of the drug is constipation. If such a problem occurs, then you need to stop taking Smecta, or reduce the dosage by half. There is no need to panic, because now it is more important to stop the loss of fluid from the body, and this is only possible if the diarrhea stops.
If your dog’s constipation has not gone away 8 hours after the last dose of the drug, then you can give your pet a little Vaseline oil.
Seeing a doctor
Owners usually prefer to give Smecta to dogs with diarrhea on their own. However, there are situations when you simply cannot do without medical intervention.
- If you doubt that your animal is sick due to poor quality food, you should contact a specialist for help as soon as possible. The fact is that if you do not know the exact picture of the source of the disease, but at the same time give your pet medicine against diarrhea, it can only get worse, and in the end it will be very difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.
- If a pet has been poisoned by dangerous pesticides, blood purification and the administration of an antidote are urgently required. Smecta for dogs with diarrhea will not provide significant benefit, since complex therapy is required.
- The presence of blood in the stool indicates internal bleeding. Self-medication in such a situation is contraindicated.
- If a dog refuses water, its temperature drops sharply, and its mucous membranes begin to turn pale, it is necessary to give Smecta for diarrhea, but the animal has severe intoxication, it needs the help of a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Release form
The drug is produced in powder form. The color can be white, grayish, or yellowish. The substance is scattered into small paper bags. The medicine is packaged in 10 pieces per package. The amount of active ingredient per serving is 3 g.
The main component of the medicine is the substance diosmectite. Auxiliary elements that enhance the effect of the main component of the medication include:
Pharmacological effect
The instructions for use state that the drug is a silicate of aluminum and magnesium. Due to its structure and plastic viscosity, it has a high ability to envelop the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.
By interacting with glycoproteins, it increases the resistance of mucus to irritants. The substance, influencing the barrier function of the esophageal mucosa and due to its high mucus binding ability, protects the peptic system.
Smecta does not change the color of dog excrement and, in standard doses, does not affect the physiological transit time through the intestines.
The mechanism of action of the drug on the body
The drug is not absorbed into the pet’s tissues, but is excreted unchanged, therefore no adverse reactions are observed after using the substance.
Indications for use
The first question that arises for most owners of our smaller friends is whether it is possible to give smecta to a dog?
Many have already heard the name of this drug, but are accustomed to using it for their own purposes. As it turned out, the substance also helps four-legged friends.
The medication is used for the following manifestations:
- Diarrhea, dysentery.
- Heartburn.
- Bloating.
- Symptoms of digestive disorders accompanied by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Nausea.
Most often, the drug smecta is given to a dog for diarrhea. There are many reasons for the appearance of signs of the disorder. Even a simple trip to the sea can be a reason for the body to malfunction, because the animal falls into a state of tension when the situation changes.
Causes of diarrhea in dogs:
- The occurrence of cancer in the digestive organs.
- Presence of helminths.
- Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Poor quality, spoiled products.
- Avitaminosis.
- Foreign objects entering the stomach.
- Chemical poisoning.
- Allergic manifestations.
- Change of food.
- Infectious diseases.
- Stress.
The color of feces is evidence of the following digestive disorders:
- Green - the animal has eaten rotten food, which is an indicator of putrefactive processes.
- Yellow – poor digestion of food.
- Black – bleeding is observed in the duodenum or stomach.
- White – indicates obstruction of the bile ducts.
Smecta is also recommended for use in dogs when vomiting. The adsorbing effect of the substance will easily cope with the task.
Dosage
It is recommended to use the medicine in the following proportions, taking into account the weight (kg) of the pet
Animal size | Amount of drug, sachet |
Large | 1 |
Average | 2/3 |
Little ones | 1/3 |
For severe symptoms of the disorder, you can take a slightly increased dose. One sachet needs to be diluted in 130-150 ml of liquid.
If your pet refuses to take the drug in every possible way, you can dilute the powder by reducing the amount of water. The main thing is that the suspension has a uniform consistency.
A puppy two months of age or older who is suffering from an upset stomach can administer the substance using a syringe after filling it with the medicated solution.
Remember that up to a year it is worth using a reduced dose of the drug, taking into account the kilogram weight of your four-legged friend. During this period, the animal’s body is still growing and fragile.
Rules for taking smecta:
- Open the medicine packet.
- Combine the powder with chilled boiled water.
- Shake the contents of the glass.
- Stir the suspension thoroughly.
- Feed the animal with the solution, dividing the dose into 3 doses.
Side effects
In rare cases, signs of constipation may appear, and it is necessary to reduce the dose of powder used.
If there is hypersensitivity to the elements of the suspension, allergic manifestations are possible.
Contraindications
In the presence of intestinal obstruction, the use of the substance is prohibited. The main reasons why taking the drug is not recommended is the individual reaction to the components of the drug.
Overdose
Studies that would clarify the reaction to the body of an unhealthy dog when the required dose of medication is exceeded have not been carried out. When consuming more than the required amount of the drug, cases of constipation may occur.
Interaction
When a doctor prescribes a substance, it is worth telling the specialist about the pet’s taking additional medications, since smecta can affect the speed and degree of action of the drugs, which leads to inhibition of the treatment process.
The required time interval between doses of the absorbent suspension and other substances is 1-1.5 hours.
Storage
The powder must be kept in a place inaccessible to children, isolated from direct sunlight. The permissible temperature range is 2-25 degrees Celsius. The shelf life is 36 months from the production date indicated on the packaging.
special instructions
When diluting the drug, it is necessary to observe basic safety measures and rules for handling medicines.
You should not feed your pet if you have diarrhea, since food entering the intestines increases irritation of the walls of the esophagus, which aggravates the situation and increases painful manifestations.
It is even possible that a state of dehydration may occur. If the symptoms of the disorder do not go away within a week, you need to seek help from a veterinarian.
In case of painful manifestations accompanied by high fever and vomiting, you should urgently consult a specialist.
Pregnant dogs are allowed to use the drug, but the dosage and period of use must be agreed with a veterinarian.
For diarrhea, Smecta for dogs is the best medicine
Every person knows about the effectiveness of Smecta for indigestion, but this drug can also be given to pets. Thanks to its enveloping effect, Smecta for dogs will help eliminate diarrhea and protect the intestinal mucosa from the negative effects of toxins.
general description
In a regular pharmacy, the sorbent is sold in powder form, packaged in small bags, each of which contains 3 grams of the substance. The main advantage of the medicine over other antidiarrheal drugs is its natural origin, thanks to which Smecta can be given even to small puppies.
Composition and therapeutic effect
The powder, which is sold in pharmacies and is actively used in official medicine, is nothing more than diosmectite, a compound of magnesium and aluminum. The composition also includes auxiliary components and flavorings. The sorbent has an enveloping effect, thanks to which it protects the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines from toxins, the negative effects of bile and acids.
Smecta is used for diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain, and poisoning. It reduces the absorption of toxins and irritation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Diosmectite helps collect and remove pathogens from the food tract and the animal’s body.
The medication is safe for dogs, therefore it is often used as first aid for loose stools and abdominal pain in a pet, however, if there are dangerous symptoms indicating a viral, infectious nature of the disease, severe intoxication of the body, you should not self-medicate, but immediately contact a veterinarian clinic.
Dosage
The instructions for use say that the contents of the sachet should be diluted in 50 ml of warm water. The powder does not dissolve completely, so it must be stirred before giving it to your dog.
For puppies and small breed dogs, this dose will be excessive. You can calculate the required amount of the drug as follows: per 1 kg of pet’s weight – 1 ml of a suspension diluted with water. Approximate dosage:
- small animals – 5-15 ml;
- medium breed dogs – 25 ml;
- large specimens – 50 ml.
Important! In case of severe diarrhea, doctors can double the dose - up to 2 ml per 1 kg of body weight.
Smecta can be safely given to an animal up to six times a day (for large dogs - up to six sachets per day). The treatment regimen depends on the severity of the disease, condition, and the presence of other symptoms that make it possible to establish the cause of loose stools. The standard course of taking the sorbent is 3-7 days; an individual treatment regimen is drawn up by a veterinarian.
Features of therapy
Taking the medicine requires compliance with certain rules. You should not give it on a full stomach, since any food is an irritant to the intestines. The exception is esophagitis (inflammation of the esophageal mucosa), when the pet first needs to be fed, then given medicine.
But drinking more clean water is good for your dog! With diarrhea, the body loses a lot of fluid, so it must be restored, since severe dehydration can be fatal.
If it is necessary to give animals, in addition to Smecta, other medications prescribed by a veterinarian, an interval between them should be at least 1.5-2 hours. The absorbent may reduce the effectiveness of other medications.
Contraindications
Prohibitions on the use of Smecta to eliminate diarrhea and other symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases include:
- individual intolerance;
- intestinal obstruction.
Analogs
Since Smecta has virtually no contraindications and is inexpensive - in a regular pharmacy the cost of 1 sachet is 15-30 rubles, substitutes for the drug are rarely used. Analogues in composition are:
- Neosmectin;
- Endosorb;
- Diosmectin.
These medications are diluted and used in the same way as Smecta. Drugs that are used in official medicine for humans have a similar effect, but also help animals. These are sorbents:
- Activated carbon;
- Polysorb;
- Enterosgel.
They can be used in consultation with a veterinarian, who will determine the dose of medication for treatment.
In addition to medications sold in regular pharmacies, there are also special veterinary adsorbents - Vetsorbin, EnteroZoo. Their advantage is a precisely calculated dosage specifically for animals, the disadvantage is their high cost.
Purpose of "Smecta"
The drug is a safe and harmless product. But even knowing this, many dog breeders are wondering whether it is possible to give Smecta to a dog for diarrhea, because it is designed for humans, and the instructions do not indicate how and when it can be given to an animal. As practice has shown, the drug can be used not only for an adult pet, but also for a puppy; this medicine will definitely not make it worse.
“Smecta” is an affordable and widespread remedy, and it is used to relieve diarrhea, heartburn and bloating not only for people, but also for animals. We’ll talk further about how to give Smecta to a dog.
Analogs
If there is no smecta in the pharmacy or there is a lack of funds for this drug, it is possible to purchase its analogues. These include the following medications:
- Diosmectite. The main active ingredient is similar to smecta. It is distinguished from smecta only by the country of origin. Smectite is produced in France, while diosmectite is produced in the Russian Federation.
- Enterosgel. This remedy only works for problems with the intestines. This means that when a puppy vomits, enterosgel is not helpful. Another factor that is regarded by dog breeders as a disadvantage is the lack of taste and smell. Many will say that this quality is positive, but only experienced dog owners know that a puppy will not eat anything that does not smell delicious. Its positive quality is its unlimited age.
It is always unpleasant for an owner when his baby gets sick. Especially when he feels bad, he feels sick, vomits and diarrhea. Smecta is a very good helper for a child during his difficult period.
For the best effect, it is better not to feed the puppy while taking the drug. All other medications must be taken before using smecta.
A complete treatment regimen should only be prescribed by a specialist. He will select the correct dosage, tell you in detail about the method of use and the need for other medications. Take care of your four-legged friends!
Smecta is one of those medical adsorbents that can and should be used to treat a dog with symptoms of food poisoning and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The drug is completely natural, consists of a mixture of processed magnesium and aluminum silicates.
How to give correctly?
The first question that worries everyone is the correct dosage of the drug. Since an overdose is unlikely, you should proceed as follows:
- For a large dog – 1 sachet (3 grams).
- For an average dog - 2/3 sachets (2 grams).
- For a small dog – 1/3 of a sachet (1 gram).
Smecta should be diluted in the proportion of 1 g. of the drug in 40–50 ml of water. If the dog is very resistant, you can dilute it “thicker”, the main thing is to achieve uniformity of the suspension. The suspension tastes sweet, but dogs refuse to drink it on their own. It is recommended to draw the resulting solution into a syringe of a convenient volume and forcefully pour it into the dog’s mouth.
The difficulty is that the dog is likely to spit out most of the suspension. Since Smecta is harmless, drinking it should be done 3-4 times a day (more often is possible), this way you will “catch up” with the required dosage.
Tip: to ensure that the dog swallows most of the emulsion, pour it into the gap behind the chewing teeth. Then hold the dog's head up and encourage swallowing with stroking movements.
After taking Smecta, slight improvements should occur within 2–3 hours. If there is no positive dynamics, add another portion of the drug, but wait no more than 1 hour. Did not help? Contact your doctor! Even if the cause of diarrhea is trivial, Smecta will not help against dehydration, a condition in which the body’s metabolism and electrolyte balance are disrupted. When dehydration occurs, the introduction of fluid into the body plays a more important role, although the elimination of toxins is no less important.
If you do not have the opportunity to see a doctor, begin self-administration of buffer solutions and Glucose 5%. The drugs are administered subcutaneously, drip-wise, slowly. There are no restrictions on buffer solutions, but Glucose can worsen the condition of a pet with chronic liver diseases.
We eliminate the influence of toxins in the dog’s intestines with Smecta
Is Smecta for dogs an effective or contraindicated drug? How to treat the disorder and is it necessary to intervene? Inexperienced dog breeders claim that diarrhea should go away on its own, so the body is cleansed of toxins and unnecessary particles. Of course, there is a minimal probability of such an event occurring, but in 95 percent of cases the pet needs support and treatment.
Smecta will not harm the puppy; it is a safe drug. It is publicly accessible and widespread, attracting with its accessibility. The drug is recommended for the treatment of humans, so no animal tests were carried out with it.
The drug is marketed in the form of a sweet-tasting powder. When diluted, it resembles milk with a uniform consistency. It is marketed in single-use sachets, which are used after opening. There are no contraindications or side effects, but the manufacturer admits the possibility of personal intolerance to the components.
To use the drug, it must be diluted in liquid. Taking the powder significantly reduces the degree of absorption, and the powder is also quite difficult to swallow.
Disorders in the gastrointestinal tract occur as a result of activation of the gastric mucosa. In the process of producing mucus, the body tries to protect itself from possible tissue injury and further poisoning.
The reaction may signal the development of a toxic effect, the presence of microorganisms or objects that injure the stomach.
The condition is aggravated by dysbiosis, since the disorder progresses if the natural microflora does not resist harmful toxins.
Smecta for dogs against diarrhea has two effects:
- Protects the walls of the stomach, preventing them from further development;
- Eliminates the influence of poisons accumulated in the intestines.
Sorbent substances bind poisons and remove them from the body during urination.
Please note that it is best to abstain from food during treatment for an acute disorder. Nutrients that enter the body will irritate the mucous membranes and tissues even more intensely, which will only aggravate the condition and pose a threat of fluid loss. In the acute form of the disease, the gastrointestinal tract begins to swell, so even a small amount of food will be harmful.
Smecta for vomiting is safe and allows you to stop the development of another problem - impaired contraction of the walls of hollow tubular organs. The form of treatment is optimal if the cause of the disorder is not fully known. Under some circumstances, even therapy leads to regression of peristalsis.
The owners may face an even more serious problem - starting the gastrointestinal tract. There are pharmacological agents that stimulate the activity of the stomach, but treatment is not always effective. If the animal's body is weakened, the intestines are not able to work with the same activity.
Do not use piperidine derivatives unless directed by a veterinarian. This antibiotic does not cure the disorder; it slows down the functioning of peristalsis.
Smecta is prescribed not only for treatment, but also for preventive purposes. Typically, the remedy is used for the acute form of the disorder or its consequences, restoring the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Smecta also helps dogs with rumbling, but there is no need to abuse its use, it is better to monitor the further development of symptoms.
Slow, difficult or systematically insufficient defecation is not treated with an absorbent, as is the cause of the disorder.
The only side effect that can develop with increasing doses of the drug is difficulty in defecation. If your pet encounters such a manifestation, you should not run to the doctor; it is recommended to reduce the dose of the drug or stop taking it altogether.
In this case, stopping the disorder, which will lead to loss of fluid, is more important, especially if the pet is on long-term fasting.
If difficult defecation does not go away within 24 hours, the pet can stimulate the natural process with Vaseline oil (the pet should drink a tablespoon).
The drug should not be taken immediately after other pharmacological agents. Due to the suction action, absorbents can reduce the effect of their action.
Is it important to notify the doctor?
The functioning of the gastrointestinal tract in dogs is more sensitive than in humans. Representatives of some species are prone to disorders and other malfunctions of the stomach and intestines.
A dog with a sensitive stomach experiences frequent upsets for no apparent reason.
Often, indigestion is caused by eating low-quality foods, excessive food consumption, an allergic reaction, a sudden change in diet, or stress.
The disorder is not only about liquid stool. It signals a malfunction of the intestines, spleen or other vital organs. If diarrhea appears after eating, then not only the gastrointestinal tract organs suffer, but the entire system. Another situation may arise when the disorder signals a hidden pathology.
Upset in dogs after a change of environment is a normal reaction of the body. The dog was stressed and its diet may have changed. To prevent the development of the disorder, it is better to adhere to the classic feeding schedule for two weeks after a change in climate or environment.
Smecta is recommended if the disorder began after consuming questionable products. The reaction is the result of an imbalance and attack of the mucous membrane by various poisons.
Just one significant fact: if the owner is not sure that the cause of the body’s reaction is related to the products, then it is better to immediately make an appointment with a veterinarian.
Eliminating symptoms will distort the general clinical picture and any manifestation, which will significantly complicate the correct diagnosis.
If your dog releases blood during defecation, self-treatment is strictly prohibited. Scarlet blood indicates internal bleeding, which is detrimental to the life of the animal.
The absorbent in this case is considered as an additional substance that helps restore the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. In such a situation, the presence of a disorder is a classic reaction of the body. It is prohibited to stop these processes, because they help eliminate toxins.
If your dog refuses to drink and becomes lethargic, go to the vet. These symptoms indicate severe intoxication, which can only be eliminated with complex treatment.
Smecta dosage for dogs
The dose for pets should be as follows:
- Large dog – 1 sachet;
- Medium sizes – 2/3 sachets;
- Small breeds – 1/3 sachet.
The drug should be diluted in 50 ml of liquid.
If the dog cannot drink this amount of water, you can dilute the powder in 30 ml of water, the main thing is that the suspension becomes homogeneous. The medicine tastes sweet, but many dogs refuse to drink it, so a medical syringe is recommended to inject the medicine into the mouth.
Many dogs spit out most of the slurry. Since the absorbent is harmless, it is necessary to drink it several times a day in minimal doses.
The main thing is to achieve maximum concentration in the blood within 24 hours. Remember, in order for your dog to swallow as much of the medicine as possible, you need to pour it into the space between the teeth.
Then hold the muzzle and wait for swallowing using stroking movements.
Source: https://RealPet.ru/lekarstva/smekta-dlya-sobak.html
Dangerous dose
If the dog does not have individual intolerance to the components and the animal does not suffer from constipation, fecal impaction or intestinal obstruction, there is no reason to worry. Stick to the dosage prescribed by your veterinarian, observe the intervals between watering and other rules in general treatment.
Overdose
You can tell that you have significantly exceeded the permissible limit by the dog's constipation. This is the opposite extreme of diarrhea, which requires mandatory intervention.
What to do?
For a healthy dog, the frequency of bowel movements 2 times in 3 days is considered constipation. If she leads an extremely sedentary lifestyle or is over the age of 7 years, the animal falls into a separate risk group.
Advanced forms of constipation lead to intoxication of the entire body and a high probability of rupture of the intestinal walls.
To restore defecation activity disrupted by smecta, you will have to take a number of necessary measures:
- Pour warm Vaseline oil into the dog’s cheek from a syringe based on the amount: large - 2 tbsp. spoons, medium - 1 tbsp. l., small - 1 teaspoon. Please note that the oil is not absorbed and may drip from the tail. This is completely normal, just protect carpets, beds and chairs. The method is quite effective, do not neglect it.
- Increase the number of walks to 4-5 per day. When walking, provoke her to run, jump and do any other activity. This greatly stimulates the intestines.
- Completely remove meat, eggs, rice, and hard cheeses from your diet. Actively offer your dog fresh kefir and raw beets. Boiled vegetables are required: pumpkin, broccoli, carrots.
Important! A sincere desire to help a pet and give an enema can result in serious consequences if it turns out that stool retention is non-functional. If your dog has not had a bowel movement within 48 hours, seek professional help from a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Do not forget that you can use smecta at home only as an emergency aid. There are many causes for diarrhea and vomiting in dogs, including deadly viral infections.
For example, with enteritis, the time limit is literally hours, and the slightest delay can cost the dog his life. Therefore, if diarrhea or vomiting occurs, the animal must in any case be taken to a veterinary clinic as quickly as possible.
Should I give Smecta to a dog with diarrhea? How to treat diarrhea and is it necessary to intervene? Many inexperienced owners believe that diarrhea can go away on its own. Of course, there is a small chance of such an outcome, but in most cases the pet needs help.
How to give Smecta to a dog?
Despite the sweet taste of the medicine, animals do not like to take it. Therefore, in order to give Smecta to a dog to drink, you need to use some tricks. The powder is dissolved in warm boiled water, mixed well and the resulting suspension is drawn into a syringe without a needle. The dog’s head should be fixed with your hands, then the drug is carefully poured from the side between the teeth, making sure that the animal does not spit out the medicine.
You can lightly close your pet's jaws and run your palm over the larynx area (movement from head to body), thereby provoking a swallowing reflex. For particularly restless animals, it is allowed to secure the jaws with a bandage.
Smecta is given to dogs up to 3-5 times a day, maintaining the same time interval (approximately every 2-3 hours). In case of severe vomiting and diarrhea, the number of drug administrations can be increased up to 7-8 times.
Treatment with Smecta is continued until a positive effect (end of diarrhea and vomiting). It is not recommended to feed the dog during treatment (at least for the first 12 hours). But it is necessary to increase the volume of liquid consumed by the animal: at least a bowl of water should be freely available. If the dynamics of treatment are positive, the pet is allowed to introduce a little meat broth, rice water or minced meat into the diet.
After 2-3 days, the animal can be given a little boiled chicken meat, 1 egg, boiled vegetables, water porridge with the addition of fish or minced meat. During treatment, children's meat and vegetable purees have worked well, and can be given to the dog in reasonable quantities.
If Smecta is used in combination with other drugs, for example, antibiotics, it is necessary to interval between drug administrations. The animal is first given an adsorbent, and after 2 hours is given an antimicrobial drug. Otherwise, Smecta reduces the effectiveness of another medication.
Smecta instructions for use
Release form
Powder for the preparation of suspension for oral administration (vanilla) 3 g: sachets of 10 or 30 pcs.
Powder for the preparation of suspension for oral administration (orange) 3 g: sachets of 10 or 30 pcs.
pharmachologic effect
Antidiarrheal drug, is an aluminosilicate of natural origin. Has an adsorbing effect.
Stabilizes the mucous barrier of the gastrointestinal tract, forms polyvalent bonds with mucus glycoproteins, increases the amount of mucus and improves its cytoprotective properties (with respect to the negative effects of hydrogen ions of hydrochloric acid, bile salts, microorganisms and their toxins).
It has selective sorption properties, which are explained by its discoid-crystalline structure; adsorbs bacteria and viruses located in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract.
Smecta® in therapeutic doses does not affect intestinal motility.
Diosmectite is radiolucent and does not stain stool.
Aluminum in the composition of diosmectite is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, incl. for gastrointestinal diseases accompanied by symptoms of colitis and colonopathy.
Pharmacokinetics
Smecta® is not absorbed. It is excreted from the body unchanged.
Indications
acute and chronic diarrhea (allergic, drug origin; in violation of diet and quality food composition);
diarrhea of infectious origin (as part of complex therapy);
symptomatic treatment of heartburn, bloating and abdominal discomfort and other symptoms of dyspepsia accompanying diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Dosage regimen
Adults are recommended to use 6 sachets per day.
Children under 1 year of age - 2 sachets/day for 3 days, then 1 sachet/day; children over 1 year old - 4 sachets/day for 3 days, then 2 sachets/day.
Adults are prescribed 3 sachets/day.
Children under the age of 1 year - 1 sachet/day, at the age of 1-2 years - 1-2 sachets/day; over 2 years - 2-3 sachets/day.
A course of treatment of 3-7 days is recommended.
For esophagitis, Smecta® should be taken orally after meals, for other indications - between meals.
Details about treatment with Smecta for dogs
Four-legged friends require special care and responsibility on the part of humans. Dogs, like people, are prone to poisoning, indigestion, and even intoxication.
Modern medications that are also suitable for humans can help relieve or cure symptoms. One of the universal remedies in the fight against intestinal ailments and poisoning is Smecta sorbent.
Is it possible to give?
The digestive system in dogs differs in the level of sensitivity compared to humans. Some breeds are quite prone to digestive disorders and indigestion, meaning some dogs may suffer from diarrhea without any particular reason.
For diarrhea
The main causes of diarrhea that require treatment are: poor-quality foods, a sudden change in the usual diet, stressful situations, overeating, food or other allergic reactions of the body, as well as poisoning.
Smecta is an affordable drug developed for people; accordingly, it can be purchased at any pharmacy. During intestinal disorders, the drug can and should be given to the dog.
In terms of its composition, Smecta is safe, since it consists of a compound of aluminum and magnesium, does not have a systemic effect on the body and is excreted in its original form. Due to its enveloping structure, the drug protects mucous membranes from the effects of toxins, acids and bile.
The drug can even be used to treat puppies.
Thanks to its adsorbing effect, the medicine collects and removes microorganisms and germs, improving the functioning of the mucus secreted by the stomach. The most important advantage of the product is that it does not affect the peristalsis of the animal’s intestines.
It is necessary to give your dog Smecta if diarrhea began due to overeating or eating low-quality foods that provoked irritation of the mucous membranes with toxins.
Important! If there is blood in the animal's stool, you should contact your veterinarian and avoid self-medication. Such symptoms may indicate bleeding in the mucous membranes.
During treatment of diarrhea, the dog should not be fed to avoid irritation of the stomach mucous membranes. The duration of the regime cannot exceed 48 hours.
In case of poisoning
Poisoning of an animal can be different, the most important thing is to recognize its presence in time and take action.
Smecta can become an additional component in the complex treatment of an animal in case of intoxication, but the medicine will not be able to cope with it on its own.
The drug is suitable for eliminating the causes and treating food poisoning, removing toxins from the body. To avoid poisoning, the dog’s diet must be balanced; you should not give the animal expired or missing food.
Reference. Some types of poisoning are characterized by the presence of convulsions and loss of coordination. Self-medication will only be a waste of time. With such symptoms, the animal requires the help of a doctor.
When vomiting
Food poisoning is characterized by diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Such a reaction of the body is absolutely acceptable and is protective.
Thus, the body independently tries to remove contents from the digestive tract as quickly as possible so that toxins do not have time to be absorbed. The animal must be given both the drug itself and a sufficient amount of water to prevent dehydration.
In case of poisoning with chemicals, poisons, acids and alkalis, immediate medical attention and prompt medical treatment will be required.
Other cases
Indications for the use of the drug are sufficient to alleviate the dog’s condition and provide treatment, including:
- acute and chronic diarrhea, which can occur due to medications and allergies;
- infectious diarrhea, in which the drug acts as an adjuvant;
- heartburn;
- bloating;
- stomach upset caused by a lack of enzymes.
Attention! The drug must be given in the form of a suspension, diluting the powder with warm water in a ratio of 1 g per 40 ml of water. For large dogs, 3 g of the drug (one sachet) is needed per dose, for medium dogs – 2 grams and for small dogs – 1 g. For more details, see the instructions for use.
The amount of liquid may be slightly reduced in cases where the animal has strong resistance to taking the drug.
Pregnant and lactating
Smecta can be given to pregnant and lactating dogs without caution, since the components of this medicine are not absorbed into the blood, and therefore cannot harm the fetus or pass into milk.
The presence of toxicosis in a dog can cause diarrhea, in which case the drug will help remove the symptoms and alleviate the dog’s condition.
For lactating and pregnant dogs, the medicine is recommended in cases of: diarrhea caused by food poisoning, allergies or intestinal infection, heartburn, belching, bloating.
It is important to observe intervals of 2 hours when the drug is used in parallel with other medications.
Breed characteristics
There are no restrictions on the use of the drug for certain breeds. When giving medication, it is important to understand the symptoms in order to exclude contraindications to taking the drug.
If an animal has an intolerance to any component that is present in Smecta, then you can try replacing the medicine with an analogue. There are no indications for use based on the dog's breed.
Dosage
The dosage is calculated strictly individually for each puppy. It all depends on his body weight. In general, 1 gram of smecta (33% of the sachet) is used per day.
How to breed?
The powder is diluted only in warm boiled water. Take an ordinary glass, fill in a third of the sachet of medicine and fill it with water. The volume of water should be approximately 100 milliliters.
How much per kg of weight?
In order to properly prepare a homogeneous suspension of the drug, it is necessary to mix the resulting mixture thoroughly for a long time. The principle for calculating the dosage is as follows: 1-2 milliliters of suspension per kilogram of the puppy’s body weight is given per dose.
One milliliter per kilogram is given for mild symptoms, two for a pronounced clinical picture.
Important!
For severe symptoms, a slight increase in dosage is allowed.
Dosage for adult animals
It is recommended to dilute Smecta for dogs in accordance with the attached instructions for use.
A packet of powder to prepare a suspension is mixed with 50 ml of boiled water (3 tbsp. L). Before giving, the resulting solution must be shaken thoroughly.
The dose of the medicine depends on the age of the animal, the severity of the disease and body weight. For 1 kg of dog weight, the dosage of Smecta is 1 ml of the finished suspension. So, for example, for an adult animal weighing 2.5 kg, the portion will be 2.5 ml, for a pet weighing 20 kg - 20 ml.
If the owner does not know the weight of the pet, then you should focus on the following recommendations for breed parameters:
- large – 50 ml;
- medium – 25 ml;
- small – 5-15 ml.
In case of severe diarrhea, the dosage of Smecta for a dog is doubled. Those. For 1 kg of animal body weight, use 2 ml of the prepared solution.
The drug is given from 3 to 6 times a day, depending on the severity of the pet’s condition. The course of therapy for diarrhea and vomiting ranges from 3 days to 1 week.
It is not recommended to feed the animal before giving Smecta to your dog. The exception is esophagitis, in which the pet must first take food and then an adsorbent.
For dogs weighing over 50 kg per day, up to 6 doses (sachets) can be used.
Before giving your dog Smecta, you should conduct a drug tolerance test. The medicine contains flavorings to which the animal may have an allergic reaction. The prepared dosage of Smecta for dogs is divided into 3 parts. One of the parts is given to the pet and its behavior is observed for half an hour. If the condition has not worsened, you can give the dog the remaining portion of the medicine.
Characteristics of the medicine
Smecta is a medicine of natural origin with an adsorbing effect. It has been successfully used for a long time to treat chronic and acute diarrhea, colitis, gastritis, heartburn, and flatulence. Initially, Smecta was not used in veterinary medicine. But over time, she found her place in this branch of medicine. Today, veterinarians often recommend this drug to pet owners for the treatment of digestive disorders.
It is worth noting that the tool has won a high user rating. As a veterinary medicine, Smecta does an excellent job of adsorption of toxins, viruses, bacteria and their subsequent neutralization. The drug also restores well the mucous membrane of the dog’s stomach and intestines, and creates a protective shell against toxic compounds.
But the drug cannot be used by everyone and not always. Contraindications to its use are intestinal obstruction of the animal, osmotic diarrhea, and hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
The instructions for the medicine warn that its overdose leads to constipation. It is also not recommended to take it together with other medications for diarrhea.