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PetDosageChart

Pepcid (Famotidine) Dosage for Dogs

H2 receptor antagonist ⏱ Onset: 30-60 minutes ⏳ Duration: 12-24 hours

This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. This information is sourced from veterinary drug references including Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

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Pepcid Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight

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Weight Low Dose Standard Dose Max Dose Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 1mg 2.5mg 2.5mg every 12-24 hours
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 2.5mg 4.5mg 4.5mg every 12-24 hours
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 3.5mg 7mg 7mg every 12-24 hours
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 4.5mg 9mg (10mg tablet) 9mg (10mg tablet) every 12-24 hours
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 5.5mg 11.5mg (10mg tablet) 11.5mg (10mg tablet) every 12-24 hours
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 7mg 13.5mg 13.5mg every 12-24 hours
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 9mg (10mg tablet) 18mg (2 × 10mg) 18mg (2 × 10mg) every 12-24 hours
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 11.5mg (10mg tablet) 22.5mg 22.5mg every 12-24 hours
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 13.5mg 27mg 27mg every 12-24 hours
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 16mg 31.5mg (3 × 10mg) 31.5mg (3 × 10mg) every 12-24 hours
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 18mg (2 × 10mg) 36.5mg 36.5mg every 12-24 hours
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 20.5mg (2 × 10mg) 41mg (4 × 10mg) 41mg (4 × 10mg) every 12-24 hours
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 22.5mg 45.5mg 45.5mg every 12-24 hours
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 27mg 54.5mg 54.5mg every 12-24 hours
150 lbs (68 kg) 34mg 68mg (7 × 10mg) 68mg (7 × 10mg) every 12-24 hours

What is Pepcid (Famotidine) used for in dogs?

stomach acid reduction gastritis acid reflux stomach ulcers nausea

How to give Pepcid to your dog

Famotidine (Pepcid) works best when given on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before a meal. This allows it to reduce stomach acid before food enters the stomach. Give the plain original formula — avoid Pepcid Complete which contains additional ingredients not appropriate for dogs.

Available Forms

tablet, injectable

Give with Food?

No — can be given without food

Side effects of Pepcid in dogs

Common side effects

decreased appetite
drowsiness
constipation
dry mouth

Serious side effects

  • severe vomiting
  • irregular heartbeat (rare)
  • facial swelling (allergic reaction)

When to call the vet

Call your vet immediately if your dog shows any of these signs:

  • Vomiting persists despite treatment
  • Blood in vomit or stool
  • Loss of appetite lasting more than 48 hours
  • Signs of allergic reaction (facial swelling, hives)
  • Dark or tarry stools

Related Medications for Dogs

NK1 receptor antagonist / Antiemetic

Cerenia

Maropitant

For vomiting

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Prostaglandin receptor antagonist (piprant)

Galliprant

Grapiprant

For osteoarthritis pain

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Serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonist antiemetic

Zofran

Ondansetron

For Nausea and vomiting

View dosage chart
Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI)

Desyrel

Trazodone

For anxiety

View dosage chart

Sources & References

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Famotidine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give my dog Pepcid?
Yes, plain Pepcid (famotidine) is commonly recommended by veterinarians for dogs with stomach acid issues, gastritis, or nausea. Use the original formula only — avoid Pepcid Complete, which contains calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide that may not be appropriate for dogs.
How much Pepcid can I give my dog?
The standard dose is 0.5-1 mg per kilogram of body weight, given once or twice daily. For a 20 lb (9 kg) dog, this would be about half of a 10 mg tablet. For best results, give 30-60 minutes before meals.
How long can a dog take famotidine?
Short-term use (1-2 weeks) is common for acute stomach issues. Long-term daily use is sometimes prescribed for chronic acid reflux or as part of ulcer prevention. Your vet may recommend periodic reassessment if your dog needs famotidine long-term.
Can I give my dog Pepcid and Pepto Bismol together?
It is generally not recommended to combine famotidine and bismuth subsalicylate without veterinary guidance, as both affect the stomach in different ways. Consult your vet to determine which medication (or combination) is best for your dog's specific condition.

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