The 1000 beautiful ways of cure and reason can dogs have tums

can dogs have tums Calcium Carbonate for Dogs and Cats

can dogs have tums Overview of Calcium Carbonate for Canines and Felines

Calcium carbonate, commonly known as Tums®, is an oral calcium salt used to address low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) in pets, as well as to act as an antacid and phosphate binder. While it can also serve as an antacid for conditions like esophagitis and gastroduodenal ulcerations, it is rarely prescribed for this purpose due to the availability of more effective antacids. Calcium carbonate is typically used for chronic conditions, with injectable calcium gluconate being preferred for acute hypocalcemic crises. It’s important to work with your veterinarian to monitor calcium and phosphorus levels when administering calcium carbonate. Although it is available over the counter, it should only be given to pets under veterinary supervision to ensure safety and efficacy.

Brand Names and Other Names of Calcium Carbonate

• Human formulations: Various generic preparations
• Veterinary formulations: None

Uses of Calcium Carbonate for Dogs and Cats

can dogs have tums Calcium carbonate can also serve as an oral antacid for conditions such as esophagitis and gastroduodenal ulcerations. However, it is rarely prescribed for these purposes, as stronger and more effective antacids are available. More commonly, calcium carbonate is used as a calcium supplement in dogs with chronic hypocalcemia and to manage hyperphosphatemia associated with chronic renal (kidney) failure.

Precautions and Side Effects

can dogs have tums While calcium carbonate is generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, it can cause side effects in some animals. It should not be used in pets with known hypersensitivity to the substance or those with elevated calcium levels. The safety of calcium carbonate in pregnant or lactating dogs and cats has not been thoroughly studied, though it is often considered safe during lactation by most veterinarians. One potential side effect of long-term use is calcification of soft tissues. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new medication or supplement for your pet.

Drug Interactions

can dogs have tums Calcium carbonate may interact with other medications, so it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian to assess potential drug interactions for your pet. For example, using calcium carbonate alongside other calcium products like calcium gluconate or Calcitriol can lead to hypercalcemia (high calcium levels). Pets with cardiac arrhythmias who are on heart medications such as digoxin should use calcium carbonate with caution. Certain antibiotics, including tetracycline, doxycycline, and fluoroquinolones like enrofloxacin (Baytril®) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro®), are not recommended with calcium products. Additionally, interactions with thyroid supplements and stomach medications such as misoprostol, famotidine (Pepcid), ranitidine (Zantac), and cimetidine (Tagamet) may occur. Always review your pet’s current medications with your veterinarian before starting calcium carbonate.

How Calcium Carbonate is Supplied

• There are many oral calcium carbonate products available in chewable and regular tablets in common sizes are 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000mg.
• There is also oral suspensions 1250 mg/5mL.

Dosing Information of Calcium Carbonate for Dogs and Cats

can dogs have tums Medication should never be administered to your pet without first consulting your veterinarian. The dosage of calcium carbonate can vary widely depending on the specific reason for its use and the pet’s response to initial doses. The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, the pet’s reaction to the medication, and any adverse effects that may develop. Always complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if your pet appears to improve, to prevent relapse.

Calcium carbonate is best given with food. For its use as an antacid, the typical dosage is 0.5 grams to 5 grams orally every 4 hours as needed, with smaller doses for smaller dogs and higher doses for larger ones. Specifically:

• Small dogs: 500 mg
• Medium-sized dogs: 750 to 1,000 mg
• Large dogs: 2,000 mg

can dogs have tums As a calcium supplement, recommended dosages are:

• Cats: 1,250 mg to 2 grams per day
• Small breed dogs: 1,250 mg per day
• Medium-sized dogs: 2 grams to 4 grams per day
• Large breed dogs: 4 grams to 6 grams per day
• Giant breed dogs: 6 to 10 grams per day

For managing hyperphosphatemia associated with chronic kidney failure, the typical dosage is 41 to 68 mg per pound per day (90 to 150 mg/kg/day), divided into multiple doses and adjusted based on blood levels. Always administer with food and follow your veterinarian’s guidance on dosage adjustments.

Resources & References:

• ASPCA Pet Poison Hotline
• Current Veterinary Therapy XV, Bonagura and Twedt
• Pet Poison Helpline
• Plumb’s Veterinary Handbook by Donald C. Plumb, 8th Edition
• Polzin, D. J. (2013). Evidence-based step-wise approach to managing chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats. Vet. Emerg. Crit. Care 23(2): 205-15
• Polzin, D.,et al. (2005). Chronic Kidney Disease. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine: Diseases of the Dog and Cat 6th Ed. S. Ettinger and E. Feldman, Elsevier: 1756-85.
• Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Ettinger & Felman