Sucralfate is a human medication used off-label in dogs for ulcers, vomiting, and irritations along the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the small intestine, potentially even as far as the colon. It can help with stomach ulcers, esophageal erosions, oral ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Brand names for sucralfate include Carafate and Sulcrate. This medication is a complex salt that acts by combining proteins in the irritated areas to provide a protective cover over erosions and ulcers so they can heal.
The drug separates into two compounds once in the stomach: sucrose octasulfate and aluminum hydroxide. Sucrose octasulfate coats injured tissues. Bile acids may be absorbed onto it, and it appears to stimulate mucosal production of prostaglandins. In these situations, the prostaglandins act to protect the cells on the stomach’s internal surface. Aluminum hydroxide helps with acid indigestion.
How to Give Your Dog Sucralfate
This prescription medication is available as tablets or a liquid. If you use tablets, you must crush them, such as with a small mortar and pestle, and mix them with warm water. The mixture can then be given with a plastic syringe in the corner of your dog’s mouth.
Give sucralfate on an empty stomach so the medication has access to the affected areas. Wait two hours after that before giving any other medications.
Due to its protective covering of the mucosa, sucralfate can interfere with the absorption of many medications. These medications include, but are not limited to, antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines and antifungals like ketoconazole. In addition, fat-soluble vitamins and the thyroid medication levothyroxine will have decreased absorption, potentially requiring dosage adjustments.
Digoxin, a cardiac medication, will also have altered absorption. In addition, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, will not be well-absorbed.
Ideally, sucralfate is used short term to allow for mucosal healing.
Sucralfate for Dogs Side Effects
Sucralfate should not be used in dogs who have constipation as it will exacerbate the problem (constipation is a potential side effect). Conversely, some dogs will experience diarrhea and loss of appetite. While the amount of aluminum is unlikely to cause serious problems, it would best to avoid sucralfate for use in dogs with known renal problems.
Allergic reactions such as hives or difficulty breathing and behavior changes are rarely seen. Lethargy is the most common behavior change seen.
Sucralfate is not as powerful as protein pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, which are recommended by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine for treating gastric ulcers and erosions. Sucralfate is not a true analgesic, so there is minimal pain relief, but it can help your dog who is vomiting and in discomfort by acting as a physical barrier.
My dogs had no problems when I used it short term, but crushing the pill and getting it to dissolve can be a challenge! (A good mortar and pestle is worth the investment.) Keep track of the dosage timing can also be tricky when dealing with your own work schedule. Consult the prescribing veterinarian with problems or concerns.
