Clopidogrel for Dogs: This Medication Prevents Blood Clots

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Conditions like heart disease can make dogs more likely to get blood clots, which can lead to serious issues such as lung injury, paralysis, and stroke. Clopidogrel (Plavix) is a medication that helps treat or prevent blood clots in dogs.

If your dog is prescribed this medication to manage their risk for blood clots, we've got you covered with everything you need to know about clopidogrel.

Clopidogrel for dogs at a glance

What is clopidogrel for dogs, and how does it work?

In dogs, clopidogrel is used to treat or prevent blood clots.

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication in the thienopyridine class, known by the brand name Plavix. It treats blood clots in dogs by preventing platelets, blood cells involved in blood clotting, from sticking together.

What is clopidogrel used for in dogs?

Clopidogrel is commonly used in dogs who have diseases that cause excessive blood clotting. These diseases can include:

• Heart disease

• Immune-mediated anemia

• Protein-losing enteropathy

• Stroke

What is the dosage of clopidogrel for dogs, and how is it given?

The standard dose of clopidogrel for dogs is 0.5 mg to 1 mg per kilogram of body weight. The dose varies based on several factors, including the condition being treated, other medications, and the health of your dog.

Clopidogrel is available as 75 mg tablets. But it can be compounded into several forms, including:

• Flavored oil suspension liquid

• Chew treats

• Oral paste

• Oral powder

• Capsule

• Transdermal gel

• Tiny tablets

Sometimes dogs are started on a higher-dose clopidogrel and then changed to a long-term, lower maintenance dose to ensure the medication works well for your dog.

A veterinarian will prescribe the correct dosage for your dog. It is very important to follow their prescribing instructions. Overdosing this medication can lead to bleeding disorders, and underdosing will not treat the problem.

Clopidogrel typically starts working 1 to 2 hours after administration. But to make sure the medication is working well for your dog, some veterinarians will run regular tests.

What are the common side effects of clopidogrel in dogs?

In general, clopidogrel is well tolerated by most dogs and is considered very safe. The most common side effects associated with clopidogrel for dogs are:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Soft stool

Clopidogrel is bitter, and some animals may drool after being given a tablet. You can avoid the bitter taste by having the medication compounded into a form specifically for dogs. You can also get plain gel caps and place the clopidogrel tablet inside before giving it to your dog.

Clopidogrel for dogs can be given with or without food. But if your dog experiences digestive upset when the medication is given on an empty stomach, try giving it with food.

What are the most serious risks of clopidogrel for dogs?

Clopidogrel prevents blood clotting in dogs, so the most serious risk is a bleeding disorder. Signs of a bleeding disorder include:

• Excessive bruising of skin or gums

• Blood in stool

• Vomiting blood

• Black or tarry stool

• Swollen abdomen

• Weakness

• Difficulty breathing

• Nose bleeds

If you notice any of these signs while your dog is taking clopidogrel, call a veterinarian or the emergency clinic immediately for advice. This medication should not be used in dogs who are actively bleeding. Bleeding complications associated with clopidogrel should resolve in 5 to 7 days after stopping medication.

Clopidogrel should be used with caution in dogs who are pregnant or nursing. If your pet is scheduled for surgery, a veterinarian may ask you to stop giving clopidogrel 7 days before surgery.

Does clopidogrel interact with other dog medications?

Clopidogrel inhibits blood clotting. It should be used with caution and under direct veterinary supervision in dogs taking other medications that prevent blood clotting. This includes aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as:

• Carprofen (Rimadyl)

• Heparin

• Warfarin

Clopidogrel should be given with caution in dogs who are receiving steroids such as prednisone. It also should not be given to a dog who is already receiving phenytoin or torsemide.

In addition, clopidogrel may interact with the following medications and should be used with caution in dogs who take:

• Cimetidine

• Rifampin

• Azole antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole

• Chloramphenicol

• Cyclosporine

• Opioids

• SSRI antidepressants

• Calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine or diltiazem

• Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole

• Rivaroxaban

Before your dog is prescribed clopidogrel, make sure you inform a veterinarian of any other medications or supplement that your dog is receiving.

What should you do if your dog misses a dose of clopidogrel?

If you forget to give your dog a dose of clopidogrel, then give the medication when you remember. But if it is close to the time for their next dose, then skip the missed dose and give the medication at the next regularly scheduled time.

Never give two doses at the same time or give extra doses of clopidogrel to your dog to catch up.

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