Sucralfate for Dogs and Cats

Medically Reviewed by Kathleen Claussen, DVM on October 13, 2024
Written by Joshua Conrad, PharmD
4 min read

Sucralfate (brand name: Carafate) is a medicine classified as a gastrointestinal (GI) protectant.  It is used to treat and prevent ulcers (open sores) throughout the GI tract, including the throat, stomach, and intestines.

All uses for sucralfate in pets are considered to be “off-label” or “extra-label.” This means that there may be evidence of safe and effective use but the FDA has not approved that use.

There is no veterinary-specific formulation for dogs or cats. The human medicine, which can be used in animals, is available in oral tablets and a liquid. All forms require a veterinary prescription and are available from human pharmacies.  Contact your veterinary compounding pharmacy for alternative dosing options.

Sucralfate is given by mouth two to four times a day as directed by your veterinarian. The oral liquid is generally preferred because it is better absorbed in animals. But the liquid may be more difficult to give to some animals. If using the tablets, they may be dissolved in a small amount of water. But you need to ensure the animal gets the entire dose.  Sucralfate should be given on an empty stomach, separated by food by at least two hours. This may be challenging if you are giving the medicine and feeding the pet multiple times per day. Maintaining a consistent daily schedule should help.

If giving sucralfate with other medicines, do not give them at the same time. Do not give other medicines within two hours before or after giving sucralfate. Again, a consistent daily schedule may help.

Some animals may not like the taste of sucralfate. Talk with your veterinarian if you are having difficulty giving the medicine. If using the liquid, shake it well and carefully measure the dose before giving.

Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Remember to tell your veterinarian about any medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you are giving your pet. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines.  

  • Sucralfate is usually well-tolerated in dogs and cats.
  • Sucralfate is quick-acting and should start working in one to two hours.

You and your veterinarian should monitor your pet for improvement of their condition, as well as for side effects of the medicine.  A fecal (poop) test may be needed.

Do not use sucralfate in animals that are allergic to it. Use sucralfate with caution in animals with constipation, since sucralfate can make this worse. Use it with caution in animals with kidney disease.  Use it with caution in pregnant and nursing animals since safety has not been established.

Side effects of sucralfate are usually mild and usually only include constipation and vomiting. Contact your veterinarian if constipation worsens or continues for a few days.

If side effects persist with sucralfate, stop the medicine and contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will discuss treatment options depending on the side effects and may recommend switching to a different medicine.  

If you think that your pet is having a serious side effect or may have been overdosed, call your veterinary clinic immediately. If it is outside of regular office hours, you may contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center.

You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your pet’s medicines work or increase your pet’s risk for serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements that your pet is using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if your pet is using any of the following:

Antacids. Antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta, and others are used to treat stomach upset. Some of these contain aluminum, calcium, or magnesium.  When given with sucralfate, these antacids decrease the effectiveness of sucralfate. In addition, sucralfate can increase the amount of aluminum your pet absorbs when given with aluminum-containing antacids.  This can cause problems.  Separate all antacids and sucralfate doses by at least 30 minutes.

Antibiotics. Antibiotics are medicines that fight infections. Sucralfate can alter the absorption of many types of antibiotics. Check with your veterinarian if your pet is taking sucralfate and needs an antibiotic.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with sucralfate. Always check with your veterinarian.

  • Keep sucralfate out of reach of children.
  • Wash your hands after giving sucralfate to your pet.
  • Do not handle sucralfate if you are allergic to it.

To prevent accidental swallowing of the medicine, the package should be stored in a secure location out of reach of the pet. If you suspect your pet has taken more sucralfate than prescribed, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately.

If your pet missed a dose, you can give that dose if it is close to the original scheduled time. If it is closer to the next dosing time, skip the missed dose completely and give the next dose at the correct dosing interval.  Do not double the dose of the medicine. 

Sucralfate should be protected from light and kept at room temperature.  Do not store the liquid in the refrigerator or freezer.