Home

>

Dog

>

Health & Wellbeing

>

Lactulose

About Lactulose for Pets

Updated on February 03, 2023
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Dr. Whitney Miller
DVM, MBA, DACVPM

What is lactulose used for?| How much lactulose can you give a dog or cat?| How is lactulose administered?| How long does lactulose take to work in dogs and cats?| What are the side effects of taking lactulose? | Possible lactulose drug interactions | Precautions for giving lactulose| Already have a prescription? Shop now

Lactulose is an oral medication that can be given to both dogs and cats. Its primary purpose is to help treat liver dysfunction, and it has a common extra-label use to help treat constipation. When your veterinarian recommends a medication for extra-label use, they are using their ability to prescribe the medication for reasons not originally approved.

While lactulose is typically offered to cats and dogs, bird and reptile parents may also use it for their pets if recommended by their vet. Read on to learn more about this prescription drug for pets and how it should be used.

What is lactulose used for?

Lactulose brands include Cephulac, Kristalose, Generlac, Constulose and Enulose. The drug is a nondigestible synthetic sugar—also called a disaccharide sugar—that can be given multiple times per day.

As mentioned, lactulose for cats and dogs has approved and extra-label uses. While lactulose was created to lower ammonia levels in the blood, it is often used for extra-label reasons such as to help loosen stool when a pet has difficulty defecating. If your vet recommends lactulose for constipation, it may help unbind your pet’s bowels on a short-term basis.

If your pet has a liver issue, your veterinarian may recommend lactulose to help keep ammonia levels in check.

How much lactulose can you give a cat or dog?

Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding dosage. Your veterinarian will recommend the specific dosage that’s best for your pet, and this can vary based on age, breed, species, type of disease and severity. Some other drugs—including antibiotics—may reduce the effectiveness of this drug. Your doctor may change the recommended dose based on your pet’s other prescriptions.

Your veterinarian may recommend that you give lactulose medication multiple times per day—up to four times in some cases. Keep each dose consistent and be sure to measure carefully.

If you accidentally miss a dose, administer the medicine to your pet as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for the next administration, you can skip the missed dose and administer the next scheduled dose. Never double up on an application to make up for a missed one. This could lead to adverse side effects or an accidental overdose.

How is lactulose administered?

Lactulose for dogs and cats is given orally. Liquid drops are most common, but it also comes in crystal granule form. You can provide the drug with or without food. Note that many felines do not care for the taste of lactulose for cats, so hiding it in wet food or a treat may be helpful. You might also want to ask your veterinarian about flavor options that can make the medication more palatable.

Whichever method you use to administer lactulose, just make sure the entire dose is swallowed. After you provide a dose of this medication, your pet may become thirsty. Be sure to have lots of water available for your dog or cat while they’re taking this drug.

How long does lactulose take to work in dogs and cats?

You should start to see results in just a day or two. When administering lactulose for constipation,ask your veterinarian if your pet should take it for multiple days in a row. Taking laxatives too often can be bad for the gastrointestinal system. If lactulose does not help loosen your pet’s bowels, follow up with your veterinarian as you may need to try another treatment for your pet.

What are the side effects of taking lactulose?

Lactulose side effects are not unheard of, but they are very rare and unlikely to be long term. Since the medication should leave your pet’s system within 24 hours, any side effects will typically disappear within that time.

Possible side effects of lactulose for dogs and cats include:

  • Diarrhea Since lactulose can help relieve constipation, it should be no surprise that it can lead to loose stool. Ideally, your pet will benefit from regular bowel movements after taking this medication for a full day. If your pet develops diarrhea, ask your vet about foods, supplements and treatments you can offer to help resolve it. Make sure your pet is getting a lot of water, as diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
  • Bloating Your pet may also experience a distended abdomen from temporary bloating. While this may be uncomfortable for your cat or dog, it isn’t harmful, as long as it resolves when you stop administering lactulose.
  • Gas Freeing up impacted bowels can also free a lot of gas. This is typical and not a cause for concern but can be noticeable all the same. If your pet seems more gassy than normal, taking them for a walk can help move gas through and ease the discomfort.
  • Abdominal cramps Gas and bloating can lead to cramps in pets. You can massage your pet’s tummy if you suspect they have cramps or just let the symptoms pass. Again, while this is temporarily uncomfortable, it usually won’t lead to any long-term harm.

Even if your dog or cat takes lactulose solution for liver issues, they may still experience these gastrointestinal side effects.

Possible lactulose drug interactions

Any time your pet starts a new medication, tell your vet about any other medications they’re currently on. If your dog or cat is taking any of the following drugs, lactulose may not be a good fit.

  • Antacids Used to treat excess acid in the stomach and inflammation of the esophagus
  • Laxatives Used to loosen compacted stool and help relieve constipation
  • Neomycin An antibiotic often used to treat bacterial infections in the intestines
  • Gentamicin An antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat ear infections in dogs and cats
  • Warfarin An anticoagulant that can treat clotting in the abdomens of pets

In addition to these prescription medications, some vitamins and over-the-counter medications may not work well with lactulose. Ask your vet if you should stop any of your pet’s vitamin and supplement regimens while your pet is being treated with lactulose.

Precautions for giving lactulose

There are a few other things to keep in mind when your dog or cat is prescribed lactulose. Most notably, this medication can affect the insulin levels in a diabetic dog or cat. For that reason, lactulose should be used with extreme caution in diabetic pets.

Also be careful about providing this drug to pets who have electrolyte imbalances or fluid imbalances. Diarrhea can cause dehydration as it is, so the drug may exacerbate an existing fluid deficiency.

While lactulose medication is often used to help loosen stool, this medication may not be effective if your dog’s or cat’s bowels are completely impacted. If you suspect something more serious is blocking your pet’s bowels, this medication may not be suitable for them.

Pets who are pregnant or lactating should be closely monitored while taking lactulose.

Whether you use lactulose as a laxative or for liver dysfunction, it should always be taken under the guidance of your veterinarian. Be mindful of your pet’s hydration while they are taking it, and try not to miss a dose. Monitor your pet’s nutrition while on this drug to ensure they’re not eating anything that irritates their bowels.

Once you have the green light from your veterinarian for lactulose solution, visit our dog pharmacy or cat pharmacy to fill your pet’s prescription and receive their medication quickly.

Already have a prescription? Shop now

Lactulose Oral Solution

Shop Now

image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Filed Under

Sponsored