What is Metoclopramide Plus for Dogs?

Although metoclopramide isn't approved for veterinary use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, veterinarians may prescribe this medication "off-label" for their canine patients diagnosed with acid reflux and other gastrointestinal ailments. Marketed under the trade names Reglan, Reclomide and Clopra, among others, metoclopramide helps move food efficiently through a dog's intestinal tract. It also helps prevent vomiting. Your vet might give your a dog a metoclopramide injection or prescribe tablets.

In canines, metoclopramide works by increasing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which encourages digestive tract muscles to move faster. This increased gut motility prevents bloating and the resulting nausea. If your dog undergoes chemotherapy for cancer treatment, your vet might prescribe metoclopramide to stop vomiting, a common chemotherapy side effect. Dogs diagnosed with diabetes or kidney disease shouldn't receive metoclopramide. Pregnant or nursing dogs shouldn't take the medication, nor should any dog suspected of having an intestinal obstruction.