Sucralfate Paste

Paste medications are thick and sticky, usually given by mouth using a syringe or tube. They’re often used for dewormers or other oral meds in horses, dogs, and cats. The key is to aim for the back of the mouth so your pet swallows the paste instead of spitting it out.

For Horses:

1. Set the dose on the syringe if it has markings (usually based on weight).
2. Stand beside your horse, not in front, and have someone hold them if possible.
3. Gently insert your thumb into the side of the horse’s mouth (between the teeth) to open it.
4. Insert the syringe into that gap and squirt the paste toward the back of the tongue.
5. Lift the horse’s head slightly and encourage swallowing by stroking the throat or gently blowing on the nostrils.
6. Watch for licking or chewing—that means they swallowed. If paste spills out, check how much was lost and contact your vet if unsure.
7. You can offer a little water afterward and reward them with a treat like a carrot if allowed.

For Dogs & Cats:

1. Gently open your pet’s mouth or slip the syringe into the side of it.
2. Aim toward the back of the tongue and squirt the paste in.
3. Hold the mouth closed briefly, and rub the throat or blow gently on the nose to encourage swallowing.
4. Give praise or a treat afterward to make it a positive experience.

Aftercare:

1. Wipe your pet’s mouth if needed.
2. Clean or recap the syringe as instructed.
3. Store the tube according to label directions.

Tip: Paste can feel weird to pets at first. For horses, try giving applesauce by syringe ahead of time so they get used to the sensation.

The uses and pharmacology described below reflect the FDA-approved labeling for this active ingredient; your veterinarian determines whether and how they apply to your animal's treatment plan.

Veterinarians commonly consider sucralfate when a patient is presented with signs of gastrointestinal erosions or ulceration. It is often a point of discussion for pets receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), those with chronic kidney disease or patients experiencing significant metabolic stress that may influence gastric health. By providing a localized protective barrier, your veterinarian can support the patient’s digestive stability while addressing the underlying cause of the irritation.

At a pharmacological level, sucralfate is a complex of aluminum hydroxide and sulfated sucrose. It acts as a cytoprotective agent through a unique mechanism that requires an acidic environment to activate. Once exposed to gastric acid, sucralfate undergoes polymerization to form a viscous, sticky paste. This paste has a high affinity for exposed subepithelial proteins at ulcer sites, binding to the injured tissue to create a physical "bandage." This barrier protects the site from further degradation by gastric acid, pepsin and bile salts. Because it acts locally and is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream, your veterinarian will determine the appropriate timing of administration—often before meals—to ensure the medication interacts with the stomach lining.

Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.

Commonly observed effects of sucralfate include gastrointestinal changes such as constipation, which is the most frequent clinical observation in small animals. In some patients, mild vomiting or a temporary decrease in appetite may occur shortly after administration. Because sucralfate contains aluminum and acts as a binding agent, it can interfere with the absorption of many other oral prescriptions. Your veterinarian will typically recommend separating the administration of sucralfate from other medications by at least two hours to ensure the efficacy of the patient’s entire therapeutic regimen.

This medication is typically used with caution in patients with known kidney impairment, as a small amount of the aluminum component may be absorbed and requires renal excretion. It is also used carefully in patients with a history of decreased intestinal motility. It is essential to provide your veterinarian with a complete history of all other medications and supplements your pet is receiving to avoid potential interactions. Always follow the specific preparation instructions provided by your veterinarian, especially for large animals where administration may involve specialized formats. Contact your veterinarian promptly if you observe persistent constipation, significant behavioral changes or any signs of physical discomfort during the administration period.