Anionic surfactant that reduces surface tension of stool, allowing water and fat to penetrate the fecal mass, softening it and making passage easier. Mild laxative with no stimulant effects on intestinal motility.
At a glance
Class
Stool Softener / Emollient Laxative
Storage
Store at room temperature below 30°C
Dosing
Mild stool softener for constipation, megacolon prevention, and post-anal surger
Useful for mild-moderate constipation
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Stool frequency and consistencyHydration status
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Docusate Sodium?
Docusate Sodium is a stool softener / emollient laxative used in pets. Anionic surfactant that reduces surface tension of stool, allowing water and fat to penetrate the fecal mass, softening it and making passage easier. Mild laxative with no stimulant effects on intestinal motility.
›What is Docusate Sodium used for in pets?
Docusate Sodium is used in veterinary medicine for: Mild stool softener for constipation, megacolon prevention, and post-anal surger; Useful for mild-moderate constipation.
›What is the Docusate Sodium dose for dogs?
For dogs, Docusate Sodium is typically dosed as follows — Mild stool softener for constipation, megacolon prevention, and post-anal surger: 50–200 mg PO/Rectal q12–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Docusate Sodium dose for cats?
For cats, Docusate Sodium is typically dosed as follows — Useful for mild-moderate constipation: undefined undefined PO q12–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Docusate Sodium need a prescription?
Docusate Sodium is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database