Lisa,
Yes, 1/4 of a Children's Pepcid Complete daily.
Usually, over the counter acid reducers/antacids will say on the box not to take for more than 14 days (or something like that?), and that if problems persist to contact your physician. They are, however, safe for daily use--I have been taking mine every day for the last 12 years or so. I would say if she's been doing well on Pepcid Complete, after a period of time.....several months to a year (I'm not sure how long it would take for the ulcers to heal, if that's what it is of course??)....I would take her off for a bit and watch her to see if the reflux type symptoms come back. If they do, then re-start taking them daily again--she quite possibly is like me and just has to be on them all the time. If I don't take mine 2 days in a row (because I'm forgetful with meds
) I am seriously hurting. If, however, she seems totally fine, then I'd discontinue the meds altogether. (And of course, if she doesn't seem to have improved within 2-3 weeks of taking the meds, I would think about testing.) Bella is only just over 5 mo. old, and since the vet said she may very well grow out of the reflux, I plan to take her off Pepcid Complete after she's a little over a year old to check and see if she will need to stay on it or not.
Yes, many times physicians will do an upper and lower GI barium study at the same time if they feel it's needed, that way you are only "uncomfortable" once instead of twice. I would assume it would be the same for a dog....since you can't get a dog to drink barium (for the upper), I'm sure they use an NG (nasogastric) tube (which is inserted through the nose and goes directly into the stomach) to fill their stomach with barium, and for the lower GI they would have a barium enema...both of which I'm certain they would at the very least mildly sedate if not completely sedate. (Which is just one more reason, IMO, to try the meds first....I don't like the idea of sedation on my tiny one unless it's necessary.)
I feed Bella Wellness Just for Puppy, and when she gets older will switch her to Wellness Small Breed Adult. I have heard that not only is it a good food, but many maltese owners swear by it--as in it helps reduce/eliminate tearing. Of course, my baby still tears, but I bought distilled water today, so we'll see how that does.
Tara