Which species have cited Psyllium dosing data?

Psyllium dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 3 species: African Grey Parrot, Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Is Psyllium a controlled substance?

Psyllium is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

Psyllium

US brand names:Metamucil, Vetasyl

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Psyllium is dosed at Row as printed (p.493): Psyllium (Metamucil, Procter & Gamble) | 0.5 tsp/60 mL hand-feeding formula509 | Most species/bulk diet; can use mineral oil as alternative or in addition to psyllium Species scope as printed: Most species (Table 5.18, Miscellaneous Agents Used in Birds) — an African grey is inside this scope CAVEAT FROM SOURCE: Replace the vague served text with the printed regimen verbatim — '0.5 tsp per 60 mL of hand-feeding formula' — and keep the mg/kg columns empty in african grey parrots, per Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th ed. (2023), p.493, Table 5.18 Miscellaneous Agents Used in Birds; corroborated by Current Therapy in Avian Medicine and Surgery, 1st ed. (2016), p.838, Table 14 Miscellaneous Agents.. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Drug Class

Gastrointestinal

Routes

Indications

ConstipationConstipation/GI supportdiarrhea (fiber supplementation)megacolon management

Mechanism of Action

Hydrophilic mucilloid that absorbs water, increasing fecal bulk and softening stool. Promotes normal peristalsis. Also acts as prebiotic.

Side effects & warnings

Adequate water intake essential to prevent obstruction. Mix with food. May reduce absorption of other drugs — give separately. Safe for long-term use.

Species with Psyllium dosing data (3 dose rules)

African Grey Parrot Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)

Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugs All Cat (Domestic) drugs All Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 3 dose rules

Moderate×2Weak×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 3 published sources

· BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed., Part A - Canine and Feline, Ispaghula (Psyllium), printed p.214 (corpus PDF p.230)
· Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th ed. (2023), p.493, Table 5.18 Miscellaneous Agents Used in Birds; corroborated by Current Therapy in Avian Medicine and Surgery, 1st ed. (2016), p.838, Table 14 Miscellaneous Agents.
· Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 3 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 3 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	1–3 tsp per meal	q12h with meals	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)	PO	0.5–1 tsp per meal	q12-24h with meals	Moderate	BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed., Part A - Canine and Feline, Ispaghula (Psyllium), printed p.214 (corpus PDF p.230)

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