It’s not about the side effects. All medications that are effective can have side effects. You can discuss the risk versus the benefit with your veterinarian.
It’s about giving a dog a medication that may mask symptoms, cause harm and delay the medical treatment that the dog needs.
It appears from the information provided that the dog has not had a workup for the symptoms described.
So, the dog may not have acid reflux or anything like it.
Step #1. Get a correct diagnosis via vet exam and tests as indicated.
