Are Tums bad for dogs?

You’ll be relieved to learn that Tums is typically safe for dogs when used in moderation.

Actually, calcium carbonate, the active component, is equally effective for dogs. So, yes, these chalky chewable tablets do work to relieve stomachaches.

On the other hand, we do not advise giving your pet Tums to top up their calcium levels.

How Is Tums Bad For Dogs?

When administered sparingly, Tums typically has negligible side effects on dogs, if any at all.

Although you probably want the drug to have the opposite effect—constipation or loose stools—the compounds in it may actually have the opposite effect. This is just one of the causes you should speak with a vet before giving it to your dog.

Here are a few of the other situations where Tums may be bad for dogs:

Toxic ingredients. Always read the label to check for potentially harmful ingredients before giving any medication to your dog. Artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, cannot be consumed by dogs.

Allergies. Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to the ingredients or the artificial dyes that give Tums their bright colors.

Repeated use. Regular exposure can lead to kidney disease, urinary stones, pancreatitis, and other conditions in dogs. Alternative treatment is necessary for chronic stomach issues, and there are safer alternatives if your dog needs calcium supplements.

Puppies. Too much calcium can cause problems with bone and cartilage development. Do not give a puppy this drug without veterinary approval.

Pregnant or nursing dogs. These dogs should almost never be given medication without veterinary approval or supervision.

Other medications. As with almost all medications, Tums can interact poorly when combined with other drugs that your dog takes.

Medical conditions. Tums can actually worsen certain issues, like kidney disease. If your dog suffers from a medical condition, ask your vet which over-the-counter medications are safe to use.

Call your veterinarian if your dog manages to consume a lot of Tums while you’re not looking. Even if they consume numerous tablets, it’s unlikely that your dog will overdose or become extremely ill; however, they may experience constipation or stomach discomfort.

If symptoms worry you, your veterinarian will probably advise you to wait it out and come in.

When Should You Call the Vet?

At some point, anything becomes dangerous, including water, so what if a dog eats the entire bottle of Tums? There are some indications that your dog may have consumed too many Tums or that they may be having an adverse reaction:

Vomiting or diarrhea. These are the classic signs that your dog has eaten something dangerous. If your dog’s body is trying to expel what it has consumed, you should take your dog to the vet. Your dog may have eaten other things along with the Tums, could be allergic to the Tums, or may have eaten too much. Even if the Tums themselves aren’t dangerous, the vomiting and diarrhea can be, as they can lead to dehydration.

Red eyes or scratching. These are indicative of an allergy. You may need to call your vet. You can also (with your vet’s direction) administer Benadryl per your vet’s orders if the allergic reaction is very slight, but regardless you should keep an eye on it and take your pet to the vet if it gets worse.

Drooling or coughing. Drooling or coughing can indicate that there’s something still lodged in your dog’s throat or that your dog is experiencing some reaction to the Tums. In general, heavy drooling is a bad sign because it indicates that your dog is having a chemical reaction to something eaten.

Constipation. If your dog eats too many Tums, it may become constipated or blocked. Though constipation can occur from time to time, it can also be very dangerous. Luckily, your vet can prescribe a stool softener.

Lethargy. When an animal is lethargic after eating something strange, it can mean many things— including organ damage or organ failure. Lethargy is always dangerous, especially if an animal’s gums look blue or pale or its eyes don’t focus.

Seizures. Of course, if your dog has seizures you should always take it to the vet immediately, even if the seizure immediately resolves. Seizures can happen for a lot of reasons, even just an imbalance in electrolytes. But seizures themselves can cause damage, which is why a dog should be seen by a professional quickly.

Take your dog to the vet if it consumes multiple bottles of anything. Even though a product like Tums might not be inherently harmful to your dog, it could still result in a blockage, particularly if it is swallowed whole. Even if there are no chemical problems, the things a dog eats could still have physical problems. If your dog consumes a bottle of Tums, for example, the bottle itself might be more harmful than the Tums.

How Does Tums Help Dogs Feel Better?

Tums and other bland foods for upset stomachs can help your dog recover quickly and feel tail-wagging once more.

Calcium carbonate is the active ingredient in Tums. Calcium carbonate works to raise the pH of your dog’s digestive tract, by neutralizing some of the acid present. However, some research indicates that it may also work through additional mechanisms too.

Calcium is an important mineral that is important to dog health. However, too much calcium can be dangerous and lead to health problems. Fortunately, the calcium carbonate in Tums is not, as veterinarians would say, very “bioavailable.” This means that the calcium will essentially pass through your dog’s digestive tract without being absorbed.

Some canines experience mild constipation after taking Tums, especially if they consume a large dose (as might happen if they accidentally get into a bottle of the medication). However, this constipation typically resolves on its own, and most dogs are not thought to be at risk from taking Tums.

Tums is generally thought to be safe for dogs, but puppies and adults who are pregnant or nursing need to be treated with extra caution.

Always make sure to fully discuss the situation with your veterinarian before giving your dog any medications.

FAQ

What happens if my dog ate a Tums?

It’s extremely unlikely that Tums will have any noticeable effects on your pet. It’s a mostly harmless chemical. It benefits you because it absorbs stomach acids. But that doesn’t mean your pet can’t get hurt if they consume a lot of Tums or if they consume other foods concurrently.

Can dogs have Tums or Pepto Bismol?

OTC Drugs Safe for Treating Dogs’ GI and Stomach Issues Most dogs can safely take Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate), according to AKC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr.