Some pet owners believe that giving their dog something from their medicine cabinet will help their dog feel better when they are sick Some human medications can be given to dogs, but they are typically not permitted. Our article provides information on Pepto Bismol and dogs in case you’re wondering whether you should give your dog the medication if it’s experiencing stomach issues. Table Of Contents.
Pepto Bismol is a popular oral over-the-counter (OTC) medication for treating nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, and upset stomach. The drug’s active component is bismuth subsalicylate, which is a member of the salicylates drug class. There are three different types of Pepto Bismol products: liquid (the “pink stuff”), chewable tablets, and caplets (dogs shouldn’t take caplets).
Potential Side Effects of Giving Your Dog Pepto Bismol
Giving a dog a dose of Pepto Bismol raises some questions and possible risks; for this reason, it is best to defer to your veterinarian when making the final decision. It can be challenging to tell if your dog has melena (blood in the stool), which manifests as black, tarry stools and can be indicative of a serious medical problem, Wallach says, because Pepto Bismol can cause dogs’ stools to turn a greenish-black color.
According to Wallach, Pepto Bismol tablets can also show up radio-opaque on X-rays. This means that the tablets may be misdiagnosed as a metallic foreign body if your dog’s gastrointestinal symptoms worsen and abdominal radiographs are taken by your veterinarian. This could result in needless surgery or other medical procedures, putting your dog’s health in danger more than necessary.
Will Pepto Bismol stop my dog’s vomiting and diarrhea?
Pepto Bismol coats the irritated surfaces in the dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract, reducing inflammation of the stomach lining, which slows or stops the release of excessive fluid into the digestive tract. This helps slow or stop diarrhea and reduces the dog’s discomfort.
What Dogs Should Not Take Pepto Bismol?
When is Pepto Bismol bad for dogs? Pepto Bismol is dangerous for dogs if they fit any of the following descriptions. Once more, before giving your dog Pepto Bismol, consult your veterinarian.
For Pepto Bismol liquid or chewable tablets in regular strength, the recommended dosages are listed below. Don’t give your dog Ultra Pepto Bismol because it contains twice as much bismuth subsalicylate than regular Pepto Bismol. This 2X concentrate is unsafe for your pup. Also, do not give your dog Pepto Bismol caplets. If you’ve never given Pepto Bismol to your dog, consult your veterinarian to ensure that it’s safe for your canine companion.
For every 10 pounds of body weight, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid is advised. Your puppy can receive it every 6 to 8 hours, but do not administer it more than a few times or for more than 24 hours. Contact your veterinarian if your dog’s stomach problems persist after a few doses.
Use a plastic syringe to administer the liquid to your dog for the best results. Place the plunger of the syringe toward the canine’s tongue’s back. Then hold his muzzle to make sure he swallows it.
| Dog Weight (Pounds) | Dosage (Teaspoons) |
|---|---|
| 10 | 1 |
| 20 | 2 |
| 30 | 3 |
| 40 | 4 |
| 50 | 5 |
| 60 | 6 |
| 70 | 7 |
| 80 | 8 |
| 90 | 9 |
| 100 | 10 |
The recommended tablet dosage is 8. 5 mg per 1 pound. Remember that it can be challenging to determine the correct dosage and divide the tablets according to your dog’s weight. According to this recommended dosage, a 20-pound dog would, for instance, consume 65% of one tablet. You can determine how many Pepto Bismol tablets to give your dog based on their weight using the chart below.
| Dog Weight (Pounds) | Dosage (mg) | Dosage (Tablet*) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 85 | 0.30 |
| 20 | 170 | 0.60 |
| 30 | 255 | 1.00 |
| 40 | 340 | 1.30 |
| 50 | 425 | 1.60 |
| 60 | 510 | 2.00 |
| 70 | 595 | 2.25 |
| 80 | 680 | 2.60 |
| 90 | 765 | 3.00 |
| 100 | 850 | 3.25 |
*Based off of a chewable tablet that is 262mg
Here are some of the most frequent queries our readers have regarding dogs and Pepto-Bismol.
FAQ
What can I give dogs for upset stomach?
In your pet’s stomach, Pepto-Bismol is broken down into various components, such as salicylic acid, or aspirin, which can be toxic to dogs in high doses. The symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding in pets can include bloody vomit and diarrhea, pain in the stomach, and weakness.
What happens if you give Pepto Bismol to a dog?
Dogs can experience diarrhea, indigestion, or an upset stomach just like humans. Additionally, dogs can find relief by taking bismuth subsalicylate, just like humans. Although there is a brand of Pepto Bismol that is made specifically for dogs called Corrective Suspension, canines can also take regular Pepto Bismol.
What kind of Pepto Bismol is safe for dogs?
Can I give Pepto Bismol to my dog? Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can be used to safely reduce a dog’s symptoms of nausea, heartburn, gurgling, uncomfortable stomach, and most effectively, diarrhea.