What You Must Know Before Giving Your Dog Pepto Bismol!

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Many dog owners like to keep a pink bottle called Pepto Bismol on hand.

The reason is simple:

Can I Give My Dog Pepto Bismol?It works well for upset stomach, indigestion, diarrhea and even nausea.

But is this bismuth subsalicylate brand really safe enough for pets?

Here’s the deal…

When dosed properly, dogs normally do not experience serious side effects from taking Pepto Bismol.

Used responsibility, this popular product is unlikely to be harmful.

Dogs Can Take Pepto Bismol (Dosing: 1 Teaspoon Per 10 lbs – Every 6 Hours)

Used occasionally and in conservative amounts, it’s a good temporary treatment.

With that being said…

Pepto Bismol does undergo a chemical change into aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) as the active ingredient gets absorbed inside your canine’s colon.

Sounds serious right?

The truth is dogs, compared to humans, are more susceptible to gastric ulceration from taking Bismuth subsalicylate.

Check out this informative video:

Yup! It is absolutely essential to stick to reasonable dosing!

How Much Pepto Bismol?

Never exceed 1.5ml (milliliters) per pound of the dog’s body weight over a 12-hour period.

Simple Rule of Thumb: 1 teaspoon for each 10 pounds is considered safe.

Problem is there are several types of Pepto Bismol (some of which have different concentrations and strengths).

Have a veterinarian sign off on the Pepto plan!


Warning: Cats should never take this over-the-counter medicine. Too dangerous!


What To Be Watching For

It is not uncommon for a dog’s stool color to change. Constipation can also occur after an animal takes Pepto Bismol.

Both are indicators the dose may be too high.


2 Serious Bismuth Subsalicylate Warnings:

  1. Internal bleeding (rare occurrence) is a side effect that can be quite serious.
  2. Nursing or pregnant dogs should not take Pepto (unless directed otherwise by a vet).

Do these possibilities worry you?

Play it safe! Again, for your dog’s sake, be sure to involve a professional.

Clinical Research For K9s?

We’re aware of 1 clinical study concerning bismuth subsalicylate and its effects on dogs.

It was conducted way back in 1976 and, unfortunately, the test’s scope was limited.

The results simply confirmed…

Pepto Bismol can decrease a dog’s nausea and also act as an antiemetic (prevent vomiting).

No further conclusions were drawn.

A Pepto Bismol Alternative

More often than not, stomach pain won’t last long.

In other words, Pepto Bismol may be unnecessary. Often times you don’t need to do anything!

Otherwise…

Consider a natural remedy. Try pumpkin if your dog has a bout of diarrhea.

Similar OTC Meds For Dogs

Pepto Bismol is nearly identical to Kaopectate (be sure to read about it).

Imodium (Loperamide) is also used on dogs. It is equally effective for diarrhea, gas, cramps and even stomach discomfort.

With so many options, what’s the best policy?

One thing is certain…

Avoid a trial and error approach with these meds (including Pepto). Do your research and proceed cautiously!

The Bottom Line

Providing Pepto Bismol is generally acceptable and safe enough for symptomatic dogs.

Bismuth subsalicylate has a pretty good track record when it comes to canines.

But…

Pepto should only be provided for short-term relief.

Get a diagnosis if your dog has serious digestive issues including chronic or long-term gastrointestinal discomfort.

What Do You Think? Have Your Say Below…

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8 thoughts on “What You Must Know Before Giving Your Dog Pepto Bismol!”

  1. I gave my dog some Pepto for her upset stomach (2 and a half to be specific). Is that fine or is that too much to give her? If it is too much what can I do?

  2. Elizabeth says:

    Can I give my dog Pepto Max Strength for diarrhea? Does it need to be regular strength? She’s a 13 pound Pomerania.

  3. It’s more important to watch your dog to see what they’ve vomited and how often. Try giving ice chips to them. My Lab was vomiting frequently one night. I noticed the vomit was grainy. I discovered that he had ingested sand that was in a container in the back yard. It had rained and had some water in it. I got rid of the sand and Shiloh got rid of the sand in his system. I checked with his vet, the next day, to see if sand is toxic. The vet said no and, by the next day, he was fine.

  4. I have given my dog Pepto for runny and bloody stool. Within 10 hours she was up and running around! I use a baby syringe and about a half a teaspoon every 4 hours. If they have the runs, I usually follow the Pepto with Pedialyte which I keep on hand.

    After watching vets use it on my dog to fight Parvo years ago, I must say Pepto and Pedialyte are the best home remedies for dogs with the runs. Also, be sure to know what they’re eating. My dog likes to eat cat food when nobody is watching and that tears her up! Hope this helped!

    1. How much Pedialyte do you give? My dog is 90 pounds.

  5. Yes, you can give your dog Pepto Bismol for upset stomach. My little one gets an upset stomach sometimes and I give it to him. It does seem to help him. I take about 6 small pieces of bread and soak it with Pepto Bismol. He eats it and within the hour he seems to be better.

  6. How much Pepto Bismol to give my dog? She has had it for over 24 hours and she still eats but has been going with dark minus blood runny stool. She is a Maltipoo about 20 pounds.

    1. Hi Art. Instead of Pepto Bismol, why not try a home remedy? As your dog is a small breed, it goes like this:

      – Add a probiotic powder to the dog’s water or feed your dog a brand of healthy pet food that includes probiotics.

      – Give 100% pure canned pumpkin. This does not mean the pumpkin pie filling with sugars and spices.

      – Feed plain boiled chicken (shredded after cooked) and plain boiled white rice. The added moisture in the food will help to keep your dog hydrated.

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