Alka-Seltzer For a Pet Dog? Read This First!

Are you wondering if your dog can take Alka Seltzer?

This popular antacid reduces indigestion but it’s also used for pain, allergies, cold symptoms and even sleeplessness.

That’s right! Nowadays there are more than 30 different versions. Which kind do you have on-hand?

For example:

Alka-Seltzer’s effervescent tablets, which dissolve in water and become fizzy, could harm your dog. And some of the PLUS products are even riskier.

Truth be told, few types of this over-the-counter brand make sense for animals.

Do Not Give Your Dog Alka Seltzer (applies to nearly all versions)

You really have to be very familiar with the active ingredients.

Different types of Alka Seltzer obviously have different formulations.

Be careful! Some of these products contain aspirin, also known as Acetylsalicylic acid, which can damage your dog’s stomach lining.

Further, any Alka-Seltzer that has acetaminophen could cause serious suffering. It could even kill your canine.

Alka Seltzer Versions

The following types include aspirin and are therefore off limits to dogs:

• Extra Strength
• Lemon-Lime
• Alka-Seltzer Original

Any combination formula with aspirin is unsafe and certainly not recommended. One reason is you can’t dose it properly like you can with, for example, baby aspirin.  

PLUS is Also Problematic

The danger, unfortunately, does not end with Acetylsalicylic acid.

Alka-Seltzer PLUS is a totally separate line of products. Many of these are even worse for dogs!

They include:

• Several kinds of effervescent tablets (has aspirin)
• Many types of liquid gels, including PowerMax (has acetaminophen)
• Hot Drink Mixes (all contain acetaminophen)

Have a close look at the box or head over to Bayer’s FAQs to see exactly which versions are bad.

We’ve looked and have concluded this:

Only Alka-Seltzer Plus Extended Release Tablets (Cough and Mucus DM) is without toxicity. It is very similar to Robitussin.

But all of the other PLUS versions are way too perilous for pet dogs.

Again, the reason is simple:

They have either aspirin or acetaminophen which is basically Tylenol.

Chews and Gummies

Besides the Cough and Mucus version, Alka Seltzer ReliefChews, active ingredients being calcium carbonate and/or simethicone) are not so risky.

The Heartburn Relief Gummies also aren’t considered toxic for dogs.

Do you have a bottle of these laying around?

Similar to Tums, it could be a temporary option. Be sure to talk to your vet about it.

For Accidental Incidents

Did your dog eat some Alka Seltzer?

Your veterinarian needs to be informed as soon as possible.

They may instruct you to head to the clinic. It is also possible they’d want you to induce vomiting at home.

The Bottom Line

Alka Seltzer, with the exception of the gummies, chews and Cough and Mucus DM, is basically poisonous for dogs.

All combination drugs require careful examination of ingredients in order to protect your pet’s well-being.

Aspirin and especially Tylenol are extremely dangerous. And because they are found in Alka-Seltzer, the decision is easy:

Don’t give your dog this OTC drug unless your vet expressly signs off on it and provides you with detailed instructions for proper use.

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