Kaopectate is an anti-diarrheal medication that’s increasingly being used on dogs.
Though not designed for this purpose, the product can be carefully administered to canines under the right circumstances.
That said, Kaopectate may cause your dog to experience side effects (which we’ll go into). Dosing, alternatives and other tips are also covered here!
Dogs Can Take Kaopectate
Also known as Kaolin with Pectin, it is utilized by vets.
Bismuth subsalicylate, Kaopectate’s active ingredient, is similar to Pepto. It is provided orally, either in liquid or capsule form.
The product alleviates mild diarrhea, indigestion, stomach ulcers and nausea — symptoms that obviously apply to dogs as well.
Basically, it is true that Kaopectate can be used.
Dog Dosing of Kaopectate
A huge concern we have is proper use of Kaopectate which, in turn, includes dosing.
First off, treatment should only be for 2 days maximum. After that, if the situation isn’t improving, stop giving Kaopectate to your dog.
As to dosing, a major factor is the type of Kaopectate being administered. For example, Multi Symptom Relief contains half (262mg) of the active ingredient compared to the Max version (525mg).
So it’s difficult to say how much Kaopectate your dog can be given. Your vet absolutely must be consulted.
But, as a general rule of thumb, never exceed 1ml per pound of body weight and do not provide it more than 4 times daily.
And, of course, have plenty of water at the ready!
Pedialyte is recommended if your dog is already dehydrated.
Kaopectate versus Pepto
The original Kaopectate formula was ineffective so an overhaul was done.
It now compares very closely with Pepto which is commonly given to canines.
Many dog owners go with what they have on-hand (either Imodium, Pepto or Kaopectate) and they are all acceptable when properly used.
Warning: Kaopectate should never be given to cats!
Know The Side Effects
A common problem with Kaopectate is the possibility of constipation which is often a result of too high a dose. Different color stools, usually darker or even black, are also known to occur.
Your dog may want to drink more water afterwards.
Dizziness or a decrease in energy are also documented.
Some Serious Symptoms
Head to your veterinarian if your dog vomits, bumps into walls, or has involuntary spasms. These are serious symptoms.
Some owners also report a fever after Kaopectate use.
There are dogs that even cry out because their stomachs don’t agree with this antacid.
Observation is essential whenever giving human drugs to your dog; this goes for Bismuth subsalicylate as well.
A Few Other Alternatives
A prebiotic named Diarrice is arguably a better long-term way to help.
But if you are looking for a quicker fix, here’s what Veterinarian Sara Redding Ochoa of Whitehouse Veterinary Hospital has to say:
“For a dog with diarrhea, instead of kaopectate, it’s better to first try a bland diet of chicken and rice. This should be cooked with no seasoning at all. Otherwise, Imodium and Pepto are anti-diarrheal medications with more of a track record with dogs.”
Have A Backup Plan
Negative reactions are a reality any time drugs are given to pets.
Vets routinely deal with doggie diarrhea. There’s peace of mind in a visit.
Certainly when going it alone, use a conservative amount of Kaopectate and wait 48 hours. Then, closely watch your dog for bad reactions.
Again, discontinue giving it if things don’t improve.
The Bottom Line
Dogs can generally take Kaopectate, but correct dosage is critical and you must be familiar with Bismuth subsalicylate’s side effects.
Keep in mind that Kaopectate cannot cure your dog’s chronic gastrointestinal problems.
At best, it is a short-term solution only.
My dog has bloody diarrhea but otherwise feels fine. She is drinking and eating. Should I give her Kaopectate?
My dog is currently on Pro-Pectalin for diarrhea which is associated with a necessary change in diet due to kidney problems. This medication controls the frequency but the stools are runny, like turning on a faucet! Can I safely add another anti-diarrhea medication like Imodium A-D or Kaopectate?
Dogs make their own vitamin C. Please do not feed any supplemental vitamin C (ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate or ascorbyl palmitate) because of the kidney and liver damage it can do.
This is only partially correct. Dogs do make vitamin C, however, very small amounts within a 24 hour period. Thousands of dog owners have given supplemental vitamin C for the 30 plus years I have been involved with competitive training and during my time as a vet tech. (That includes high energy and stressed police canines).
There is much research showing C combating hip dysplasia to quieting the effects of panoesteitis, aiding in cancer treatments and even easier recovery times from surgeries.