Maalox is an antacid that helps with heartburn, tummy aches, nausea and indigestion.
Are you thinking of using it for your dog’s upset stomach?
Here’s the deal:
We do not recommend any version of Maalox in any dose.
The problem is this stomach acid reducer contains a concoction of chemicals that can easily be problematic for pets.
Do Not Give Your Dog Maalox
Besides, most digestive troubles will pass on their own.
Maalox could complicate your dog’s life. And it could be especially dangerous for animals that have an existing kidney or heart condition.
Two Better OTC Ideas
Even for a healthy hound, there are way better choices!
Pepto Bismol is a good alternative to Maalox. It has much more of a track record for dogs and it is certainly safer.
Milk of Magnesia is a better choice as well.
Many Active Ingredients
Maalox is a combination medication which, in and of itself, makes it questionable for a precious pet.
The line of products contain numerous active ingredients (too many) including aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, potassium and sodium.
That’s not all.
Simethicone, another active ingredient, is found in Maalox Plus. Quite honestly, Gas-X is safer for reducing flatulence and/or bloating.
Giving your dog Maalox could cause their electrolytes to become out of whack.
You’ve also got to be on the lookout for general weakness and an irregular heart beat if your dog gets Maalox. The same goes for similar antacids such as Mylanta.
Confusion And FDA Warning
Perhaps you have a bottle of Maalox sitting in your medicine cabinet?
Take a closer look at the label. It could be expired which would obviously make it dangerous for your dog or anyone else for that matter.
We mention this because it is rare to see this antacid in stores these days. Production has been suspected at the main manufacturing facility.
Further, the FDA has warned about mix-ups regarding Maalox products.
But again, for your dog’s sake, it should be off limits regardless.
Monitor For Symptoms
Have you already given this product to a pet?
Vomiting and/or diarrhea may occur if Maalox is not sitting well with your dog.
Other signs can be a bit harder to spot such as a poor appetite or rumbling noises coming from the stomach.
You should stop giving Maalox if your dog experiences these effects. It may be doing more harm than good.
Meds Are Not a K9 Cure
Chronic cases of doggie digestive troubles means you need the help of a veterinarian (not an antacid).
A hit or miss approach with over-the-counter medicines (such a Maalox) isn’t the solution you are searching for.
Try Using Food Instead
Want a natural alternative to Maalox?
Certain foods can improve your dog’s minor stomach problems.
Pumpkin or boiled rice tend to very effectively soothe the digestive system. Try it!
The Bottom Line
Maalox is a combination drug that is not safe enough for animals.
It is a bad idea to give your dog this antacid, and your vet will likely confirm this.
Thankfully there are superior medicines as well as excellent food remedies you can try instead.
There are very good reasons why Maalox is not commonly used on dogs. Do not provide it in any amount.
How much Maalox can I give a 14 pound dog?
In the past, my vet prescribed Maalox for my dog but I’ve forgotten the dosage. Everybody online advises us to take our pets to the vet for every little thing. With all their fancy new testing equipment, it’s hard to get out of there for under $500 these days. Vets are pricing themselves out of business.
My vet recommended Maalox for my dog and provided me with the correct dosage.
If there were no side effects that’s great! We still don’t recommend it.
Why? The aluminum hydroxide can be useful for lowering phosphorous levels.
Actually, it’s FDA approved for large animals and often recommended by vets in a pinch.
Newer drugs such as Cimetidine are superior. Maalox was once frequently used by vets but it is becoming less common.