Like humans, dogs can sometimes suffer from upset stomachs. The causes can range from eating something they shouldn’t have to stress or anxiety. Whatever the reason, an upset stomach can be very uncomfortable for your furry friend.
Pepto-Bismol is a common OTC medication often used to treat upset stomachs in humans. But did you know that it can also be given to dogs? Pepto-Bismol contains bismuth subsalicylate, which helps to relieve nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It also coats the stomach lining and helps to soothe inflammation.
If your dog is suffering from an upset stomach, check with your veterinarian and ask is Pepto- Bismol bad for dogs or is Pepto Bismol safe for dogs. Just be sure to give the correct dosage based on your dog’s weight. Too much Pepto-Bismol can be harmful.
Pepto-Bismol: What Is It?
It is an over-the-counter medication used to treat various digestive problems in humans, including upset stomach, heartburn, and diarrhea. The main ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate, which works by coating the lining of the stomach and intestines, protecting them from irritation. Although Pepto-Bismol is generally safe for dogs, it should be used cautiously. While Pepto-Bismol is safe for humans, it shouldn’t be offered to dogs without first consulting with a veterinarian.
Both the liquid and solid forms are effective at relieving tummy troubles, but the liquid form may work a little faster. Pepto-Bismol is safe for dogs if you give them the chewable tablet form. The medication is typically pink in color, but some generic forms are white or green. So, next time your stomach is feeling off, reach for some Pepto-Bismol and know that you’re in good hands.
Can Pepto-Bismol be Given Safely to Dogs?
It’s always heartbreaking when our furry friends are feeling under the weather. We know something is wrong when they don’t have their usual pep in their step. Thankfully, a product can help ease their tummy troubles, whether something minor like an upset stomach or something more serious.
Liquid Pepto Bismol or Pepto Bismol tablets can be a helpful way to soothe their stomach and provide relief. However, it’s essential to ensure that you’re giving the proper Pepto-Bismol dosage for your dog’s size and weight, as too much can be harmful.
The good news is that liquid Pepto Bismol is OK for dogs, as long as your pup is under the supervision of a vet so that you can give it to them without worry. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle and give your furry friend the appropriate amount. With your help, they’ll be feeling better in no time.
What Will Pepto Bismol Treat?
Pepto Bismol is one of many OTC medications commonly used to treat stomach troubles in humans. However, did you know that it can also be used to treat a dog’s tummy troubles? That’s right – this medication can be given to dogs to help relieve upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Pepto Bismol works by coating the stomach and intestines, which helps to soothe the digestive tract and prevents further irritation. However, it is important to note that Pepto Bismol should not be given to puppies or dogs with certain medical conditions. If you are unsure whether or not your dog can take Pepto Bismol, be sure to speak with your veterinarian first.
Potential Problems Why Pepto-Bismol Should Only be Given Under Supervision of a Vet
On x-rays, Pepto-Bismol Tablets Might Appear to be Strange Foreign Metals.
If your dog is suffering from upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting, you may be considering giving them a Pepto-Bismol tablet. However, it’s important to note that these tablets can appear as strange metallic objects when viewed on an x-ray.
As a result, if your dog ingests one of these tablets and you take them to the vet for an X-ray, your vet may think that your dog has swallowed a foreign object. In some cases, this can lead to your dog undergoing unnecessary abdominal surgery. So, if you’re considering giving your pup Pepto-Bismol in tablet form, be sure to let your vet know first.
Pepto-Bismol Might Cause Interactions with Other Medicines
Giving your dog Pepto-Bismol may help settle their stomach and relieve their ache. However, it’s critical to consult with your veterinarian before administering any OTC medicines, especially something as seemingly harmless as Pepto-Bismol.
Bismuth subsalicylate, a derivative of salicylic acid (aspirin), is the active ingredient in Pepto Bismol. Pepto Bismol is a reactive substance; combining it with other medications can raise the danger of anticoagulant-induced bleeding in dogs.
In addition, Pepto-Bismol can lower the number of antibiotics available to the body, making them less effective in treating some diseases. So if you’re thinking about giving your dog Pepto Bismol, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first to make sure it’s the right choice for your pup.
Pepto-Bismol May Cause Your Dog’s Feces To Become Black
It may be worrisome for a dog owner to find that your pet’s feces is black or grey, especially if it has been taking Pepto-Bismol. However, this might happen to a few dogs who take Pepto-Bismol. It’s not uncommon for dogs to develop a harmless color change when the bismuth mixes with sulfur in their stomach.
However, black or dark stool might also indicate intestinal bleeding (i.e., blood in the poop from stomach ulcers). If your veterinarian isn’t aware that your pup has consumed Pepto-Bismol, they may assume the feces are black because your puppy is losing blood from the gastrointestinal tract.
It might lead to many tests (e.g., endoscopy) being performed on your dog to diagnose the cause of the black feces. So, if you give your dog Pepto-Bismol, it’s important to let your veterinarian know about it.
Pepto-Bismol Can Lead to Gastric Ulcers
As a pet parent, you may reach for Pepto-Bismol when your dog is experiencing tummy troubles. However, it’s essential to know that Pepto-Bismol can cause gastric bleeding and gastrointestinal ulcers in some dogs.
One of the components of Pepto-Bismol, salicylic acid (i.e., aspirin), may increase the chance of a dog developing ulcers. In addition, the bismuth in Pepto-Bismol can accumulate in the intestines and irritate them, which may also lead to ulcers.
If your dog is given aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for arthritis discomfort, a torn ACL, hip dysplasia, or another painful health issue, the chances of GI ulceration rise. Likewise, using Pepto-Bismol with steroids like prednisone can also lead to ulcers.
While gastric bleeding and stomach pain are common ulcer symptoms in dogs, they may also exhibit lethargy, lack of appetite, weight loss, black stool, or diarrhea. If you think your dog may have an ulcer, it’s important to give them a good physical exam and then take them to the emergency vet clinic.
They can get an x-ray or endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment there. With proper care, most dogs make a full recovery from ulcers. However, ulcers can lead to potentially fatal gastric perforation if left untreated. So if your dog is taking any medication that could put them at risk for ulcers, make sure to keep a close eye on them for any signs of trouble.
Pregnant and Nursing Dogs Should Not Be Given Pepto-Bismol
Pepto-Bismol contains high amounts of salicylic acid, which can be harmful to a puppy’s fetus or pups still nursing. For this reason, it is best to avoid giving Pepto-Bismol to a pregnant dog or one nursing its pups.
If your dog is experiencing stomach issues, there are other safe and effective treatments that you can give them. Speak to your veterinarian about the best course of action for your dog.
Pepto-Bismol Could Affect Laboratory Testing
As pet parents, we want to do everything we can to keep our furry friends healthy and safe. But sometimes, even our best intentions can backfire. For example, did you know that giving your dog Pepto-Bismol can cause problems for veterinary professionals?
That’s because Pepto-Bismol can lead to incorrect readings on urine tests for glucose and ketones. In addition, the medicine shows up on X-rays, which means it may be more difficult for the veterinarian to obtain a clear image of what is wrong with your dog. So next time you’re thinking of giving your pet some Pepto-Bismol, be sure to consult with your veterinarian first.
Pepto-Bismol for Dogs: How to Give It to Your Dog
As pet parents, we always want to do what’s best for our furry friends. We want to make them feel better as quickly as possible when they’re sick. And when it comes to diarrhea, Pepto-Bismol is often the first treatment we reach for.
But did you know there’s a right and a wrong way to give your dog Pepto-Bismol? If you’ve never given your dog this popular GI tract soother, here’s what you need to know.
The recommended dosage is one teaspoon for every 10 pounds (you need to know their body weight), given every 6-to-8 hours. But, if your dog’s diarrhea persists after several doses, your veterinarian will advise you to stop the drug.
Additionally, it’s essential to only give regular strength Pepto Bismol to your dog – never the Ultra strength version, which is concentrated with twice the amount of bismuth subsalicylate and is unsafe for dogs.
With these guidelines in mind, you can rest assured that you’re giving your dog the proper dosage of Pepto Bismol and helping them feel better soon.
Toxicity and Overdose from Pepto-Bismol
Can your dog overdose? If your dog ingests too much Pepto Bismol, this is considered a veterinary emergency. They must go to the veterinarian immediately. In high enough quantities, the bismuth subsalicylate in this medication can poison a dog.
For most dogs, the bismuth subsalicylate is only an issue in large doses, and most owners don’t realize that they have a dog overdosed until they start seeing symptoms.
Symptoms of bismuth subsalicylate poisoning in dogs include diarrhea or bloody stool, vomiting, fever, and rapid breathing. Call your vet immediately if you think your dog has overdosed on Pepto Bismol. Do not try to treat the problem at home.
Alternative Treatments for Dog Stomach Issues
When our dogs have stomach troubles, it’s no fun for anyone. They can’t enjoy their food, treats, or playtime, and we just want to do whatever we can to help them feel better. One home treatment option is to switch to a bland diet for a few days.
Boiled chicken and white rice is an easy go-to, or you can get creative with other bland but still pup-friendly options. You may also offer your dog plain pumpkin in a can (no spices added). This can help with both constipation and diarrhea. Just make sure to talk to your vet first and give them the appropriate amount based on your dog’s size.
Finally, if your dog’s stomach problem persists for more than two days, you should visit the veterinarian. It’s important to determine the underlying cause in order to treat the illness properly.
Take Away
Hopefully, we have answered all your questions regarding whether or not you can give Pepto-Bismol to your dog. However, if you’re still unsure about whether or not Pepto Bismol is safe for your pet, the best course of action is to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to give you specific advice based on your pet’s individual health and history.
In addition, if your pet does ingest something that they shouldn’t, it’s important to have pet insurance in place so that you can cover any unexpected medical bills. And finally, if you think your pet may have ingested something poisonous, don’t hesitate to contact the Pet Poison Helpline for expert advice.
Related topic: Why do dogs like to be pet?
*photo by cherryandbees – depositphotos