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Can Dogs Have Pepto Bismol? | PUPPYFAQS

Can Dogs Have Pepto Bismol?

can dogs have pepto bismol
(Last Updated On: December 15, 2022)

If you happen to see, your dog is suffering from a certain kind of stomach problem like diarrhea, indigestion, upset stomach or nausea you must be thinking of a way to help your dog quickly relieved and recovered from his troublesome condition.

When such conditions occur, many dog owners often depend on this pink bottle known as Pepto Bismol. Why would many pet owners trust this kind of medicine? The reason is quite plain and simple. People often think that such medication is not only right for humans but for animals like dogs as well.

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But is this kind of stomach remedy good for pets too? If given to your dog, it is more likely that your pooch would not suffer from side effects. This proves to be true when Pepto Bismol is delivered to your dog in low doses.

Thus, it must be understood that when this medicine is given to your dog to help alleviate his or her stomach issue, make sure to do it conservatively. If done this way, there is nothing wrong that will happen to your dog.

What is the Proper Dosage?

If Pepto Bismol is harmless in dogs, how much of it they should be given to your dog? Dosage should be done at one teaspoon for every ten pounds of your dog’s total weight.

Dosing should be done every six hours. While this kind of drug is not dangerous to the health of dogs, there is a big, BUT that needs not to be overlooked. What is it? Pepto Bismol has a chemical makeup that has a vital similarity to aspirin.

Can Dogs Have Pepto Bismol? What You Need to Know!

Aspirin and Pepto Bismol contain a variation of salicylic acid, known as their active ingredient. So, you should not make a mistake about this kind of medicine as too much of it can be bad for your dog also.

This is the reason why proper dosing is highly advised. In most cases, adequate dosing equates with the total weight of your dog.

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How to Administer Pepto Bismol to Dogs

The best way to get your dog to take Pepto Bismol is by using an eye dropper or syringe. Both can be purchased from your local pharmacy or pet store. Most dogs don’t like the taste so trying to get your dog to lick up off of a spoon might not work.

See Also: Can I give my dog Aspirin?

Open your dog’s mouth, place the syringe at the back of the mouth, and administer the medication slowly. Afterward try holding your dog’s mouth closed for a couple seconds to make sure you dog swallows the medication. That’s all there is to it.

The Right and Proper Bismuth Subsalicylate Dosing

can dogs have pepto bismol

When giving bismuth subsalicylate to your dog, make sure that each pound of your dog total weight should get 1.5 milliliters of it, and this should be given to your dog every 12 hours or twice a day.

Here’s a general rule of the thumb that you should remember when giving bismuth subsalicylate to your dog: 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of your dog’s total weight.

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While using Pepto Bismol is not a casual thing, it is always best to have a talk with your vet about proper dosing to avoid accidents or any incident along the way.

What Treatments Specifically for dogs

Now that you know it’s safe to give your dog pepto bismol, what kind of remedies can it help with.

  • Stomach Upset
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomitting

Pepto Bismol: What are Its Side Effects?

Some of the most common side effects that often occur when Pepto Bismol is given to dogs include the uncommon changing of the color of your dog’s stool.

Your dog may also become constipated after taking Pepto Bismol. If such things happen to your dog, this is a clear indication that your dog has gotten or received a high dose of Pepto Bismol.

There are two critical warnings that you as a pet owner should know in the first place before giving a dose to your pooch:

  • A dog may suffer from internal bleeding. Even when this is a rare occurrence, it can be a severe condition especially when this happens to your dog.
  • Pregnant or nursing dogs should not get any dose of Pepto Bismol. However, this is possible for both dog conditions under the recommendation and advice of a vet.

The Tricky Things Behind Pepto Bismol

There are some things that you may find tricky especially when you take the chance to investigate the true nature of this particular kind of medicine.

For your information, Pepto Bismol comes in several types. On account of this reality, it is possible that such variations often come in different strengths and concentrations.

Thus, it is essential to play safe at all times especially when a specific use of medicine involves your precious pooch. Always include the aid of a professional before giving any human dose such as Pepto Bismol to your dog.

The Clinical Research of Pepto Bismol in Dogs

There is actually only one clinical study that involves the use of bismuth subsalicylate in curing upset tummy in dogs. This research was conducted sometime in 1976, and unfortunately, the test’s scope was a way too limited.

Basically, giving a proper dose of Pepto Bismol to your dog can decrease nausea. It can also serve its purpose as an antiemetic, a kind of drug that prevents vomiting. There were no further generalizations and conclusions that have been made.

The Best Alternative to Pepto Bismol

pumpkin

Generally, stomach pain in dogs usually do not last that long, and the use of Pepto Bismol may be not highly recommended or necessary. In the occurrence of any tummy issue, it is always best to go with natural remedies.

For instance, you can give pumpkin to your dog if it is suffering from diarrhea.

Similar Over the Counter Medicines for Dogs

over the counter medications

Imodium (Loperamide) is a kind of medicine that can also be used in the treatment of dog’s diarrhea or upset stomach. It is also used in treating tummy cramps, gas pain and other kinds of stomach discomfort issues.

With these medicines that can be easily purchased over the counter, it seems that the health and even the life of your dog are being put at high risk. You must not adhere to the trial and error method especially when giving your dog medicine to treat and cure a particular illness.

Also See:Best heartworm medication for dogs

The Conclusion: Dogs and Pepto Bismol

Giving Pepto Bismol is safe and harmless especially when symptomatic dogs are the ones to take it. This medicine has a good track record, especially for canines. It is not a threat to the health and life of your pet.

That said, it should be given to your dog to provide short-term relief. If there are current issues in your dog’s digestions, it is best to get a diagnosis and recommendations from a vet.

Please leave a comment or question below. I look forward to responding to your comments. Don’t forget to share the article with your friends and loved ones too.

Liz

I'm a self-employed blogger, life-long pet parent, and lover of dogs. I have always loved animals, especially puppies. So when my family got our first dog 15 years ago, it was love at first sight. We named her Sassy because she was so small, cute, and had a sassy personality! Once we got her home, I wanted to know everything about caring for her, so I researched online. Eventually, this led me to create the PUPPYFAQS website, where I write about nutrition, health, and care of puppies and the latest news in the world of puppies. In my spare time, I volunteer at my local shelter, which is run by volunteers who are passionate about helping homeless dogs find their forever homes. If I'm not working or volunteering for dogs, you can find me spending time with my family, friends, and my puppy. I have been writing professionally online since 2009. In addition to PUPPYFAQS, I also write for several other pet-related publications.

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