It is not uncommon for dogs to experience an upset stomach either as a puppy or grown dog. When humans have an upset stomach, they will often reach for Pepto Bismol to bring them relief. Dogs can have an upset stomach and gastrointestinal symptoms just like people, is it okay to administer Pepto Bismol for dogs?
First, what is Pepto Bismol? It is a creamy pink over-the-counter medicine, made by Procter and Gamble that is made from bismuth subsalicylate which is essentially the bismuth salt of salicylic acid. It known to relieve stomach issues that include indigestion, diarrhea, and gas in humans.
In this article, Pepto Bismol for Dogs: Is it Okay to Give to Dogs, you will learn if it is safe to give Pepto Bismol to dogs, as well as the following:
- Symptoms of Upset Stomach in Dogs
- Dogs that Never Get Pepto Bismol
- Dosage Recommendations for Dogs
- How to Administer Pepto Bismol
- Cautions and Concerns with Using Pepto Bismol for Dogs
- Alternatives to Pepto Bismol for Dogs
Pepto Bismol is not toxic to dogs; however, it should be used cautiously. Some dogs find relief with just one dosage of Pepto Bismol. Dog owners should not administer a dose without consulting with a professional veterinarian.
Pepto Bismol for Dogs: Symptoms of Upset Stomach in Dogs
Healthy dogs can experience stomach upset from a variety of reasons. A few reasons include introducing a new food, reaction to a new treat, changes in their environment, eating too fast, consuming a chewable treat that is higher than usual in fat, or from swallowing a non-food item such as a sock.
Symptoms of dogs with stomach upset include loss of appetite, low energy, lip smacking, drooling, pacing, stomach rumbling, diarrhea, vomiting, noticeable pain, discomfort and even a fever.
Lip smacking is one way dogs use to communicate. In the case of a dog with an upset stomach, lip smacking is an indication that your dog might have nausea and be ready to vomit. When a dog experiences nausea, they are producing more saliva, causing them to lick their lips.
When a dog is sick to their stomach, the increased saliva production might be too much for lip licking and they begin to drool excessively. Another common symptom is eating grass in an effort to soothe their upset stomach.
If you have a dog that eats fast, they might burp trying to get rid of extra gas. Another reason for burping could be too much stomach acid from an upset stomach.
Your veterinarian will know if Pepto Bismol for dogs is the right remedy for your situation. Contact them with the time the symptoms started, what symptoms your dog is experiencing, the last time they ate and drank and lastly any foreign non-edible object they could possibly have eaten.
Pepto Bismol for Dogs: Dogs that Never Get Pepto Bismol
Veterinarians might suggest Pepto Bismol for dogs with an upset stomach. However, they will also never give Pepto Bismol to dogs that are pregnant or nursing. Dogs that take prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not take Pepto Bismol.
If your dog is not expecting a litter or nursing a litter of pups, your vet might recommend Pepto Bismol as a solution. When your veterinarian gives you the okay to administer Pepto Bismol to your dog, follow the dosage recommendations.
Pepto Bismol for Dogs: Dosage Recommendation for Dogs Approved by Your Vet
Dosage: 1 tsp. per 10 lbs. of dog. Your vet may recommend you give it every 6-8 hours.
If your dog’s health declines or the stomach upset, pain, or diarrhea does not stop, stop using Pepto Bismol and call your emergency veterinarian.
After administering, keep track of the day and time you gave the Pepto Bismol. Record the dosage and how frequently you gave that dose. Record when your dog’s symptoms improved, stayed the same, or worsened.
Pepto Bismol for Dogs: How to Administer Pepto Bismol for Dogs
Dogs do not like the smell or taste of Pepto Bismol. Using a small to medium sized plastic syringe, suction up the recommended dosage. Hold your dog still while opening their mouth. Place the syringe towards the back of the tongue and release. Once the syringe is empty, hold the dog’s muzzle closed for a second to watch them swallow the medicine.
It is NOT recommended using the tablet form of Pepto Bismol for dogs. The tablet can sit for days undigested in the dog’s stomach without relieving their symptoms.
Follow up with watching your dog’s symptoms closely. They already do not feel well, so be prepared if your dog needs to vomit or have diarrhea suddenly.
Keep your dog as comfortable as possible. To reduce stress, your dog should not be exposed to too much heat or sudden cold when recovering from gastric upset. Just knowing you are nearby will bring comfort to your dog.
Cautions and Side Effects of Pepto Bismol for Dogs
Pepto Bismol contains salicylates which can pose problems for dogs including gastric bleeding and gastric ulcers.
Gastric bleeding happens when large amounts of fluid seep into the gut. Your dog could experience pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhea as a result of Pepto Bismol.
Symptoms of gastric bleeding in dogs includes overall weakness, not eating, difficulty breathing, distended abdomen, pale gums, and vomiting. If your dog needs to defecate, you could see bright red, black or tarry stool.
If you suspect your dog has gastric bleeding as a result of administering Pepto Bismol, call your veterinarian. You will need to withhold food from your dog for the first 24-48 hours. Ask your veterinarian about offering small amounts of water.
Pepto Bismol also comes in tablet form for humans. Dogs that ingest the tablet can still experience stomach upset. When the veterinarian takes an x-ray, the undigested tablet can easily be mistaken for a foreign object.
Usually foreign objects that get stuck in the dog’s gastrointestinal track need to undergo surgery. An undigested Pepto Bismol tablet could warrant an unnecessary surgery.
Gastric ulcers are another negative side effect of Pepto Bismol. Dogs that have taken anti-inflammatory drugs for arthritis or tore an ACL could be more at risk for gastric ulcers. Administering Pepto Bismol for dogs that have been on prednisone could have an increased risk of gastric ulcers.
Dog owners need to know that administering Pepto Bismol for dogs does come with its risks and could make the stomach upset into something more painful.
Five Alternatives to Pepto Bismol for Dogs
How can dog owners relieve their dog’s upset stomach without using Pepto Bismol? Fortunately, there are many home remedies that are common items found in your pantry or refrigerator. Always consult with your veterinarian before treating severe gastric upset.
Ginger. Fresh ginger is a safe and effective food for dogs. It can relieve your dog’s vomiting, upset stomach, and discomfort. Ginger has natural anti-spasmodic effects on both humans and dogs. It is easy to digest and relieves the nausea associated with an upset stomach.
Ice Chips. Offering your dog ice chips can be an effective way to keep your dog hydrated while their stomach is upset. Dog owners want to discourage gulping water which can cause more gas and potential vomiting. Try giving your dog ice chips every couple of hours.
Pumpkin. Canned pumpkin can be given to a dog with an upset stomach or diarrhea. It is important that the only ingredient is “pumpkin” not pumpkin pie mix. It is a high fiber food that is gentle on the stomach and digests easily. Depending on your dog’s size, you can administer between ½ teaspoon of pumpkin up to 1 tablespoon for large dogs.
Bone Broth. Homemade bone broth is another alternative that soothes an upset stomach in both humans and dogs. Bone broth needs to be made using chicken or beef bones. When possible make bone broth in an Instant Pot to have to available to your dog later that day. It can be made in a crock pot; however, it will take between 18-24 hours.
Cool the broth and skim the fat off the top. It can be frozen in ice cube trays for future needs or used right away. It depends on the dog’s size how much broth is required to relieve an upset stomach. Small dogs would do fine with one teaspoon and large dogs up to two tablespoons.
Slippery Elm Bark. One last remedy that has been around for centuries is slippery elm bark. It can be administered in powdered or pill form. Slippery elm bark contains mucilage that lubricates and soothes the inflamed mucous membranes of the dog’s stomach.
While these home remedies might work perfectly for you and your dog, they are not a substitute for professional care. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian.
Pepto Bismol for Dogs, Is it Okay to Give to my Dog?
It is not easy to see your dog in pain, discomfort or experiencing diarrhea. Pepto Bismol for dogs could be a solution for you, however, weigh the risks and always speak with your veterinarian before administering.
There are many home remedies that can bring relief to our dogs just as quickly. Sometimes our dogs are in more pain than we realize. If your dog becomes lethargic, collapses, constantly vomiting, has distended abdomen, and has continual diarrhea, contact your veterinarian.
There are many reasons our dogs get sick, if you have any questions contact your local veterinarian for professional advice.
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