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“Nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea…” We all know the catchy jingle describing all that Pepto Bismol can do for you, but can it relieve the same things in our canine companions? Can dogs have Pepto Bismol? Yes, but there are some caveats, so always speak to your veterinarian first to ensure you are giving the proper dosage for the right ailment.
What is Pepto Bismol?
If you don’t have the marketing jingle memorized, don’t worry, you still likely know the product by its infamous pink color. Coming in both a liquid and tablet form, Pepto Bismol is the brand name for the digestive medication bismuth subsalicylate. This is a simple compound with a fairly in-depth process by which it helps relieve digestive issues such as the nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, and diarrhea that we’re all familiar with. It works by coating the lining of the digestive tract to help heal as well as inhibit bacterial growth, enhance fluid absorption, and reduce inflammation.
Pepto Bismol is available over the counter at nearly every pharmacy, grocery store, or mass retailer making it a popular remedy for mild digestive upsets.
Can Dogs Have Pepto Bismol?
Since you likely have it in your medicine cabinet, it may come to mind when your dog has a case of diarrhea or they can’t seem to quiet their grumbling tummy after sampling last night’s leftovers. Fortunately, Pepto Bismol is considered safe for dogs when used in moderation and under the guidance of a veterinarian.
That doesn’t mean you want to load your dog up on the pink stuff at the first sign of a stomach issue. Instead, you’ll want to reserve Pepto Bismol for the same symptoms that you would use it for—mainly diarrhea and nausea. You’ll also want to check in with your vet before using Pepto for dogs to make sure your pup is a good candidate, to get a proper dosage, and to find out how many doses you can give.
Is Pepto Bismol Safe for Dogs?
If a little bit helps some, then a lot will be better, right? Not in the case of most medications, including Pepto Bismol. At the recommended dosage, Pepto is safe for most dogs with mild cases of diarrhea or nausea. At higher doses, Pepto can actually have adverse effects including:
Vomiting
Constipation
Decreased appetite
Dehydration
Toxicity: liver and kidney damage
Along with a pink mouth, giving Pepto Bismol for dogs can also cause black stools even at normal doses, so be ready when you take your dog out for a potty break.
Factors to Consider Before Giving Your Dog Pepto Bismol
Before giving your dog a pepperminty “treat”, there are some things to consider. Talking to your vet first is of the utmost importance. They will look at things like your dog’s condition, their age, and overall health status to determine if Pepto is the best choice.
Pregnant or nursing dogs shouldn’t have Pepto without a veterinarian’s consent, and dogs with certain health conditions, such as clotting disorders shouldn’t receive Pepto Bismol.
This medication doesn’t play nice with some antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, so make sure your vet knows all of the medications your dog is taking.
Though it may seem like a harmless medication, Pepto Bismol can cause some adverse effects for some dogs, especially at higher doses or with long-term use. That’s where your veterinarian comes in. They will be the best source of advice on whether or not to give Pepto to your dog, how much to give, and when they will want to see your pup for further evaluation.
How Much Pepto Can I Give My Dog?
The proper dosage for Pepto Bismol will be determined by your dog’s weight and any health factors that may come into play. It’s best to consult your vet first to find out the right amounts and dosage frequency as it can vary for each dog and condition.
Methods of Administration
Pepto Bismol for dogs comes in both liquid and tablet form. Let’s just say right out that most dogs don’t like the liquid’s taste, and it may cause some drooling as well as a struggle to get them to take it. Therefore, Pepto Bismol tablets may be a better option as you can hide them in a bit of food or get them swallowed more easily than the liquid.
Precautions to Take During Pepto Bismol Administration
Giving your dog medications usually isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, your dog included. So, when giving Pepto Bismol, first of all make sure everyone is safe. You don’t want to get bitten, and your dog doesn’t want to get any liquids down the wrong pipe. So, if possible, get some help to hold your dog and try to hide the medication in food when possible. Monitor your dog afterwards to make sure they don’t spit out or vomit up the Pepto and that they don’t have an adverse reaction.
Alternatives to Pepto Bismol for Dogs
You’re only going to want to use Pepto Bismol for mild cases of diarrhea or nausea in dogs. Anything that lasts longer than a couple of days or that is bloody or severe should be seen by a vet sooner rather than later. That being said, there are other ways to treat mild digestive issues if Pepto Bismol isn’t you or your dog’s favorite thing.
Hydration: Make sure your dog stays hydrated by offering fresh, clean water at all times or by adding water to their food. Let them rest and recuperate without a lot of stress.
Bland diet: Sometimes the guts just need a little break from their normal routine while they heal. Feeding a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, is an easily digestible way of getting your dog some nutrients without additional digestive stresses. Feed the bland diet until there is normal dog poop and then transition back to their normal diet.
Fiber: Fiber is nature’s way of firming up stools. Canned pumpkin, plain green beans, and broccoli are good sources of fiber.
Probiotics: These are the good bacteria that you want to populate the gut. Giving probiotics to your pup when their digestive system is mildly out of whack can help right the ship without the need for other medications that may have unwanted side effects.
The Role of Pet Insurance in Managing Pet Health
There are times when Pepto Bismol or other treatments aren’t what your dog needs to get them through a case of diarrhea or it’s not what’s best to give a dog for upset stomach. Instead, you’ll want to see your vet if your dog experiences any of the following:
Severe diarrhea
Dehydration
Bloody stools
Persistent vomiting
Loss of appetite
Fever
The cost for treating these conditions can be high. For example, severe dehydration from persistent vomiting or diarrhea may necessitate hospitalization. Hospitalization for a dog with gastroenteritis can easily cost $500-$1,500, depending on the length of stay and the treatments required.
Fortunately, having pet insurance can help cover the costs associated with injuries or illnesses and long-term illnesses, provided you purchased your policy before your pup got sick. You see, pet health insurance companies won’t cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s important to get your dog covered as early as possible.
With comprehensive pet insurance securely in place, you can make sure your furry friend gets gold standard care, without worrying about whether you can afford it. By removing the financial barriers to necessary treatments, you ensure they receive the care they need, when they need it, leading to a happier, healthier, and longer life together.
So, Can Dogs Have Pepto Bismol?
Yes, Pepto Bismol is safe for dogs with mild diarrhea or an upset stomach when given at the proper dosage. Consult your veterinarian about whether Pepto Bismol is the best choice for your dog, how much you can give them, and how often.
And if you find yourself involuntarily singing about indigestion, my sincerest apologies for the earworm.