Vomiting and/or diarrhea are no picnic for you or your dog. It’s only natural to want a home remedy that will offer relief as quickly as possible. Since Pepto Bismol helps our upset stomachs, you may wonder, “Can I give my dog Pepto Bismol?” Generally, yes, you can.
The active ingredient in Pepto Bismol and generic versions is bismuth subsalicylate, an antidiarrheal medication that can safely reduce a dog’s symptoms of diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, gas, and stomach pain. Note: If using a generic version of this product, read the label to be certain it does not contain xylitol, which is a sweetener that is deadly to dogs.
Will Pepto Bismol stop my dog’s vomiting and diarrhea?
Pepto Bismol coats the irritated surfaces in the dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract, reducing inflammation of the stomach lining, just as it does in humans. This slows or stops the release of excessive fluid into the digestive tract, reducing the dog’s discomfort and slowing or stopping diarrhea. Be aware that giving Pepto Bismol to dogs may temporarily change the color of her poop to a gray/greenish-black color.
How much Pepto Bismol should I give my dog?
Liquid Pepto Bismol is available in original strength and an ultra-strength formula. It’s also available as caplets, liquid-caps, and chewable tablets. For accurate dosing, choose the original-strength liquid formula.
A generally accepted safe canine dose of original-strength liquid Pepto Bismol is 0.25 to 2 ml per kg of the dog’s body weight, which is 0.1 to 0.9 ml per lb of body weight. Dosage is a maximum of three to four times a day. Note: Dosing your dog may be easiest using a pet dosing syringe marked in ml (milliliters). The cup that comes with Pepto Bismol holds up to 30 ml and is awkward to use to administer the medicine to a dog.
Can I give my dog Pepto Bismol with other medications?
Do not give your dog Pepto Bismol if she receives anti-inflammatory medication (such as prednisone, carprofen, meloxicam, or aspirin), heart medication (furosemide, enalapril, benazepril), or is pregnant or nursing. Also, Pepto Bismol can interfere with radiographs (X-ray studies), so don’t use it if you are planning a visit to the veterinarian within 24 hours.
Vomiting and diarrhea are common in dogs and, often, Pepto Bismol can help, as can a short fast followed by a bland diet. If, however, your dog is markedly distressed or does not improve after 24 to 48 hours, the GI problems could be a sign of something more serious and she should see her veterinarian immediately.
my vet recommended that I use Kaolin Pectin for diarrhea, which has several of the ingredients of Pesto Bismol, but no aspirin. She said it is a mechanical acting substance (kaolin is a very fine clay, and Pectin is what causes jelling in making jelly) rather than a medicinal one. For my Golden, she said two tablespoons. I put it in her food and she laps it right up. It’s readily available for not very much at Tractor Supply and probably other farm stores. I keep a big bottle of it on hand.
there is a product for animals that does not have any additives, called Kaolin Pectate, get that instead., does the same thing.
Each and every one of us needs a first aid kit with our dogs. Yes, to activated charcoal and most definite yes to pepto tablets.
When your dog is sick, it’s important to observe signs and symptoms, if necessary, contact the poison hot line and have things ready to use just in case.
Not to be mean but there is no way in heck that I would ever give my little dog Pepto. There’s always “.hidden ingredients” that are not listed on label. PLEASE GO THE HOMEOPATHIC ROUTE. Google “ how to treat vomiting in dogs”. There’s a wide range of herbs, tinctures, etc. I always keep a bottle of Activated Charcoal. If you think your dog has eaten something he wasn’t supposed to…. my vet said give Hydrogen Peroxide to make her throw up and take to vet asap. My little BABYGIRL took a few nibbles off a rat bate block before I jerked it away from her. HP done the trick. She throwed up green vomit which was the color of the rat bate. Have her 1 tsp 3 times until all the green vomit was gone. Vet put her on Vitamin K and sent us home. He also said keep a bottle of Activated Charcoal on hand