When dogs feel under the weather, some pet parents think an easy fix is to give their pup something from their medicine cabinet. In some cases, you can give dogs human meds, but human meds are usually off-limits for dogs. If your dog is having tummy troubles, you may wonder, can you give a dog Pepto Bismol? Our guide gives you the lowdown on Pepto Bismol and dogs. Table Of Contents
Pepto Bismol is an oral over-the-counter (OTC) medicine that many people use to treat an upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, or diarrhea. The active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate, which belongs to a drug class called salicylates. Pepto Bismol is available in liquid form (the “pink stuff”), chewable tablets, and caplets (caplets aren’t recommended for dogs).
Side Effects
Side effects are rare and usually mild. The most common side effects are constipation, oddly colored stools (grey, black, or green), or a darkened tongue. If your dog exhibits shortness of breath or starts acting “off,” get to an emergency vet clinic immediately and let them know any prescription drugs he’s on, including the Pepto. They can check for gastric bleeding or other rare complications.
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Reviewed for accuracy on December 9, 2019 by JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM.
Pepto Bismol, or more generically known as bismuth subsalicylate, is an antacid and stomach soother popular among humans. But can it be used for dogs? The quick answer is yes, but with some reservations (and do not give to cats).
Dogs frequently have GI issues – in fact, stomach complaints top the list of reasons why pet parents bring their dogs into the vet. For minor conditions that include indigestion, mild diarrhea, and gas, Pepto can help alleviate discomfort and in some cases, stop the symptom.
What if my dog already had some Pepto-Bismol?
Let me be clear—this article is not intended to scare or shame anyone. So don’t panic or feel bad if you already gave your dog some Pepto-Bismol. Just be honest with your vet about it. At the appointment, ensure you let your vet know:
To help you understand the importance of clear communication with the vet about any medications your dog may have been given, let’s wrap back around to Stewie.
Stewie’s family brought him to see me because he had been vomiting and he wasn’t his typical happy Labrador self. He also wasn’t eating. That told me there was probably some sort of big problem. Anyone who has ever met a Lab knows they love to eat. And Stewie was usually no exception to that rule.
Stewie had been my patient since he was a little brown ball of fur and puppy kisses. So I knew and loved him and his family quite well. They were understandably worried about Stewie, and I was too. He was looking rather sad as he sat on the floor of the exam room.
The first thing I did was to take his dog vital signs, including his TPR. This stands for temperature, pulse, and respiration. An increased pulse or respiratory rate can be signs a dog is in pain , but luckily for Stewie, his TPR was normal. As it stood then, it seemed like he was definitely feeling pretty bleh but not painful per se.
The next thing I did was to examine him from head to tail. Stewie’s belly was a bit tender when I palpated it but I didn’t feel any obvious enlargements of any of the internal organs. His gums were pink and a bit sticky, which is consistent with dehydration. That made sense to me. He wasn’t eating or drinking and had been vomiting for the past day or so. Since his physical exam didn’t lead me to a specific diagnosis, it was time to move on to some additional testing.
FAQ
How much Pepto-Bismol tablets can I give my dog?
Can you give Pepto Bismol caplets to dogs?
Is Pepto-Bismol chewables safe for dogs?
What can you give a dog for an upset stomach?
- Chicken and Rice. Chicken and rice are prime ingredients in many dog foods, and these mild foods sit well on upset canine stomachs. …
- Shredded Chicken. Shredded chicken is easy on upset stomachs and acts as a huge eating incentive for dogs with decreased appetites. …
- Pumpkin. …
- Bone Broth. …
- Baby Food.