Note: The following dosages are often used when treating dogs with the original 1.75% Pepto-Bismol liquid (17.5 mg of bismuth subsalicylate per milliliter). Always seek approval from your vet before use. To treat acute diarrhea, 0.5 mL/lb (1 US teaspoon for every 10 pounds your dog weighs) can be given every 4 to 6 hours for 5 days. The dosage can be higher depending on how severe the symptoms are and other contributing factors, with a maximum recommended dose of 0.9 mL/lb to be given every 6 to 8 hours. Shake the bottle well before use. A dosage of 0.5 mL/lb is shown on the chart below:
When used as a coating agent during the treatment of uremic gastritis, 0.9 mL/lb is typically given three to four times daily. When treating Helicobacter gastritis with triple therapy, the following combination is recommended: 1. Metronidazole – 7 mg/lb every 8 hours. 2. Amoxicillin – 5 mg/lb every 8 hours. 3. Pepto-Bismol – 0.1 mg/lb every 4 to 6 hours. Treatment with this protocol will last for approximately 21 days. If your dog retches at the taste, cooling it in the refrigerator helps to make it more palatable. Warning: The “Max Strength” formula contains double the amount of active ingredient per milliliter. If you are using the Max Strength formula, cut the above recommended dosages in half to avoid overdose.
It’s usually safe to use Pepto-Bismol in moderate amounts, though large doses or treatment over long periods of time can increase the risk of unwanted effects. Aside from this, it’s important that you see a vet to determine the cause of your dog’s diarrhea, as diarrhea can sometimes be a symptom of a larger problem including parasite infections, and in these cases the medicine may not be suitable. When given with aspirin, blood serum levels of salicylate could become elevated, which could lead to salicylate poisoning. The effects of salicylate poisoning are serious and can include coma, breathing difficulties, tremors, seizures and internal bleeding. In the most severe cases of poisoning, death can occur. Pregnancy/Nursing: It is recommended that owners avoid giving the medicine to pregnant or nursing pets.
Keep an eye on the color of your dog’s stools during treatment. Stools may become tinted green or gray during treatment, which is a common effect of the drug, but if it becomes tar-like (a sign of bleeding) you should contact the vet immediately. Unless directed by a vet, avoid use alongside aspirin due to the risk of toxicity and avoid use with any other medication with blood-thinning properties (e.g. warfarin). Careful monitoring is recommended in cases where internal bleeding is likely or when other salicylate drugs are being used at the same time. In terms of drug interactions, the medicine can interfere with the absorption of other medicines including tetracycline (if given orally).
While gray or green tinted stools are common, tarry black stools indicates internal bleeding and warrant a call to the vet right away. Overdose Overdoses can be dangerous due to the salicylate component of the medicine. If you suspect an overdose seek emergency veterinary attention or call the ASPCA poison control hotline on (888) 426-4435. Sources Dr. J. Bartges Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook (sixth edition)
How Often Can You Give A Dog Pepto Bismol?
If you follow the dosage recommendations above, and your dog isn’t getting better after a few doses, don’t continue giving your dog Pepto Bismol. As we said above, Pepto Bismol has the potential to cause gastric bleeding, so it’s not a good idea to give your dog more than a few doses.
Also, if Pepto Bismol isn’t helping your dog, then your dog may have a more serious digestive issue that needs veterinary care.
What Dogs Should Not Take Pepto Bismol?
When is Pepto Bismol bad for dogs? Pepto Bismol is unsafe for dogs who fall into the categories listed below. Again, always check with your vet before giving your dog Pepto Bismol.
The following dosage recommendations are for regular strength Pepto Bismol liquid or chewable tablets. Do not give your dog Ultra Pepto Bismol, which is concentrated with twice the amount of bismuth subsalicylate. This 2X concentrate is unsafe for your pup. Also, do not give your dog Pepto Bismol caplets. If you’ve never given your dog Pepto Bismol before, talk to your vet first to make sure it’s safe for your pup.
The recommended liquid dosage is 1 teaspoon (5 ml) for every 10 pounds. You can give it to your pup every 6 to 8 hours, but don’t give more than a few doses or for longer than 24 hours. If your dog is still having stomach issues after a few doses, contact your vet.
The best way to give your dog the liquid is to use a plastic syringe. Place the syringe toward the back of your dog’s tongue and slowly push the plunger. Then hold his muzzle to make sure he swallows it.
| Dog Weight (Pounds) | Dosage (Teaspoons) |
|---|---|
| 10 | 1 |
| 20 | 2 |
| 30 | 3 |
| 40 | 4 |
| 50 | 5 |
| 60 | 6 |
| 70 | 7 |
| 80 | 8 |
| 90 | 9 |
| 100 | 10 |
The recommended tablet dosage is 8.5 mg per 1 pound. Keep in mind, this can get difficult to calculate and cut up the tablets to the specific dosage for your dog’s weight. For example, a 20-pound dog would take 65% of one tablet based on this recommended dosage. Here’s a Pepto Bismol tablet dosage chart for dogs to help you figure out how to divide the tablets up based on your dog’s weight.
| Dog Weight (Pounds) | Dosage (mg) | Dosage (Tablet*) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 85 | 0.30 |
| 20 | 170 | 0.60 |
| 30 | 255 | 1.00 |
| 40 | 340 | 1.30 |
| 50 | 425 | 1.60 |
| 60 | 510 | 2.00 |
| 70 | 595 | 2.25 |
| 80 | 680 | 2.60 |
| 90 | 765 | 3.00 |
| 100 | 850 | 3.25 |
*Based off of a chewable tablet that is 262mg
Here are some of the questions our readers ask most often about Pepto Bismol and dogs.
What Can Pepto Bismol Treat In Dogs?
Pepto Bismol can help treat your dog’s upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. It can also cause temporary constipation, so if that’s a problem for your pup, you probably shouldn’t give it to him.
FAQ
Can dogs take Pepto-Bismol tablets?
How many mg is a Pepto-Bismol tablet?
How quickly does Pepto-Bismol work for dogs?