Does your dog have an upset stomach? Are you at a loss as to what you can do to relieve their symptoms? Pepto Bismol always seems to do the trick for pet parents, so why not for dogs as well? Learn here how this pink over-the-counter medicine can make your dog's upset stomach a thing of the past.
People use Pepto Bismol for relief from upset stomach and diarrhea. Did you know it’s also safe for our canine companions?
QUICK FACTS ABOUT PEPTO BISMOL FOR DOGS
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Pepto Bismol is the leading brand of bismuth subsalicylate.
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Some brands have different formulations, so do not treat the brands interchangeably.
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Pepto Bismol is both an oral anti-inflammatory and an antacid.
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Pepto Bismol is safe for both humans and dogs (not cats!) when used properly.
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Pepto Bismol is sold without a prescription, but consult a vet before giving it to your dog because some dogs should not take the drug.
WILL PEPTO BISMOL MAKE MY DOG FEEL BETTER?
Just like us, dogs can get diarrhea, indigestion, or an upset stomach. And, just like us, dogs can get relief by taking bismuth subsalicylate. Corrective Suspension is a brand formulated specifically for dogs, but dogs can also take the same off-the-shelf Pepto Bismol that we do. Just be careful to adjust the dose properly for your dog’s weight.
WHEN DOGS SHOULD NOT TAKE PEPTO BISMOL
Just because dogs, in general, can take Pepto Bismol doesn’t mean your dog should. Reasons for avoiding Pepto include:
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If your dog is allergic to one or more of the active ingredients
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Pregnant or nursing dogs should not take Pepto
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The dog has any of several canine bleeding disorders
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The dog is taking any drug that could interact with Pepto Bismol (these include some antibiotics and Aspirin, but to be safe, talk to a vet).
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Pepto Bismol is great for helping your dog feel better in the moment, but sometimes feeling better doesn’t really help in the long run. If some deeper problem is causing your dog’s symptoms, you don’t want to hide the problem with Pepto. If symptoms continue, or if your dog shows signs of serious illness, visit the vet. Remember to tell your vet if your dog has had Pepto recently since Pepto Bismol can cause inaccuracies in abdominal x-rays and urinalysis. Vets may recommend the Fast Balance G.I. tube for immediate stress relief.
A dog with diarrhea for more than a day, or any dog with diarrhea plus any of the following symptoms needs to go to the vet:
Additionally, since puppies dehydrate easily, any puppy with diarrhea gets a trip to the vet right away.
HOW TO GIVE PEPTO BISMOL TO YOUR DOG
Pepto Bismol usually comes in a pink chalky liquid that dogs (and, incidentally, people) hate. If this is what you have, use a plastic feeding syringe (with no needle) to squirt it into your dog’s mouth. Aim to the side, not straight down the throat, and don’t give too much in one squirt.
Another option is to use chewable tablets since dogs may be duped into thinking these are biscuits. They can also be hidden inside treats.
The recommended dose depends on the dog’s weight. The best bet is to ring your veterinarian and ask. Pepto Bismol comes in several different strengths, so make sure your vet knows which kind you have when you ask.
SIDE EFFECTS OF TREATING A DOG’S UPSET STOMACH WITH PEPTO BISMOL
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.
How safe is Pepto-Bismol for Dogs?
By now, your dog is probably seen as a part of your family. So when he’s unwell, it really disturbs your spirit. Even if it’s something as small as an upset stomach. When your dog has diarrhea, he doesn’t always act like himself. This is understandable because he’s always uncomfortable and all he wants to do is alleviate his condition in some way. To help, we turn to the one solution that always works for us when we have an upset stomach – Pepto-Bismol. Although Pepto-Bismol is famously known for curing stomach upsets in humans, never administer this to your dog without your vet’s permission.
Pepto-Bismol is an easily accessible drug that you can get in any pharmacy. Its accessibility shouldn’t mean that you should use it to treat your doggo too. Even when your vet gives you the green light to go ahead and use the Pepto-Bismol, follow his directions to the letter and only give him the prescribed dosage. While Pepto-Bismol is your go-to medicine for upset stomachs, it may do more harm than good when it comes to the health and well-being of your pooch.
What are some of the side effects of giving your dog Pepto-Bismol?
There are certain things that could go wrong when you administer this drug to your dog. That’s why it’s so important to wait for that green light from your vet. The drug could turn the color of your dog’s stool to a dark green, which makes it harder to discern whether he’s actually experiencing a serious medical condition or some kind of melena.
Your dog experiences melena when there’s blood present in his stool. If there’s blood when your dog throws up, you’re obviously immediately concerned. You should also be concerned if there’s blood in his stool. It could be from an internal injury that you don’t know about. Administering Pepto-Bismol makes this more difficult to identify.
What other treatments can you administer besides Pepto-Bismol?
First things first, if your dog is vomiting, contact your veterinarian immediately. If they're vomiting blood or mucus, they may have a blockage or another more serious issue at hand. If they have severe diarrhea (more than six times in 24 hours), this could also be indicative of something more serious than just food poisoning or bad water that caused the problem in the first place.
If your dog experiences diarrhea out of the blue, it usually resolves itself quickly, and you won’t need to bother him or yourself with other alternative medications. Just stick to a bland diet through the duration of his illness and switch back once the diarrhea has gone.
A bland diet could mean plain white rice and some boiled chicken. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just something to keep him going until he’s back to his full health. Rub his tummy. This soothes and relaxes him. Just the knowledge of your presence can make him feel significantly better. Similar to how humans like company when they’re feeling under the weather, your dog also wants to know that somebody’s there, caring and looking after him.
If your dog seems generally healthy except for vomiting or diarrhea, the next step is to see if there's anything else going on with him or her. If there are other symptoms present, such as fever, lethargy (or increased energy), and loss of appetite, then these suggest that there may be something more serious going on than just an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Instead of relying on PEPTO BISMOL alternatives for dogs, try these natural remedies instead:
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Pumpkin or Peanut Butter. You can mix pumpkin or peanut butter with water to form a thick paste and give it to your dog to eat. The pectin in the pumpkin will help absorb moisture in the digestive system, while the fat in the peanut butter will coat the stomach and slow down its movement.
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Rice expands in your dog's stomach as it digests it, which helps calm diarrhea symptoms by absorbing excess water from the system. You can mix 1 tablespoon of rice with 2 tablespoons of apple sauce or yogurt, then feed it to your dog once per day until her symptoms subside.
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Bananas contain vitamin B6, which helps reduce inflammation in your pet's intestines and calm their guts down after diarrhea. To make a banana smoothie for your pet, peel a ripe banana and add it to a blender with some yogurt or milk.
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Peppermint tea can help soothe an upset stomach. To make it, boil water and steep two teaspoons of peppermint tea leaves in two cups of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and give it to your dog in small amounts at a time.
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If your dog is nauseous or has diarrhea, ginger can help curb it. Mix a teaspoon of grated ginger with one cup of boiling water, let it steep for 15 minutes, strain, and give it to your pet in small doses two or three times per day until symptoms subside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Pepto Bismol is safe for dogs?
Pepto Bismol is not recommended for dogs due to its active ingredient Bismuth Subsalicylate, which can be toxic to dogs when ingested in large quantities. Ingestion of even small amounts can cause side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, black or tarry stool, and abdominal pain. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian before giving any over-the-counter medication to your pet.
What can I give a dog for an upset stomach?
If your dog has an upset stomach, there are several things you can do to help ease its discomfort. However, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before giving any treatments or remedies to your dog, as some can be harmful or interact with other medications. Offer your dog a period of fasting for 12-24 hours, followed by small, frequent meals of a bland diet (such as boiled white rice and lean boiled chicken). Probiotics can help balance the digestive system and support healthy gut bacteria. You can give your dog probiotics in the form of a supplement or through probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt or kefir. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help settle an upset stomach. You can give your dog ginger in small doses by grating fresh ginger into their food or offering ginger chews. Offer your dog a bland diet made up of boiled white rice and lean, boiled chicken. Slippery elm bark can help soothe the digestive tract and reduce symptoms of digestive upset. You can add slippery elm bark powder to your dog's food or give them slippery elm bark treats. Increasing the fiber in your dog's diet can help regulate bowel movements and improve digestion. You can add pumpkin puree or canned green beans to your dog's food. Remember that these treatments might only provide temporary relief and that it is always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of your dog's upset stomach and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
What over-the-counter medicine can you give a dog for an upset stomach?
It is best to consult with a veterinarian before giving any over-the-counter medicine to your dog, as some medications can be harmful to dogs or interact with other treatments they may be receiving. In some cases, over-the-counter medications intended for humans can be toxic to dogs. That being said, there are some over-the-counter medicines that a veterinarian may recommend for a dog with an upset stomach. Kaolin-activated attapulgite is an antidiarrheal medication that can help firm up loose stools. Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that can help reduce bloating, gas, and discomfort associated with an upset stomach. However, these medications should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian, as they may not be appropriate for all dogs or may interact with other treatments. In some cases, the underlying cause of a dog's upset stomach may need to be addressed through dietary changes, antibiotics, or other treatments.
Do scrambled eggs stop diarrhea in dogs?
Scrambled eggs can be a temporary solution to help firm up a dog's stools during a bout of diarrhea. Eggs are a good source of protein and contain essential amino acids that can help soothe an upset digestive system. However, it's important to only feed scrambled eggs in moderation, as too much can cause digestive upset or lead to an imbalance of other nutrients in the dog's diet.
Can bananas help a dog with diarrhea?
Bananas can be a safe and nutritious snack for dogs in small amounts. They contain potassium, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals that can benefit your dog's health. In some cases, bananas can also help firm up stools and relieve symptoms of mild diarrhea. However, it's important to only feed bananas in moderation, as too much can lead to digestive upset or an imbalance of other nutrients in your dog's diet. In addition, some dogs may be intolerant to bananas and may experience digestive upset after eating them.
How PetPlus Can Help
If your dog is suffering from a chronic upset stomach and Pepto just isn't cutting it, prescription medications like metoclopramide or Famotidine (Pepcid) can be very helpful. And when it comes to getting these kinds of medication for your pet, PetPlus is the best way to get them. Offering sizable discounts compared to other retailers, PetPlus can end us by saving you a large sum of money. Metoclopramide alone is over 50% cheaper on PetPlus than it is elsewhere.
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
