Pepto Bismol is an over-the-counter medication that is used to treat a variety of digestive problems, including diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, and upset stomach in humans.
But, can you give a dog Pepto Bismol? No, and here is why.
Can You Give a Dog Pepto Bismol? No, Stay Away From Pepto Bismol
No, you shouldn’t give your dog Pepto Bismol because it contains bismuth salicylate which is similar to aspirin. A large amount of Pepto Bismol can cause effects similar to aspirin poisonings such as gastric irritation or ulceration, internal bleeding, seizures, and liver damage.
Pepto Bismol contains aspirin, which can be quite dangerous for dogs. Also, Pepto Bismol shows up on X-rays. If your dog was given Pepto Bismol and later needs an X-Ray, the vet will have a very difficult time telling what is going on because the Pepto in their system masks everything.
If you suspect that your pet may have an upset stomach, or is not feeling well, do not administer Pepto Bismol without consulting your vet.
Pepto Bismol is a common over-the-counter medication used to help with upset stomachs, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. Unfortunately, it’s not safe for dogs to ingest due to its main active ingredient—bismuth salicylate.
This ingredient can be toxic to canine digestive systems and can cause serious health problems such as vomiting, lethargy, weakness, and excessive drooling. Additionally, bismuth salicylate can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in a dog’s body, leading to dehydration or an imbalance of minerals needed for proper functioning.
In some cases, this medication may even cause blood disorders or liver failure if ingested in large amounts.
What Kind of Pepto Can I Give My Dog?
You shouldn’t give your dog any kind of Pepto Bismol. Pepto Bismol is available in several forms, including regular tablets and chewable, original liquid form, maximum strength liquid form, ultra coating caplets, and an easy-to-swallow capsule, but all of these contain the active ingredient bismuth subsalicylate which is bad for dogs.
Pepto Bismol is not good for your dog, as it contains ingredients like bismuth subsalicylate and salicylic acid that can be toxic to dogs. In addition, Pepto Bismol also contains sodium which can be dangerous for dogs with heart problems.
Even if you manage to get the dosage right, there is a risk of side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, black discoloration of the tongue or stool, and even seizures. Therefore, it’s best to avoid giving your dog Pepto Bismol unless specifically advised by a veterinarian.
Side Effects of Pepto Bismol on Dogs
The side effects associated with Pepto Bismol in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas and bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Dark stools
- Lethargy
- Excessive thirst
- Allergic reaction (not very common but still possible)
Pepto Bismol is not recommended for dogs due to its potential negative side effects. It contains salicylate, an active ingredient found in aspirin which can be toxic to dogs. Additionally, the bismuth subsalicylate in Pepto Bismol can cause digestive upset resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.
The artificial coloring used in some formulations of Pepto Bismol is also a potential hazard for dogs as it can cause an allergic reaction leading to hives or facial swelling. Finally, Pepto Bismol may contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic for pets if ingested and could lead to liver failure or death.
You should also contact your vet if you notice any signs of an overdose such as difficulty breathing or excessive drowsiness. Severe cases may require emergency medical care.
Long-term use of the medication could lead to serious gastrointestinal issues so it is important to monitor closely how much and how often the medication is given to your dog.
Will Pepto Bismol Settle My Dogs Stomach?
No, Pepto Bismol will not settle your dog’s stomach. Although Pepto-Bismol is effective for humans in reducing nausea, upset stomach, and indigestion symptoms, it should never be given to dogs. Because dogs’ digestive systems are so different from those of humans, Pepto-Bismol can be toxic to them if taken in large doses or too frequently.
The active ingredients bismuth subsalicylate and salicylates can lead to a decrease in blood clotting ability as well as vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.
In addition, there is not enough research on the use of this medication in dogs to determine an appropriate dosage that would be safe and effective. Therefore, it is best to consult with your veterinarian when trying to settle your dog’s upset stomach.
What Can I Give Dogs For an Upset Stomach?
If your dog has an upset stomach you can give them these medications:
- Metronidazole
- Famotidine
- Ondansetron
- Ranitidine
- Cimetidine
- Omeprazole
- Mirtazapine
- Probiotics such as Fortiflora or ProstoraMax
Dog medications for upset stomachs must be approved by the FDA before they can be sold and used. The drug approval process begins with an application from a pharmaceutical company to the FDA seeking permission to manufacture and sell a particular medication.
This application includes extensive data about the drug, including its chemical composition, dosage forms, manufacturing methods, clinical trial results, potential side effects, and any other relevant information.
The FDA reviews this data and makes sure that it meets all safety standards before granting approval. If the drug is found to be safe enough for use in dogs, then the FDA will issue a new animal drug number (or NADA), which allows for its sale in veterinary pharmacies.
As you can see, Pepto Bismol was not tested on dogs and therefore you shouldn’t give it to your dog.
If your dog has an upset stomach you can give them these foods:
- Plain White Rice
- Boiled Chicken
- Cooked Fish (without seasoning or oil)
- Plain Yogurt
- Canned Pumpkin
- Oatmeal
- Green Peas
- Carrots
- Apples (with the core and seeds removed)
- Bananas (in moderation)
In Conclusion
Pepto Bismol should not be given to dogs because this medication contains bismuth salicylate which is found in aspirin.
Even with the correct dosage, Pepto Bismol can cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, vomiting, and even bleeding. Avoid giving your dog any type of Pepto Bismol.
Instead, consult with your veterinarian for approved medications.
