Pepto-Bismol For Dogs - What You Need to Know

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Pepto-Bismol is a well-known, popular over-the-counter medication that helps humans deal with tummy problems. Some human meds are safe for dogs, and Pepto-Bismol is one of them.

Humans use this medication to deal with problems like diarrhea and vomiting, and dogs can take it for the same reasons. Visiting a vet every time your dog gets diarrhea is not the most practical thing, and mostly there is nothing seriously wrong with them. If you are a dog owner, you noticed that dogs often have stomach problems that cause diarrhea or vomiting.

Pepto-Bismol is a human medication that all dog owners should have at home because minor tummy problems can be handled with it. Not only is it great for us, but it is also great for our dogs.

Before you decide to give your dog Pepto-Bismol, there are some things you should know, like the proper dosage, side-effects, and potential dangers. We will help with this information and let you know all you need to know about giving your dog Pepto-Bismol.

Keep in mind never to give your dog any medication without consulting your vet first.

What is Pepto-Bismol?

Pepto-Bismol is a brand of bismuth subsalicylate-based medication that is great for relieving stomach problems. It is available in caplets, liquid formulations, and liquicaps. Pepto-Bismol is an over-the-counter medication that can be bought in pharmacies and grocery stores around the US, and you don’t need a doctor’s prescription to get it.

Dogs often have diarrhea, and dog owners should know how to handle that problem. Here is an article that can help you with that: Dog Diarrhea - What You Need To Know.

Is it safe for dogs?

The shortest possible answer would be - yes. However, there are some circumstances when you shouldn’t give your dog Pepto-Bismol, and you should never give your dog any medication, both dog or human, without talking to your vet first.

How does it help dogs?

You might be wondering how Pepto-Bismol can help your dog, and the truth is that it can help with different symptoms and problems. If your dog has mild diarrhea, indigestion, or gas, Pepto-Bismol can ease or completely stop these problems. However, this should never be your first option.

Suppose you find yourself in a situation where your dogs have gastrointestinal problems, and you probably will since dogs have sensitive stomachs. In that case, vets recommend these three steps - calling them, adding pumpkin, or just doing nothing.

Calling your vet

Contacting your vet and asking for advice is not the first thing you should do. You can observe your dog’s symptoms, and if they are not gone in 24 hours, you should call your vet and ask for advice.

Adding plain canned pumpkin

Depending on your dog’s size, you can add plain canned pumpkin to their everyday meal. Pumpkin contains fiber that will harden your dog’s stool.

Doing nothing

Most dog stomach problems will go away on their own. Sometimes, just doing nothing is the best possible course of action. Give your dog plenty of water and observe their symptoms.

Dogs have delicate stomachs, and different things can upset them and cause them to vomit. There is a difference between serious problems and just relieving their upset stomach. Here is something that can help you learn the difference: Dog Vomiting: Reasons, Symptoms & Diagnose.

Pepto-Bismol dosage for dogs

If you decide to “self-medicate,” you must give your dog the right Pepto-Bismol dosage. Giving them too little won’t benefit your dog in any way, and giving them too much can cause an overdose that can be fatal.

The proper dosage can be seen in this chart.

The general formula for liquid Pepto-Bismol is 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds. Chewable capsules are different, and they should be given like this - 8,5 mg for every pound a dog weighs. Check out the Pepto-Bismol tablet dosage chart for dogs.

Each tablet is 262 mg.

Having a medicine cabinet at home is always a good idea, and adding medications that can aid you and your dog is even a better one. Check out the latest price on Pepto-Bismol for dogs. 

What are the side effects of Pepto-Bismol for dogs?

Getting the right dosage and avoiding overdose is the most important part, and remember to keep a close eye on your dog after giving them Pepto-Bismol, especially if it is their first time. There are some possible side effects, but they are usually pretty mild and not dangerous. Possible Pepto-Bismol side effects for your dog are:

• Black, grey, or green stool
• Constipation
• Darkened tongue
• Gastric bleeding (in rare cases)

It is essential that you know how to spot signs and symptoms of overdose if something happens. Keep a close eye on:

• Vomiting
• Fever
• Bloody stool
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Collapse
• Rapid breathing

There is another popular OTC medication given to dogs - Benadryl. Here is what you need to know about giving Benadryl to dogs.

Are there any alternatives?

Pepto-Bismol is not the only over-the-counter medication that is safe for dogs. There are plenty of safer options, and vets will most likely tell you about them. Pepto-Bismol can cause bleeding in rare cases, and if your dog’s stool turns black, the bleeding might be hard to notice. The possible alternatives are Pepcid and Imodium.

Pepcid

Pepcid is an OTC medication for stomach relief. The main difference is it has different active ingredients. It is a safe option for dog stomach problems, and vets will probably tell you to use that instead of Pepto. Pepcid should be administered like this - 5 mg per 10 pounds of dog weight.

Imodium

Imodium is yet another OTC medication often given to dogs and “prescribed” for diarrhea. It is a loperamide-based drug that should be administered like this - 1 mg for 20 pounds of dog’s body weight. Check with your vet first if Imodium is specifically safe for your dog.

World Dog Finder team