Can Dogs Have Tums?
When your dog is suffering from a tummy ache, it’s hard to know what to do. You may want to turn to human remedies, like Tums.
But can dogs have Tums? Yes, dogs can Have tums. Believe it or not, Tums can be given to your dog to help with digestion issues. However, it’s not a permanent fix. It’s also not the ideal treatment.
There are definitely safer ways to settle a dog’s stomach. Also, you should always consult a veterinarian before giving your dog human medicine, even if you read that it’s OK on the Internet. But if you’re in a tight spot and you need to settle your dog’s tummy ache, be sure to understand what exactly Tums do.
If your dog’s stomach is really upset you may need to consult a vet. We don’t try to play veterinarian on the internet, we do a lot of quality research and present it to you as information. Please make sure you check with your vet.
We also have an article on what human foods a dog can eat. It’s not a full list but we are building it out. So check it to make sure before you give your dog something dangerous.
Should I Give My Dog Tums?
Tums may help to treat discomfort caused by heartburn, diarrhea, and stomach problems. The active ingredient in Tums helps humans by reducing the extra stomach acid in our bellies. However, things are a bit different with dogs. Because they digest things faster than us, the Tums may not even work. They may pass straight through the digestive system.
That being said, it is worth a try if your dog has an upset tummy. Dogs don’t experience many side effects from Tums. The only negative side effects include constipation and loose stool, though these are rare. Still, this is why it’s always recommended to talk to a vet before giving your dog any medicine.
How Much Tums to Give a Dog?
The actual dosage for how much Tums to give a dog varies depending on the exact Tums you have, how big your dog is, and how sick they’re feeling. As a general rule, you can give a medium dog between 2 and 4 grams of Tums over a period of 24 hours. For bigger dogs, up the dosage to between 4 and 6. Then for smaller dogs, take it way down to about 1200 mgs.
Can Tums Kill My Dog?
Tums are probably not going to kill your dog. Even if your dog accidentally gets ahold of way too many Tums, they probably don’t need to be rushed to the vet. Even eating a lot of Tums tablets won’t cause any significant health issues. There isn’t anything poisonous or toxic in Tums that can kill a dog.
However, too many Tums will likely cause severe constipation and an even more upset stomach for the rest of the day.
As a side note, be sure to never give a puppy Tums. Puppies aren’t fully developed yet and shouldn’t be given anything not first approved by a vet!
What Antacid Can I Give My Dog?
One of the best antacids to give a dog, the one most frequently recommended by veterinarians, is Pepcid, the brand name of the drug famotidine. This stuff can be given to a dog to help with a wide variety of stomach issues.
In dogs, Pepcid works to reduce how much stomach acid is produced. This helps the treatment of things like ulcers and acid reflux. But as with everything, always consult your veterinarian first. If everything’s okay, Pepcid can be ordered and shipped right to your door.
You can also try Pepto Bismol. It’s not widely recommended, and it shouldn’t be given to dogs on any kind of frequent basis, but it has been known to work. Pepto Bismol can help with indigestion and a general upset stomach.
Imodium is sometimes used by dogs suffering from diarrhea. Imodium is known for having the main side effect of causing constipation. In dogs with diarrhea, this is a good thing. However, Imodium is serious business and should only be given with approval from your vet.
What Can I Give My Dog for An Upset Stomach?
If you’re not interested in giving your dog drugs to settle their upset stomach, there are some foods that can get the job done just as well.
Chicken & rice is recommended for dinner, as it’s a mild food and will sit peacefully inside your dog’s stomach. Shredded chicken is also recommended because it’s easy to digest and filled with the best vitamins and minerals. Shredded chicken is also a good snack for dogs feeling a little green.
The best snack for a sick dog is pumpkin. Either pumpkin treats or even pureed pumpkin can have very positive effects on your dog’s stomach. Pumpkin is also extremely healthy for dogs, filled with dietary fibre and vitamins.
If your dog is feeling under the weather, always try some natural home remedies first before resorting to chemical drugs. A well-cooked meal or a bowl of pumpkin can work just as well as Tums or Pepto Bismol.
Natural Dog Cure for Upset Stomach
One of the best cures for an upset dog stomach is time. Unless your dog is experiencing violent symptoms, such as vomiting and explosive diarrhea, you should probably just let its stomach settle on its own. If the issue is mild, simply let your dog fast for the rest of the day until they are feeling better.
Fasting is the best natural cure for an upset stomach. You don’t have to starve your dog. Be sure to introduce small bits of food after the period of fasting is over. You can also try feeding your dog yummy treats that are good for its digestion, such as high-fibre pumpkin snacks.
If your dog experiences digestion issues all the time or suffers from an upset stomach frequently, there may be a larger issue that needs to be solved. You may need to adjust your dogs diet or seek the advice of your veterinarian because you could be dealing with a more severe medical issue.
It may be because of other foods like hot dogs, pepperoni or olives that your dog’s stomach was upset. Check out our what human foods can dogs eat article to stay ahead of the food issues.