Pepto Bismol for Dogs
If your dog has ever come down with stomach problems, you’ve probably wondered about Pepto Bismol for dogs. After all, Pepto Bismol promises to cure nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea – and their commercials made sure nobody could ever forget it.
But is Pepto Bismol safe for dogs? Can Pepto Bismol help with canine diarrhea and gas?
The answer is a surprising yes Pepto Bismol is safe for Dogs. However, it’s not really recommended. The main ingredient in Pepto Bismol is something called bismuth, which is what causes a person’s stool to turn black, the dreaded side effect of taking Pepto Bismol. In dogs, it has been known to cause gastric bleeding.
According to the American Kennel Club’s chief veterinary officer Dr. Jerry Klein, if Pepto Bismol must be given to a dog, they should only have one or two doses before a veterinarian is consulted. A veterinarian may recommend a different product for helping ease your dog’s stomach issues.
It’s also important to note that dogs that already have bleeding disorders and pregnant dogs or dogs that recently given birth should not take Pepto Bismol under any circumstance. And as a side note, never give Pepto Bismol to your cat because it’s toxic and can prove fatal.
How Much Pepto Bismol to Give a Dog
Giving a dose of Pepto Bismol to your dog will not be fatal and can actually make their stomach problems go away. The recommended dose is a single teaspoon for every 10 pounds. This can be given to your dog every six to eight hours.
However, if your dog still has a problem with diarrhea after taking a few doses, stop giving them Pepto Bismol and call your veterinarian right away. It’s also important that you check with your veterinarian first to confirm the dosage before administering the medicine.
How to Give a Dog Pepto Bismol
To give your dog Pepto Bismol, we recommend an empty plastic syringe with no needle. Put the dosage inside the syringe, open your dog’s mouth, and squirt the Pepto Bismol onto the back of their tongue. And of course, you must hold the dog’s mouth shut so that they swallow the medicine.
What Foods Can You Give a Sick Dog?
There are a number of human foods that you can give your dog. If your dog has a mild upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, gas, or constipation, you can try Pepto Bismol, or you can choose a more natural remedy. There are four great foods to feed your dog when they’re sick.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin: Pumpkin is one of the best foods to help your dog’s digestive system. Because pumpkin comes high in fiber, it’s a good way to flush the system and get your dog’s digestive tract back on track.
The pumpkin should be cooked, peeled, unseasoned, and unsalted. Make sure the pumpkin is natural. This way it contains vitamin E, iron, magnesium, dietary fibre, vitamin A and C, potassium, and much more.
Bone Broth
Bone Broth: Bone broth is known to settle an upset stomach. It works for humans and it works for dogs. Bone broth is also nutritious and yummy, and it’s the ideal way to add a splash of moisture and flavour to a dog’s meal, encouraging them to eat even if they have some tummy issues or are lacking an appetite.
Chicken And Rice
Chicken & Rice: Chicken and rice can be found in a lot of different dog foods. Chicken with rice is a mild meal that will sit gently in your dog’s stomach, therefore not upsetting it any more than it already is. It’s also a nice treat to give a sick dog to cheer them up.
When cooking chicken and rice for your dog, be sure all the chicken is boneless and skinless. We also recommend using the best quality of chicken breast – not chicken wings or something like that. Definitely no chicken nuggets.
Baby Food
Baby Food: Believe it or not, baby food is excellent for a sick dog. Baby food is soft, easy to swallow, easy on digestion, and easily given orally. If your dog doesn’t want to eat or is having trouble keeping food down, try meat-based baby food such as chicken or turkey.
When choosing baby food for your dog, make sure the recipe does not contain any garlic or onion powder, elsewise you could make your dog even sicker than it already is.
What Over the Counter Drugs Can I Give My Dog?
Besides Pepto Bismol, there are a few over the counter, also known as OTC, drugs that can be given to your dog.
Imodium for Dogs
Imodium: Imodium helps resolve issues with diarrhea. Imodium can be given in a tablet wrapped in a piece of food. Try a 2-mg pill per 40 pounds of weight between two and three times a day. If diarrhea persists, the medication isn’t working.
Pepcid For Dogs
Pepcid: Pepcid is considered a standard medication for canines. It’s actually recommended by a lot of vets. When your dog has any kind of stomach or gastrointestinal issue, even something like acid buildup and gastric ulcers, Pepcid can help.
A single 10-mg tablet for every 20 pounds can be given roughly every 12 to 24 hours. Give this medicine before a meal. Also, be sure that you only purchase Pepcid Original Strength, as the maximum strength stuff contains additional active ingredients that dog’s won’t agree with.
Tums for Dogs
Tums are considered safe for dogs. Check out our Tums Article here.
Why Does My Dog have Diarrhea?
There are a lot of reasons why a dog might have diarrhea. Usually, it’s something simple like an intestinal infection from a virus, bacteria, or coccidia. Your dog could also get intestinal worms. One of the most common reasons a dog gets diarrhea is from eating garbage or other foods that it shouldn’t be eating.
That being said, dogs can also get diarrhea from stress. Changes in the dog’s environment, travelling, and being on an airplane can all give your dog acute diarrhea.
On the nastier side of the spectrum, diarrhea can be a sign of something serious like a bacterial or viral infection, an intestinal disease, an organ dysfunction, or some other serious systemic illness.
The severity of diarrhea will depend on how long diarrhea has persisted. Bloody diarrhea is a huge red flag. If your dog experiences other symptoms such as weakness, fever, or abdominals pain, you need to see your veterinarian right away.
Source – https://vetmeds.org/pet-poison-control-list/bismuth-subsalicylate/