Pepto Bismol for dogs is good for short-term relief of digestive issues.
Problems like diarrhea seem to strike on the weekend, when there is no veterinarian around. What that happens, you want a stop gap to help relieve your dog’s stomach issues.
This post will guide you through some crucial tips on administering pepto bismol for dogs.
It should only be a short-term solution until you can get your dog into the veterinarian’s office, especially if you’re not sure what is causing the problem.
You’ll learn how much Pepto Bismol to give your dog, when it’s okay to give it, and when you should think twice. Your dog’s health is important, and there are some vital things for you to consider when diarrhea strikes.
How Much Pepto for Dogs is Okay?
There is no standardized dosing for dogs. However, there is anecdotal evidence that suggests a dosage of 1 teaspoon for every 20 pounds of animal weight does the trick.
If you’ve never given your dog Pepto Bismol before, it’s always better to give a little less than the recommended dose.
Wait and see if your dog can tolerate the medicine before giving any more.
The main ingredient in Pepto Bismol is called Bismuth Subsalicylate. It works like an antacid and relieves inflammation and irritation of the intestines.
When given to dogs, this over-the-counter medication helps bind the dog’s stool.
Pepto Bismol is an anti-inflammatory liquid (or chewable) medication designed to relieve the discomfort of gastrointestinal upset in people.
It can be used in dogs with caution, and only for a short time.
Is Your Dog Eating TOO Fast?
Dogs who eat too fast may experience gastrointestinal problems. Many people are using specialty bowls like Outward Hound Fun Feeders.
They are designed to trap food making it harder for your dog to get the food out. He still gets the food…but it takes him a normal amount of time to eat it. Check it out.
Can I Give My Dog Pepto Bismol?
Use Pepto Bismol for Dogs With Caution. Although extremely rare, the salicylate in Pepto Bismol is thought to be associated with Reye Syndrome, a serious disease that causes inflammation of the brain and liver.
Early signs of Reye Syndrome include vomiting, weakness, confusion, and seizures.
Administering Pepto Bismol for longer than a day or two can mask other symptoms (like blood in the stool) that shouldn’t be overlooked.
To save yourself a huge mess in your home and relieve your dog for a couple of days, Pepto Bismol might be the answer. Before administering Pepto Bismol for dogs, however, you should consider the following:
What Other Conditions Does My Dog Have?
Dogs who have bleeding disorders (von Willebrand’s Disease) should never be given Pepto Bismol to treat diarrhea. Pepto Bismol has anticoagulant properties (blood thinning) that could be dangerous for some dogs.
Never give your dog Pepto Bismol and aspirin together or within hours of each other because of the risk of an interaction.
Pregnant or nursing dogs should never be given anything that hasn’t been cleared by a licensed veterinarian first.
A quick phone call to the veterinarian will help you determine the right thing to do for your dog.
Pepto Bismol for dogs is fine for the short-term, provided there’s nothing else going on that you weren’t aware of.
When You Speak with a Veterinarian…
The veterinarian will likely want to know a few things about your dog’s condition, including:
When the Diarrhea Started and Whether Your Dog is Eating and Drinking Normally
Your veterinarian will ask these questions to determine if your dog is at risk of dehydration or if there might be something else going on.
What the Diarrhea Looks Like
In order to sort out what might be happening within the dog’s digestive tract, the vet will likely ask about the appearance of the stool.
When answering, think about the color, consistency, and whether you noticed undigested food or blood. In some cases, Pepto Bismol for dogs may not be the answer.
How is Your Dog Acting?
The veterinarian will want to know if your dog has been eating and drinking normally. He/she will be curious about your dog’s energy level and whether your dog seems otherwise normal.
Has Your Dog Developed a Sudden Limp?
This may seem like an unusual question, but it’s the vet’s way of trying to determine whether cancer is a possibility.
Cancers like osteosarcoma affect the bones and can cause sudden pain and limping in some dogs. Continuing Pepto Bismol for dogs can sometimes mask hidden diseases.
Does Your Dog Have a Fever
One of the first things the veterinarian will do is take your dog’s temperature. Normal temperature for a dog is 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. A fever in dogs could signal any number of things including infection and illness.
Are Your Dog’s Lymph Nodes Swollen?
The veterinarian will want to check your dog’s front and back lymph nodes for signs of swelling. Swollen lymph nodes can signal a variety of conditions including cancer, allergies, lymphoma, etc.
Swollen lymph nodes in a dog could also signal a weakened immune system.
Try Anti-Diarrhea Medicine Formulated for Dogs
Small doses of Pepto Bismol for dogs over the short-term (1 day or within 24 hours) is fine, but the active compound turns the stool black, which can mask some underlying conditions.
If you have a dog that gets an upset stomach from time-to-time, you might want to consider buying antacid and antidiarrheal medications specially formulated for dogs.
Ask your veterinarian for suggestions or stop by a reputable pet store.
Veterinarian Recommended Options for Diarrhea in Dogs
VETIONX Probiotics
This is a quality company with an on-site veterinarian accessible to dog owners.
All you have to do is ask. You’ll fill out a brief form to give the veterinarian an idea of your dog’s needs. Soon, you’ll receive suggestions to help your dog get on the road to recovery.
When using quality probiotics and additive-free foods, pepto bismol for dogs may not be necessary.
Fortiflora For Dogs – Purina
My dog had a recent bout of diarrhea and this product worked better than I could have imagined. This product is also safe to administer with an antibiotic prescribed by the veterinarian.
We tried pepto bismol for dogs for two days before we were able to see the veterinarian.
Dealing With a Worst-Case Scenario
The worst-case scenario would be to overlook the real cause of your dog’s stomach upset, particularly if something serious is happening.
Continuing to use any product, including Pepto Bismol, when it is clearly not working, will lead to rapid dehydration in your dog. Your dog could have internal bleeding made worse by the medication.
In some cases, your dog could have another underlying condition that’s never been diagnosed before.
Never give your dog Pepto Bismol for more than a day.
Continuing illness requires a workup by a veterinarian to rule-out potentially dangerous causes.
Liquid Pepto Bismol for Dogs
Pepto Bismol comes in a variety of options including tablets or liquid. The choice is up to you, depending on how easily your dog will take medicine.
Once you’ve established the right dosage (1 teaspoon for every 20 pounds), you can then use a syringe to ease liquid suspension into your dog’s mouth, or use a tablet that the dog can chew.
Fussy eaters or dogs with no appetite might need to be tempted by hiding the tablet or capsule in a treat
Don’t Overdo a Good Thing
Stop administering Pepto Bismol to your dog the minute you notice signs of recovery, even if they are subtle. Watch for:
- Return of appetite
- Energy increase
- Eyes are bright
- Moist nose
- Pink, healthy gums
Dogs can become dehydrated quickly. Watch for these signs:
- excessive panting
- weakness
- sunken eyes
- pale gums
- dry nose
Do not hesitate to supplement your dog with Pedialyte (the same solution used for infants) or an over-the-counter solution made specifically for dogs.
The dosage of Pedialyte for dogs depends on the size. On average, you could administer about 1/2 cup three times a day as a supplement while the dog is sick.
When to Make an Appointment with the Veterinarian
If you’ve been administering Pepto Bismol to your dog for 24 hours and there is no change, or if you stop the treatment and the symptoms quickly return, call the vet.
The Side Effects of Pepto Bismol in Dogs
Sensitivity to the active ingredient could cause any of the following side-effects to varying degrees. Keep in mind these reactions are from human consumption.
However, your dog could also have a reaction to the medication.
- confusion
- constipation (severe, after ending the treatment)
- the return of diarrhea
- lethargic
- restlessness or anxiety
Frequent Tummy Troubles Related To Diet?
The problem with most dog diets is that they are high in fat and low in protein. Add in a mixture of additives, flavorings, and sugar, and your dog could be experiencing diarrhea more often that you’d like.
Making your own doggy meals is nice…
But who has the time? Unless you’re a registered nutritionist and really know what you’re doing, how can you be sure your dog is getting the right mix of nutrients and calories?
It might sound more expensive at first, but when you factor in convenience, quality, customization, and your dog’s general health and well-being, ordering from NOMNOMNOW or Ollie Pets suddenly makes sense.
The best thing is that it’s risk free, they both offer up-front discounts, and you totally have your say on what recipes you want to pick from. They have delicious food toppers to keep your little pooch happy.
The best thing is portion size. Everything comes to you already pre-portioned. That way, you know you’re not going to make your dog fat (which is really easy to do!)
Dog Breeds with Tummy Issues
Dog breeds known to have tummy issues include:
- Great Danes
- German Shepherds
- Golden retrievers
- Collies
Why Most Dogs Get Sick
Not everything is an emergency, and there are some common reasons why your dog has fallen ill. For example:
- He ate something nasty out of the garbage can
- He swallowed something from outside (toxic plant for example)
- He got into some chocolate (potential danger depending on the amount of cocoa and the size of the dog)
- An allergic reaction to something
- A sudden change in food
- Vaccination side-effect
Treating Dehydration at Home
Dogs are about 60% water, and they can become easily dehydrated, especially if they are suffering with diarrhea and vomiting.
A dehydrated dog is missing important electrolytes (sodium, chloride, and potassium) which need replacing. Dehydration can go from mild to severe quickly, which is why it’s best not to hesitate on getting your dog to the vet.
If you can’t get in right away, diluted Pedialyte (the same solution used for sick infants) is a good but temporary measure. Of course, the best products to use are veterinarian recommended and formulated for dogs.
Canine Formulated Dehydration Solutions
Summary
You know your dog better than anybody! In most cases of mild stomach upset, it’s going to clear up quickly and on its own.
Don’t let it continue without medical advice from a veterinarian after the first 24 hours. If you suspect something else is happening, don’t hesitate to get a medical opinion as soon as possible.
Keep the number to Poison Control in a prominent place and always read the label’s drug information before administering.
Now that you know how to administer Pepto Bismol for dogs and the kinds of conditions to watch for, why not share with other dog lovers? This is information everybody can use.
I hope you enjoyed my post and I look forward to writing for you again.
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