Pepto Bismol for Dogs Guide [2023 Dosage and Side Effects]

Just like humans, your dog can develop stomach problems. Diarrhea, constipation, an upset stomach can be painful and can even make your dog uncomfortable. If your dog has chronic stomach problems, you will need to visit your vet for diagnosis and treatment. But if it is not a chronic type, Pepto-Bismol for dogs can help your pup recover at home.

This medication can help your pet feel better. To know more about Pepto Bismol for dogs, read on. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about this medication.

3 options to give your dog Pepto Bismol

In this article post, we’ll look at how pet parents can use over-the-counter (otc) medicine to relieve the stomach issues of their pet. Can you give a dog Pepto Bismol, how it works, side effects, and dosage for your pup’s stomach pain relief? Dig into the details or click the links to go directly to the product you need:

1. Pepto Bismol Liquid
2. Pepto Bismol Chewable Tablets
3. Pepto Bismol Caplets

Pepto Bismol Caplets

Pepto-Bismol caplets for relieving indigestion, upset stomach, and diarrhea in dogs and humans. When your dog has an upset stomach caplets providing quick digestive relief from upset stomach, indigestion, and diarrhea. It is considered a fairly safe and healthy over-the-counter medication. If your dog has diarrhea after a few doses, consult your vet. Not recommended for dogs that have intestinal bleeding.

 

Origin of Pepto Bismol Medication

Pepto-Bismol was first sold by Norwich Pharmaceutical Company as Bismosal Mixture Cholera Infantum. It became Pepto-Bismol in 1919 and was sold to Procter and Gamble with its 1982 acquisition of Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals. Procter and Gamble still manufacture Pepto Bismol. This medication provides effective relief of many stomach problem symptoms. It is available in liquid, chewable tablets, and swallowable caplets. Also, it can be used to treat diarrhea and provides fast relief for upset stomach and indigestion.

What is Pepto-Bismol?

This is an oral medication used to treat diarrhea and relieve the symptoms of an upset stomach. A familiar over-the-counter pill used to treat digestive problems in humans and dogs. It is available in Tablets, Caplets, and liquid formulations. Bismuth subsalicylate, which is a derivative of aspirin or salicylic acid, is the active ingredient.

How important is Pepto Bismol for dogs

Problems such as upset stomach and diarrhea seem to happen on the weekends when there is no vet around. You can help relieve your dog’s pain with Pepto Bismol for dog’s diarrhea and help ease your dog’s stomach problems. Pepto-Bismol for dogs can do an excellent good job of curbing diarrhea and an upset stomach. This medication is effective in relieving your dog of an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting due to stress or eating the wrong food. For example, some dogs may eat from the cat’s litter box. But if symptoms appear unexpectedly or seem severe, it is recommended to skip the drug and consult your vet.

And for minor cases such as indigestion, gas, and mild diarrhea, Pepto can help ease discomfort and, in some cases, stop symptoms. The active ingredient in medicine which is bismuth subsalicylate is not toxic to dogs. It is recommended that you use liquid medicine instead of tablets when using this medication to treat digestive problems in pets.

Facts about Pepto Bismol for dogs

It can be used to treat your dog’s upset stomach the same way we use it for humans to feel better when we have an upset stomach.

Is Pepto Bismol safe for dogs? Yes. This medicine is best recognized by its unique formula, a pink liquid flavored with teaberry. Also, you can get it in chewable tablets and caplet formula.

• It is the most important variety of bismuth subsalicylate.
• Some bismuth subsalicylate brands have different formulas, so don’t treat them interchangeably.
• It is both an oral anti-inflammatory and an antacid.
• When used correctly, the medication is safe for both humans and dogs.
• It can be bought without a prescription, but consult your veterinarian before giving it to your dog, as some dogs should not take this medication.

Pepto Bismol Dosage for Dogs

Like humans, dogs can have indigestion, diarrhea, or an upset stomach. And like us, they can get relief by ingesting this medicine. Corrective Suspension is a kind of Pepto Bismol particularly formulated for dogs. Your dog can also take the same over-the-counter drug that people take. You need to adjust the Pepto-Bismol dosage by weight for dogs as dogs vary much more than humans.

How much Pepto to give a dog? According to the veterinarian, the recommended dose is a teaspoon for every 10 pounds. It can be administered every 6 to 8 hours. When dosing by weight for general stomach upset or diarrhea. The standard liquid formula of Pepto Bismol is recommended at the rate of one teaspoon for every 3 kilograms of dog. When administering the medication, it is advised to give at the rate of 8.5 mg per kilo every 6 to 8 hours, unless your vet recommends a particular dose. If the problem persists after a few doses, you should stop the medication and contact your veterinarian.

Remember, just like any other medication, do not give a double dose to make up for the dose you forgot. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, except it is very close to the next dose. This can lead to an overdose and complications. It is important to ask your veterinarian about the proper dosage for your particular pet dog’s condition. There are different kinds of Pepto Bismol, with different strengths. So giving exact dosage information is not good.

If your dog has stomach problems then you might seal off one area of your home with a retractable dog gate to limit the potential damage due to accidents.

Pepto-Bismol dosage by weight for dogs liquid

Dog weight (lbs)	Dosage (Teaspoons)
10	1
20	2
30	3
40	4
50	5
60	6
70	7
80	8
90	9
100	10

One teaspoon per 10 pounds of weight

Pepto-Bismol dosage by weight for dogs tablets or caplets

Precautions and Side Effects of Pepto Bismol

It is generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian. But it can cause side effects in some dogs. Side effects of this medicine for dogs are rare and generally mild. The common side effects include oddly colored stools, constipation, and a blackened tongue. If your dog is short of breath or showing any of these symptoms, you should consult your veterinarian immediately. Inform him of all prescription medications your dog is taking, including Pepto Bismol. They can test for gastric bleeding or other uncommon complications. The following are the Precautions to be taken when giving your dog this drug.

• It should not be used in dogs with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
• Dog owners should be aware that the bismuth compound causes discoloration, usually darkening, of dog feces.
• Avoid this drug if your dog is allergic to aspirin or other salicylates.
• It can react with other drugs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other medications your dog is taking could react with it. These medications include steroids, tetracycline, aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Pepto Bismol products for dogs

Now that you have a good understanding of Pepto Bismol for dogs. And you now feel more confident that this product could be a great option for treating your dog’s stomach problems. It is best to consult your vet before using it to treat your dog’s upset stomach. Below are in-depth reviews of Pepto Bismol products for dogs, along with their pros, cons, and quick links to the products.

1. Pepto Bismol Liquid

Pepto Bismol Liquid is an antacid and a popular stomach soother in humans. It is usually kept in medicine cabinets for digestive problems and can also be given to dogs. You can give it to your dog for stomach problems, with some precautions. If your dog has never taken it before, check with your veterinarian before dosing. The recommended dose to take Pepto Bismol is 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds. You can give it every 6 to 8 hours. Here are the pros and cons of Pepto Bismol for Dogs.

Pros

• Pepto’s coating action calms and soothes your dog’s stomach by providing fast relief for stomach problems.
• It is easy to administer to your dog.
• It helps relieve an upset stomach, reduce gas, or even relieve diarrhea in dogs.
• It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Cons

• Not recommended for pregnant and lactating dogs.

2. Pepto Bismol Chewable Tablets

Pepto Bismol chewable tablets are made from the same active ingredient as the liquid version. Its coating action soothes and calms the stomach. Providing rapid digestive relief from indigestion, upset stomach, and diarrhea. When it comes to pet stomach problems, it is usually the most effective for treating diarrhea. Pepto Bismol tablets for dogs dosage is 1 tablet (262 mg) for a 30-pound dog every 6 to 8 hours:

Pros

• It relieves your dog’s stomach problems and calms the digestive tract. Providing effective relief from stomach upset and diarrhea.
• Pepto Bismol Chewable tablets are a convenient way to get quick relief from upset stomach symptoms.
• It is a trusted name in treating an upset stomach in humans and dogs.

Cons

• Dogs don’t like to chew the tablet.

 

3. Pepto Bismol Caplets

Pepto-Bismol caplets (Pepto Bismol tablets) are used to relieve indigestion, upset stomach, and diarrhea in humans and dogs. When your dog has an upset stomach. Pepto Bismol caplets coating action will calm the symptoms. By providing quick digestive relief from upset stomach, indigestion, and diarrhea. It is considered a fairly safe and healthy over-the-counter medication. Tablet dosage: It can be offered to the dog every 6 to 8 hours, but if your dog still has diarrhea after a few doses, discontinue the medication and consult your vet. The following are the pros and cons of Pepto Bismol Caplets.

Active Ingredient: Bismuth Subsalicylate (262 mg, 99 mg of salicylate per caplet). Inactive Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Stearate, Mannitol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Polysorbate 80, Povidone, Red 27 Aluminum Lake, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium Starch Glycolate.

Pros

• This is one of the best brands recommended by pharmacists for an upset stomach.
• The tablets provide quick and effective relief from indigestion, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

Cons

• It is not recommended for dogs that have intestinal bleeding.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Pepto Bismol for Dogs

Caring for dogs means that you need to know some basic things that you can do at home. Of course, going to the vet when necessary is important, but some simple remedies can make life a lot easier for your sick dog. But, not all owners consider this drug. This is only because there is some confusion about how it works. I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Pepto Bismol for dogs in the following paragraphs.

Is Pepto Bismol good for a dog’s upset stomach?

One of the hardest parts of dealing with your pup’s upset stomach is that they can’t tell you that their stomach hurts. But, if you know what to look out for, you can always spot symptoms before the problem becomes severe. This is an excellent over-the-counter pill that can be used to treat a dog’s upset stomach.

The medication is generally safe for dogs, but that does not mean you should administer it to your dog without consulting your vet first. Never give your pet over-the-counter human medication without your veterinarian’s consent. Your veterinarian knows your pup’s medical conditions and health history, so he can decide what is and is not safe for your particular dog.

Some veterinary are hesitant to recommend the medicine for dogs. This is because the drug’s salicylates could cause gastric bleeding in some pups. Also, the bismuth in the drug usually causes dog stools to turn black, making it very difficult to detect blood in a dog’s stool, a sign of gastric bleeding.

What do you give a dog with an upset stomach?

No responsible dog owner will like to see his furry pal suffer in pain without being his normal playful self. We all want to see our furry pals feeling better ASAP and without breaking the bank. And one such problem is when our furry pals have an upset stomach. They may be throwing up, sleeping, or just lying down without being their normal happy selves. Staring at you with those big, sad puppy eyes, as if asking you to help him feel better. The good news is that there are home remedies for dogs with an upset stomach. You can give your dog this drug to treat an upset stomach, but not without consulting your vet. Avoid dog diarrhea home remedies before consulting your vet.

What kind of Pepto Bismol Can I give my dog?

Pepto Bismol is available in different forms:

• liquids,
• chewable tablets, and
• swallowable capsules.

It’s also available in different strengths, including baby formulas and extra potent formulas. Here you need to be very careful to make sure you are giving your dog the correct dosage.

You should be careful if you are giving your dog the max-strength version of Pepto Bismol. This version has a double concentration of bismuth subsalicylate. Making it very easy for your dog to accidentally overdose. And if you are administering it in a liquid form, the easiest way to give it is to fill a syringe and cautiously inject it into your dog’s mouth.

Pepto Bismol administered in a chewable tablet form can be masked with a simple piece of bread, sweet ham, or any other soft food. But, if your dog is not eating, he will likely not take in the medication, and the liquid form may be the best choice.

Will Pepto Bismol hurt my dog?

If you are a little more careful like me, you might be wondering if giving this product to your dog is a good idea. After all, it is human medicine, and many dog owners have been conditioned to keep human medicines away from their pets. The simple answer to this question is no, it won’t hurt your dog. That being said, you shouldn’t give your dog any medication without consulting with your vet. You should definitely be aware that this medication is actually intended for humans. You don’t need to give it to your dog regularly, but it’s most likely okay to give it once or twice without feeling bad.

According to veterinarians, this drug is generally safe for dogs. Though, there are some concerns and risks associated with giving it to dogs. Of course, there are no rules that come without exceptions. You should not give the medicine to your dog if she is taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If she is pregnant or nursing, or she is at risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. If any of these apply to your dog, you need to be careful.

What can you give a dog for throwing up?

Tummy troubles such as upset stomach and diarrhea seem to happen on the weekends when there is no vet around. When this happens, you want to relieve your dog’s stomach problems. Pepto-Bismol for dogs can do an excellent good job of curbing diarrhea and an upset stomach. This medication is effective in relieving your dog of an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting due to stress or eating the wrong food. But if symptoms appear unexpectedly or seem severe, it is recommended to skip it and consult your vet, as mentioned above in “what to give a dog for upset stomach.”

When dogs throw up or have diarrhea you could switch their diet to dog food that helps to gain weight.

Can dog overdose on Pepto-Bismol?

The simple answer to this question is yes, your dog may overdose on Pepto-Bismol. If your pup accidentally ingests too much Pepto Bismol, you must contact an emergency vet immediately. This is because the compounds in this drug can poison your dog if he consumed large amounts of it, which can be life-threatening. Can Pepto Bismol kill a dog? Not very likely but you need to contact an emergency vet as soon as possible. The following are the signs of Pepto-Bismol overdose in dogs:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or bloody stools
• Fast breathing

How do you give your Dog Pepto Bismol?

To give your dog liquid Pepto Bismol, use a plastic feeding syringe. Remember, this medication is not a flavor that dogs like, so its dosages need a few tricks. The best way to give your dog this medicine is to use an empty plastic syringe (with no needle) to give your dog the medication. Hold your dog’s head in its usual position; gently pull back your dog’s upper lip to reveal the upper teeth. Place the syringe at the side of your dog’s top tooth, place the syringe so that it is entirely in the mouth and directed at an angle toward your dog’s throat. Then, slowly squirt the liquid into your dog’s mouth. And gently close the dog muzzle for a second to make sure he swallows it.

You can divide the dose into several squirts if your dog is having trouble swallowing the medication. If you have chewable tablets, you can hide the dose in your dog treat.

How Does Pepto Bismol Work?

It is good to know how a particular medication works before giving it to your furry pal. But, in the case of Pepto Bismol, we are looking at a drug that works mainly through an ingredient known as bismuth subsalicylate. The substance that helps gives Pepto Bismol antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities. It can treat the symptoms of different digestive problems. But we don’t really know the way it works. The exact mechanism of how this drug works is not fully mapped out, but we have some idea of how it works, and the following is our idea on how it works.

• It stimulates your dog intestinal wall to soak up fluids and electrolytes
• It also reduces the hypermotility of the dog’s stomach.

Does Pepto Bismol contain xylitol?

A few years ago, rumors surfaced on social media that the manufacturers of the Pepto-Bismol had added xylitol to the product.

The post claims that the formula has changed to contain xylitol, which is very toxic to dogs. To verify this, we did some research and also checked the list of active ingredients on a Pepto Bismol bottle. Xylitol is not on the list.

Procter and Gamble, the company that makes Pepto Bismol, also confirmed that they haven’t been any changes to the list of ingredients. This means that this statement on social media is false. According to the manufacturer, Pepto Bismol does not contain xylitol. But before trying to soothe your dog’s upset stomach, it is recommended that you consult your vet and make sure what you are giving to your furry pal is safe.

What dogs should avoid Pepto Bismol?

Though Pepto Bismol can be beneficial, it can do more harm than good in certain conditions to some dogs. There are some cases where it can be harmful to dogs or make symptoms worse. That is why you must consult your veterinarian before giving it to your furry pals.

One of the ingredients in this medication is salicylic acid, also present in aspirin. Although salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties. It can as well cause gastric bleeding and an upset stomach. This medication also makes dog feces greenish-black in color. This can make it difficult to know if your dog’s stool contains bloodstain, a signal of a more serious health problem. The following are some other situations in which it can be dangerous for dogs:

• If your dog is taking other drugs, even over-the-counter medications can react negatively. This is true for medications like steroids and NSAIDs.
• Some medical conditions can be made worse by Pepto Bismol, so consult your veterinarian. Like dogs suffering from platelet disorder or bleeding disorder are at risk for complications.
• It may react negatively with dogs that suffer from gastrointestinal upset or those with weak stomachs.
• Those dogs that are allergic to Pepto Bismol and those allergic to aspirin should not take this medication.
• Those with pregnancy and those nursing should not take this drug without a veterinarian’s approval. Bismuth subsalicylate can be especially harmful to these dogs.

With this information, you now have a better understanding of how Pepto Bismol works and the benefits of Pepto Bismol for dogs. The next step is to consult your vet; your vet may consider many factors before recommending the right dosage that is safe for your furry pal. It is safe and effective for treating stomach problems in dogs. It works to relieve mild stomach problems or diarrhea in the short term. If your dog has a chronic gastrointestinal disease, seek professional help. Always check with your vet to make sure the information on this page applies to your dog’s condition.

Author: Terry Wildog – Dr. Terry is a professional veterinarian with 10 years of medical experience. He currently splits his time between part-time vet practice and writing educational material for pet parents. A passionate animal lover and expert content writer. He spent his whole life with pets, especially dogs.