Can My Dog Take Pepto-Bismol?

Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to getting sick such as getting indigestion, gas, or diarrhea. And like humans, when dogs get sick, they are not always taken to the vets, but they can be given safe medications that are intended for humans. Many dog owners self-medicate their canine friends for a lot of reasons, including the absence of budget for a vet visit, or no time to bring the dog to the vet because of a very hectic schedule.

WHAT TO GIVE TO YOUR DOG WITH AN UPSET STOMACH?

When your dog is suffering from an upset stomach, you can give your dog Pepto-Bismol medicine. Though it is mostly not recommended by professional vets, this medication does wonders to dogs in pain. But when your dog’s illness is not alleviated with Pepto-Bismol, you need to take your pooch to the vet right away, regardless of the situation. When stomach pain persists for your dog, there could be an underlying internal problem that needs to be addressed by a professional.

WHAT IS PEPTO-BISMOL?

Pepto-Bismol is the brand name of bismuth subsalicylate which is a human medication that is often safe for the use of dogs. It is also an oral anti-inflammatory and antacid that is used to alleviate diarrhea and stomach disorders.  However, there are vets who will not prescribe this medication because this treatment can lead to gastric bleeding due to the salicylates content, and the bismuth has the capability of turning a dog’s stool black, which could potentially mask the ongoing gastric bleeding.

If you really need to give your dog Pepto-Bismol, make sure that you will only give one dose and a maximum of two doses. But it is always best if you consult your dog’s vet first before administering this medication to your ailing canine companion. If you do visit the vet, it is highly likely that your pooch’s vet will prescribe the Corrective Suspension medication, which is a bismuth subsalicylate medication that is specially formulated for the use of dogs.

If your dog is pregnant or nursing, or is suffering from an internal bleeding disorder, never give your dog Pepto-Bismol, and never give your pooch non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents like the medications Deramaxx and Rimadyl.

PEPTO-BISMOL DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Pepto-Bismol is recommended to given to your dog in only one teaspoon dosage for every 10 pounds weight of your dog. You can give this medication to your dog every 6 to 8 hours interval, but of your furry friend is still suffering from stomachache or diarrhea after two dosages, it is best to bring your dog to the nearest vet office, or to your regular vet. If you have no time to go to the vet, simply call your dog’s vet and ask for the recommended dosage for your dog’s breed and size.

When administering the Pepto-Bismol medication to your ailing dog, use an empty no-needle plastic syringe. You need to carefully open your dog’s mouth and place the empty syringe at the back of your pooch’s tongue and push the plunger efficiently. Hold your dog’s nuzzle for a second or two in order to make sure that medicine is successfully swallowed. You may need assistance from another human being to make this process seamless, since your dog is more likely to decline your attempt to administer the medicine.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF PEPTO-BISMOL IN DOGS

It is indeed frustrating to watch your dog suffer from an upset stomach, especially when you know that you have Pepto-Bismol medication in your medicine counter that helps you when you have stomach disorder. Though Pepto-Bismol is a safe medication to treat your dog’s diarrhea and stomachache, you still need to consult your dog’s vet before you administer this human medication to your dog. There are potential side effects that could do more harm than good to your beloved pet.

The Pepto-Bismol can turn your dog’s poop into the color green, which will it make it harder to determine if your dog is suffering from internal bleeding that results is melena or blood in the stool. Melena is a black, tarry stool that can be an indication of a serious medical illness for your dog. But with Pepto-Bismol, it is not easy to distinguish melena because even if blood is present in the stool, the green color from the Pepto-Bismol will become more visible.

The Pepto-Bismol tablets can also look like radio-opaque on your dog’s X-rays, where the Pepto-Bismol medication can be mistaken as a metallic foreign body inside your dog’s system when an abdominal radiograph is executed on your dog. And that is not good especially when your dog’s laboratory X-ray indicates the worsening of the gastrointestinal symptoms. The Pepto-Bismol tablets can lead to unnecessary surgery for your dog or other intense procedures that is negatively and wrongly influenced by the tablets inside your dog’s stomach. When this happens, your precious pet will be put at much greater risk.

Regardless of the pain your dog is in, you need to remember to never give your dog Pepto-Bismol until you have consulted with your vet. Take your dog to the vet when diarrhea starts to happen, or if your dog is showing signs of further stomach pain. Never take your dog’s life for granted, and always follow the right protocol in dealing with your dog’s illness.

As tempting as it is, and as safe it is to give Pepto-Bismol to your dog, bear in mind that the wrong dosage of this medicine can have negative side effects on your dog, and sometimes, the mistakes you will make will become fatal to your dog.