A veterinarian holding a golden dog on a table at the vet's office. Pepto-Bismol for dogs concept.

Bismuth subsalicylate—most commonly known as Pepto-Bismol—is an antidiarrheal, or diarrhea medication. Most people use it to treat side effects from ingesting too much food and drink. Common symptoms it can tackle include heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, and nausea.

Humans aren’t the only ones who can suffer from these unpleasant symptoms, though; our pets can, too. When it comes to settling Fido’s stomach, some people turn to over-the-counter (OTC) remedies originally designed for humans, like Benadryl or even Pepto-Bismol. Naturally, plenty of pet parents have questions about using Pepto-Bismol for dogs, such as: Is it safe? What do the vets say?

How Do You Settle a Dog’s Upset Stomach?

There are plenty of ways to settle an upset pooch’s digestive problems. Is Pepto-Bismol one such way? According to experts, yes, Pepto-Bismol can help settle your pet’s upset stomach, reduce gas, or even alleviate diarrhea.

Unlike many OTC medications, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Pepto-Bismol for dogs. That’s why vets sometimes use this drug to treat diarrhea and indigestion in our canine friends.

Pepto-Bismol is an over-the-counter medication, so it is an affordable way to treat your dog. This isn’t always the case with prescription medications, these can cause costs to mount up fast. We highly recommend getting the best pet insurance that you possibly can, there are many options available for all ranges of budget.

How Many mL of Pepto Can I Give my Dog?

It’s always best to consult a licensed veterinarian before giving your pet any medication, even if it’s FDA-approved and OTC. This consultation is especially important if your pet has an underlying medical condition or is already taking other drugs (prescription or OTC).

That being said, Plumb’s Veterinary Medication Guides lists the following as common veterinary dosage forms:

  • Oral paste: 5%, 10%, 20%
  • Oral suspension: 1.75%
  • Tablets and caplets: 262 mg

A dog’s weight is one of the most important factors to consider when giving your dog this medication. So, as a general rule of thumb, just how much of this medication can you give your dog?

Liquid Dosage

According to the American Kennel Club, it’s generally recommended to give a regular-strength liquid dosage of 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds every 6 to 8 hours. For example, a 25-pound pooch could take 2.5 teaspoons every 6-to-8-hour period.

Tablet Dosage

According to Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, it’s generally acceptable to give a regular-strength chewable tablet dosage of 8.5 mg per pound.

How Often Should You Administer Pepto-Bismol for Dogs?

Once again, always clear dosages and timelines for administering this medication to your dog first. That being said, many experts recommend no more than a single dose every 6 to 8 hours. 

How Many Doses of Pepto-Bismol Can You Give Your Dog?

Experts often recommend no more than one or two doses.

Warning

Make sure whatever medication you give your pup does not contain xylitol. This artificial sweetener can be lethal for our canine companions.

Final Thoughts

Pepto-Bismol isn’t the usual go-to medication for alleviating indigestion and diarrhea problems in dogs. There are some cases, though, where using this OTC drug can be an acceptable way to tackle your pup’s upset tummy. The best way to use Pepto-Bismol for dogs? Consult your veterinarian first to get guidance on proper dosages, administration timelines, and even if this medication is right for your pet.

Disclaimers: This article does not constitute professional veterinary advice, nor can it replace the advice of a licensed veterinarian.

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