Pepto-Bismol is a staple of home drugs cabinets and can be very effective in treating mild cases of heartburn, indigestion, and diarrhoea in humans. If your dog is suffering from similar symptoms, then you might be tempted to reach for it to help them feel better.
But does Pepto-Bismol work well in dogs? Is it safe? How much should I give my dog? We will look at all of this, and more, in this article.
Table of Contents
What Is Pepto-Bismol?
The active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol is bismuth subsalicylate. Bismuth is a type of metal that can have bind to various substances in the gut. Subsalicylate is related to aspirin and may have some mild anti-inflammatory effects.
Pepto-Bismol is thought to have several different actions in the gut, including:
- Coating and protecting the lining of the gut (it is a “gastro-protectant”)
- Anti-endotoxin effects (“endotoxin” is a compound produced by certain bacteria which can cause inflammation)
- Mild anti-microbial effects (it may help to kill certain bacteria)
- Mild anti-inflammatory effects
However, there have been very few studies that look at how effective it is in dogs.
Pepto-Bismol is a useful medication for humans but has not been shown to be effective for treating dogs.
Can Pepto-Bismol Be Given to Dogs?
Pepto-Bismol is occasionally used to treat various medical conditions in dogs.
Stomach Ulcers
Pepto-Bismol may bind to ulcers in the gut and help them to heal, though studies have yet to confirm this. However, is not commonly used for this, as there are other medications available that have been proven to treat stomach ulcers safely and effectively.
Diarrhea
Pepto-Bismol may coat the lining of the gut and absorb bacterial toxins that contribute to diarrhea. However, there are other medications that are proven to be effective for treating acute (short-term) cases of diarrhea. It is not suitable for chronic (long-term) diarrhea, as repeated doses can be toxic.
Helicobacter Infections
Helicobacter is a common type of bacteria to find in a dog’s stomach. In rare cases, it may start to invade the cells that line the stomach, causing inflammation (gastritis). Pepto-Bismol can be part of the treatment for this condition, alongside antibiotics and other medication. There there is some evidence that this is safe and effective.
However, Helicobacter infections are rare, and must be diagnosed by a veterinarian, usually by taking biopsies from the stomach.
Side-Effects of Pepto-Bismol
There are several different side-effects that can be seen as a result of treatment with Pepto-Bismol. Some of these are harmless, but others can be very serious.
Constipation
Pepto-Bismol can cause constipation in human babies or sick adults, and it may do the same in some dogs, too.
Black Stools
The bismuth in Pepto-Bismol will naturally change the color of your dog’s stools, turning them a dark grey-black or green-black color. This change is harmless but can be difficult to distinguish from melena (digested blood in the stool) which is a much more serious condition. This may make it harder for your vet to diagnose what is causing your dog to be sick.
The same process that causes your dog’s stools to go black may also darken their tongue.
Bismuth Poisoning
High doses of Pepto-Bismol can be toxic to dogs and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and neurological signs, including weakness and wobbliness (ataxia).
Long-term use of Pepto-Bismol may damage the kidneys.
Affects X-rays
Bismuth is a very dense metal, meaning that it is “radiopaque” will show up on any x-rays that your vet might take of the gut. This may make it harder for your vet to work out what is causing your dog’s symptoms.
Dogs who are sick as a result of an upset stomach generally need stronger medication from a veterinarian – anything available over-the-counter is unlikely to be effective.
What Should I Do If My Dog Accidentally Drinks Pepto-Bismol?
The taste of Pepto-Bismol is rather unpleasant for our dogs, so it is thankfully rare for them to choose to drink it themselves. However, Pepto-Bismol can be toxic in larger doses, so it is important to seek medical advice if this does happen.
Call your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has drunk some Pepto-Bismol that was not prescribed for them. Keep hold of the bottle, as your veterinarian may ask you to estimate how much your dog has drunk.
What Can I Use For My Dog Instead of Pepto-Bismol?
The most common reason why people might want to use Pepto-Bismol is to help a dog with an upset stomach, who might be having vomiting or diarrhea.
The good news is that in most cases, an upset stomach will settle by itself, without the need for any medication. As long as your dog remains bright in themselves, and is able to drink water without vomiting, then you can give them a day or two and see if they will improve.
However, if your dog has become quiet and withdrawn, or has blood in their vomit or feces, then you should make an appointment to see a veterinarian. Dogs who are sick as a result of an upset stomach generally need stronger medication from a veterinarian – anything available over-the-counter is unlikely to be effective.
Conclusion
Pepto-Bismol is a useful medication for humans but has not been shown to be effective for treating dogs. It is also potentially toxic at higher doses, or when used for a period of time, and can make it more difficult to diagnose the cause of your dog’s symptoms. You should always consult your veterinarian before starting to treat your dog with Pepto-Bismol.
Ruth graduated from Cambridge in 2014 and has worked as a small animal GP vet ever since. She is particularly interested in internal medicine, as it combines her love of problem-solving and her somewhat geeky love of knowledge, and has completed her certificate in Small Animal Medicine. She loves animals of all species but is particularly fond of cats.
