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Can I give my dog Pepto Bismol for diarrhea or an upset stomach?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 9 months and 11 days old | 25 lbs
Can I give my dog pepto bismol for diarrhea?
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on December 2nd, 2017
https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/pepto-bismol/
As long as the patient is acting fine otherwise, no blood in the diarrhea, and is not vomiting then I usually recommend fasting for 1 meal (do not withhold water), and then start feeding small amounts of boiled chicken and rice in place of their normal kibble. If the diarrhea doesn’t improve within a few days or if any other symptoms emerge then I would encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 24th, 2017
Pepto can be used in some dogs. You should discuss a dose with your veterinarian before giving it. In the meantime, for minor GI upset, you can withhold food for 24 hours allowing small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding afterwards with a bland diet in small, frequent amounts until the upset resolves. If it does not resolve, see your vet for a full exam and diagnostics. A bland diet can be plain white rice mixed with one of the following: cottage cheese, cooked ground turkey, cooked/drained ground beef or boiled boneless/skinless chicken breasts.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 20th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lily. I do not recommend giving Pepto bismol to dogs. First, it is not very effective in controlling signs of GI upset. Secondly, it contains an aspirin like compound that can cause further GI upset. If she is otherwise healthy, it is generally safe to withhold food for 18-24 hours. This can sometimes relieve the symptoms by resting her gastrointestinal tract. Be sure to provide plenty of water though so that she does not become dehydrated. If she is acting lethargic, refusing to drink or develops blood in the vomit or diarrhea, then she will need to see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 10th, 2017
You shouldn't give any meds without the advice of your vet. Legally, we are unable to make recommendations, even for OTC meds, in the absence of a patient-veterinarian-client relationship and a physical exam. What you can do is withhold food for 24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet in small, frequent amounts until the stool is normal. Afterwards, transition to the regular diet. If the diarrhea doesn't stop, find a vet and make an appointment for an exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC
Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist
Published on January 29th, 2017
The land diet of chicken and rice is a good plan. The pepto probably won't affect the outcome. In some cases especially with tablets, pepto can show up as radiopaque on an x-ray which could be interpreted as a foreign object. I would advise you to stick to the land diet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful