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Is Pepto Bismol safe for my dog's diarrhea? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 10 years and 1 month old | 10 lbs

Benji has diarrhea but no other symptoms. I started him on bolied chicken and rice. Is it okay for me to give him some pepto bismol? If so how much can i give him?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 17th, 2019

I do not recommend giving Benji Pepto Bismol, as it can lead to toxicity. See the following link for more information https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/uncategorized/so-what-about-those-hidden-potential-toxins/

IF the diarrhea doesn't resolve soon, or if he develops other signs such as nausea, decreased appetite or decreased energy, have Benji seen by a vet. Take a fecal sample from him in with you in case the vet wants to run tests on it.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 13th, 2017
Unfortunately, by law it is illegal for the experts at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to recommend any drug, including OTC drugs, without seeing the animal in person first. That's because doing so requires a veterinary client patient relationship which cannot be achieved via an internet forum. In addition, the experts cannot say for certain if a specific drug is safe for your dog. If your puppy is in pain, I would have him seen by a vet right away so he can be examined for the source of the pain, and the vet can treat it him for it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on May 11th, 2018
While dogs can be given pepto for specific conditions, it should only be done under strict veterinary supervision. Unfortunately it's illegal for me to recommend using it on Zoe without seeing her in person first. That's because doing so requires a veterinary client patient relationship which cannot be achieved via an internet forum. In addition, the experts cannot say for certain if a specific drug is safe for your dog. I would not give it to her without speaking to her vet first to make sure it's safe for her and appropriate to use for her current symptoms. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My puppy has diarrhea. Is Pepto Bismol safe for a 5-month-old?

Hi and thank you for using PetCoach. If your puppies are having mild diarrhea that has not lasted over 6 hours, eating fine and acting normally with no vomiting, then it can be safe. However, it is just a band aid and does not fix the underlying problem as to WHY they are having diarrhea. If the diarrhea has persisted longer than a few hours, the puppies are not eating, they are vomiting or lethargic, I would not give Pepto Bismol. I would actually get them evaluated by a veterinarian. Here is an article on Pepto Bismol in dogs that you may find helpful: https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/pepto-bismol/

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My dog has diarrhea. Can I give Pepto Bismol? Is it safe for senior dogs?

I would not recommend Pepto bishop for diarrhea, as the ingredients are often not well tolerated in dogs. You can feed some canned pumpkin or boiled chicken and rice to see if that helps but if it's not improving she may need to see your vet for treatment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has diarrhea. Can I give him Pepto Bismol and how much?

Yes, dogs can have it. To treat acute diarrhea, 0.5 mL/lb (1 US teaspoon for every 10 pounds your dog weighs) can be given every 4 to 6 hours for 5 days. The dosage can be higher depending on how severe the symptoms are and other contributing factors, with a maximum recommended dose of 0.9 mL/lb to be given every 6 to 8 hours. Shake the bottle well before use.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Can I give my dog Pepto Bismol for diarrhea or an upset stomach?

Here is a link that discusses pepto bismol use in dogs: 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.

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My pet has dark diarrhea after Pepto Bismol. Should I go to the vet?

I'm sorry to hear that Oliver is having diarrhea. One of the potential side effects of Pepto bismol is that it can cause a very dark discoloration of the stool. So, that may be the reason for the color change that you have noticed. If Oliver continues to eat and feel well, then you may be able to continue with the bland diet at home. If he does well with a bland diet and his diarrhea resolves, then you can slowly transition back to his normal diet over a few days. Diarrhea that continues for more than a few days, or is associated with blood in the stool, vomiting, lethargy or a poor appetite is a reason for a visit to your veterinarian. I have attached a couple of links below that might be useful for you. Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.co/article/most-common-causes-of-diarrhea-in-dogs/ Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-can-do-at-home-if-your-pet-has-diarrhea/ Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that he feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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My dog has diarrhea for days with blood. What can I do to help?

Hello, sorry to hear about Benji. There are several causes for this including inflammation of his intestines, an infection with parasites or overgrowth if bacteria, or even a dietary indiscretion. You can try to offer a bland diet of plain white rice, skinless and boneless boiled chicken, and low fat cottage cheese for the next 3-5 days to rest his GI tract. If that does not work fully, you may add fiber to his diet with canned raw pumpkin for a few days. If this also does not work, or if his diarrhea with blood worsens or if he develops other signs such as vomiting, lethargy, and a decreased appetite then Benji should be evaluated by his veterinarian sooner. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My dog has loose stool and upset stomach. Can I give him Pepto or bland food?

I don’t recommend pepto in dogs. It doesn’t seem to do much and some dogs are sensitive to the aspirin component. You can do boiled chicken and cooked white rice, toast without butter, apple sauce, and other bland white human foods. If he isn’t back to normal in a day or two, it would be best to have him checked out by a vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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