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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

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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.

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    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.

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    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.

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This is likely a side effect of the medication, especially the anti-inflammatory one. I would stop the medication and inform your vet of this reaction. The vet will likely want to give something to protect the stomach and prevent an ulcer from forming. The vet also may choose another type of medication altogether if treatment is still needed for Benji. In the meantime, I would suggest giving Benji a probiotic (Culturelle over the counter) to help support the Gi flora. I would also suggest 1-2 tsp of canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) in his food daily to help solidify the stools somewhat until you can get him seen by your vet. I hope that Benji's stools normalize soon! Best of luck and take care. : )
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Can I give my dog peptio bismol
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