dogs&cats&more

“Pepto Bismol”, aka Bismulth subsalicylate, is a human over the counter medicine used most frequently for diarrhea. Back in the day, it was an at-home treatment of choice for some dog owners as well.

Here’s the problem: most formulations of this drug (including many Kaopectate products) contain salicylates, which is the ingredient in aspirin. While aspirin itself has been used in veterinary medicine, it is NOT a smart choice for dogs suffering stomach or intestinal upset. Also, it can be quite toxic to cats.

Dogs who have diarrhea are having a problem with their intestinal transit time: meaning things are going through very quickly. They often have a build up of stomach and intestinal enzymes. The acidity they are experiencing leaves them vulnerable to ulceration, which happens to be a side effect of aspirin. This can further potentiate an ulcer, cause hemorraghing, or even cause vomiting to an already hurting GI. And for vomiting itself- the choice of pepto is fairly rediculous.

Instead, if all else is going well and your vet agrees with it, the OTC diarrhea drug of choice would be loperamide (Immodium, or the newer “Pepto Diarrhea Control”).  Dosing is nowhere near what you’d give a human of any age and must be decreased to tiny amounts throughout the day, so always check with your vet before giving your dog. And for safety, because a cat’s metabolism is so different, avoid all of these in cats unless specifically prescribed.

Christine, LVT

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