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hudsongray asked in PetsDogs · 1 decade ago

Why do people keep suggesting Pepto Bismol for dogs?

The company changed the ingredients and it's no longer safe to give to canines, the new ingredient is different enough to be dangerous to dogs and is toxic to cats and ferrets (it's an aspirin derivitive).

Yes, it USED to be ok until recently, but it no longer is safe to give. Please do NOT keep recommending it, it can make a dog's problems much worse. The chewable tablets may be ok, you have to check the ingredients on the box to be certain. Online warnings exist, but there's still old info out there, check the dates on the websites.

Update:

The children's pepto is what's recommended, and NEVER to give to a dog who has a fever. Dose is small, a teaspoon for every 20 lbs of body weight. AND always with a vet's ok only.

There was a huge discussion on it on yahoogroups last year, people had lost ferrets to the new formula, and that brought up the feasability with dogs and other animals.

Update 2:

I was trying to find a vet site online, my system is slow tonight.

Here's one, it's in PDF format.

http://www.lindamarvet.com/pdfs/newsletter_2_suppl...

17 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    It contains bismuth subsalicylate,which is approved for use in dogs. It has always contained Bismuth Subsalicylate.Cats should not be given Pepto Bismol,though,as salicylates are toxic to cats.It contains no acetaminophen ( Tylenol.) It is fine to give to dogs and I have given it to mine for years with no problems.My vet recommends it. They even make it specifically for dogs.

    http://www.calvetsupply.com/browseproducts/Bismuko...

    You may be thinking of Kaopectate,which until a few years ago contained kaolin and pectin and was safe for cats and ferrets.But it now contains the same ingredient as Pepto Bismol. Kaopectate is still safe for dogs,though.

    "Kaopectate® WARNING FOR CAT OWNERS

    Use only if your formulation does NOT contain salicylates. Pepto-Bismol® should not be used in cats since it contains salicylates, the active ingredient in aspirin. Cats are very sensitive to aspirin so it should be avoided. WARNING - PLEASE NOTE THAT THE NEW FORMULATIONS OF KAOPECTATE MAY ALSO HAVE SALICYLATES. Do not use if your formulations lists salicylates as an active ingredient. Any vomiting or diarrhea that persists for more than 24 hours needs your veterinarian's attention.

    Overview

    Bismuth subsalicylate, better known as Pepto-Bismol, is used to treat diarrhea and minor stomach problems, such as stomach inflammation

    The active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol and the new formulation of Kaopectate is salicylate. Two tablespoons of Pepto-Bismol contain almost as much salicylate as one aspirin tablet. For information about the older formulation of Kaopectate that contains Kaolin and Pectin, click here.

    The bismuth agent is a chalk-like compound designed to coat the lining of the stomach and intestines, however, there is little evidence that physical "coating" actually occurs.

    Bismuth subsalicylate is available without a prescription but should not be administered unless under the supervision and guidance of a veterinarian.

    Brand Names and Other Names

    This drug is registered for use in humans and animals.

    Human formulations: Pepto-Bismol® (Procter & Gamble), Bismatrol® (Major), Kaopectate® (Pharmacia) and other generic formulations are available. Most preparations are pink in color.

    Veterinary formulations: Corrective Suspension® (Phoenix)

    Uses of Bismuth Subsalicylate

    Subsalicylate, an aspirin-like compound, can decrease diarrhea caused by intestinal infections.

    The bismuth component of Pepto-Bismol has been shown to suppress the bacteria that cause ulcers and stomach inflammation in people. This bacterium is called Helicobacter. While this is beneficial for treatment of humans, the significance of Helicobacter and Helicobacter-like organisms in pets is not completely resolved.

    Precautions and Side Effects

    While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, bismuth subsalicylate can cause side effects in some animals.

    Bismuth subsalicylate should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

    You should not use if your pet is allergic to aspirin or other salicylates.

    There are no serious complications caused by giving Pepto-Bismol to dogs, although there is not complete agreement that it is helpful either.

    Because salicylate-like compounds are slowly eliminated in cats, one should be careful not to exceed the recommended doses for cats. It should be used with great caution in cats and only under the direction of a veterinarian.

    Bismuth subsalicylate may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with bismuth subsalicylate. Such drugs include tetracycline, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin.

    Pet owners should be aware that the bismuth compound causes a discoloration, usually a darkening, of the pet's bowel movements.

    How Bismuth Subsalicylate Is Supplied

    Oral suspensions of bismuth subsalicylate are available over-the-counter containing 262 milligrams (mg) per 15 ml (one tablespoon), or 525 mg per tablespoon in the "extra strength" form.

    Pediatric suspensions of bismuth subsalicylate is available containing 87 mg per 5 ml (one teaspoon).

    Tablets contain 262 mg bismuth subsalicylate per tablet.

    Dosing Information

    Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. Please do not administer to cats without first consulting with a veterinarian to avoid toxicity.

    The typical dose administered to dogs is 0.5 to 1.5 ml per pound per day (1 to 3 ml/kg/day). The total daily dose should be divided into two to four doses. This amounts to approximately 2 teaspoons (10 ml total) per 10-pounds per day, ideally split between two to four doses.

    The typical dose administered to cats is 0.125 ml per pound (0.25 ml/kg) per dose. Dosage can be repeated in 4 to 6 hours. Please note: Cats are senstitive to salicylates and should not recieve frequent or high doses.

    The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse.

    Tip: Refrigeration may increase the palatability of this drug, especially to cats and kittens. "

    http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/bismuth-subsa...

    http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=0+1459&a...

    http://www.dog-health-guide.org/dogdiarrheapeptobi...

    Source(s): Have had dogs for 45+ years and have always used Pepto Bismol for them.
  • Anonymous
    4 years ago

    Pepto Bismol For Dogs Dosage

  • Anonymous
    4 years ago

    1

  • Erika
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    Pepto Bismol Dosage For Dogs

  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/avCNk

    FIRST GET A NEW VET!!!!! How is Parvo treated? Without intense treatment, the victims of parvo die of dehydration. Treatment generally consists of IV or sub-cutaneous fluids and antibiotics. There is no cure. Veterinarians can only treat the symptoms palliatively, and try to keep the dog alive by preventing dehydration and loss of proteins. As there is no cure for any virus, treatment for parvo is mostly that of supporting the different systems in the body during the course of the disease. This includes giving fluids, regulating electrolyte levels, controlling body temperature and giving blood transfusions when necessary. Dogs who have survived parvo can get it again. In the case of some puppies, a puppy testing negative for Parvo one day could succumb to the virus within a matter of days. It strikes fast and without mercy. Dr. Cathy Priddle has warned that sulfa drugs have been known to cause dehydration in dogs, suggesting that animals infected with parvovirus should not be given sulfa drugs. You may also consult a homeopathic or naturopathic veterinarian for alternative Parvo treatments. There are some natural and homeopathic treatments for Parvo on the retail market. Amber Technology offers Parvaid, an all natural herbal formula that the manufacturer claims has helped some animals overcome Parvo. Will my dog die if he gets Parvo? This is a very serious disease. Some puppies infected with parvovirus will die despite prompt and adequate treatment. While no extremely accurate statistics are available, a good guess is probably that 80% of puppies treated for parvovirus will live. Without treatment, probably 80% or more of the infected puppies would die. Due to the high death rate, parvovirus gets a lot of free publicity. Many people just assume that any case of diarrhea in a dog is from parvovirus. This is not true. There are a lot of other diseases and disorders that lead to diarrhea. If you have a puppy, don't take any chances. Have your puppy examined by your vet if diarrhea is a factor in any disease. It is better to be safe than to be sorry. If your dog becomes infected with parvovirus, he has about a 50-50 chance of survival. If he makes it through the first three to four days, he will usually make a rapid recovery, and be back on his feet within a week. It is vital, however, that he receives supportive therapy immediately. It must be stressed that this is not a bad case of doggy flu; without medical treatment, most puppies die.

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    I'm sorry ,but I think you need to chang Vet,as not much of a Vet if don't know what to do for parvo.Your pet needs to be placed in a vet hospital,or its chances for survival are slim.You may try removing its water and replace with the baby non-flavored pediolyte,let it drink all it wants,or it will dehydrate.Also give the pet a dab of plain honey,or white karo syrup on its tongue to prevent sugar level from getting too low.After the pet's stomach has settled from drinking the pediolyte try boiling some chicken,cut in small pieces,put in blender with small amount of water and puree it.If pet refuses to eat or drink,you must force feed it ,or you will loose this pet.You can also try giving it about 1/3 teaspoon of Pepto Bismol every 4 to 6 hrs.Call vet and ask them to give you a perscription of an antibiotic to help fight this virus.Wish you luck with your pet,and the key to this is just be sure to see that the pet drinks and eats well.If this pet has parvo,any pets that come in contact with it that hasn't been vaccinated for parvo will catch it,you must clean all surroundings and sterlize to protect any other pets and confine the one with the parvo til it gets ok.

  • 5 years ago

    Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aUC5M

    A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

  • 6 years ago

    This Site Might Help You.

    RE:

    Why do people keep suggesting Pepto Bismol for dogs?

    The company changed the ingredients and it's no longer safe to give to canines, the new ingredient is different enough to be dangerous to dogs and is toxic to cats and ferrets (it's an aspirin derivitive).

    Yes, it USED to be ok until recently, but it no longer is safe to give. Please do...

    Source(s): people suggesting pepto bismol dogs: https://shortly.im/tpcpU
  • 1 decade ago

    Do you have a link to current information so that people can bookmark them for future reference? That would be mighty helpful.

  • sarah
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    THANK YOU!!!!

    It metabolizes in to acetominophen - Tylonol. Look up "Canine Acetominophen Toxicity" before you give it a go.

    It hasn't been OK since 2004.

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