Can I Give My Dog Pepto-Bismol? 6 Reasons Why It’s a “NO”

If your dog has an upset tummy, you may find yourself wondering, “Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol?” Unfortunately, the answer is typically “no.” Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby discusses six reasons to avoid the temptation to give your dog Pepto-Bismol. She also explains how a seemingly innocent Pepto-Bismol tablet almost led one of her canine patients to have an unnecessary surgery.

There are some cases in every veterinarian’s career that he or she will likely never forget. Stewie was such a case for me. This five-year-old chocolate Labrador Retriever had a propensity for getting into trouble. That’s what landed him on my surgery table, anesthetized, with his belly shaved and scrubbed in preparation for abdominal exploratory surgery. Or so we thought…

SPOILER ALERT: What we thought was a coin in this dog’s stomach was actually a Pepto-Bismol tablet.

If your dog is having stomach issues, you may be wondering whether Pepto-Bismol would help. Is Pepto-Bismol as good for dogs as it is for people? Should I reach for that bottle of pink liquid the next time my dog is experiencing tummy troubles?

What is Pepto-Bismol?

Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) is a medication used to treat diarrhea and upset stomachs in people. The active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate, and it is available as a liquid or tablet. While the exact mechanism of action is not completely understood, Pepto-Bismol seems to have antidiarrheal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties in humans. It may also have similar effects in dogs; however, it’s not something I generally recommend.

Is Pepto-Bismol safe for dogs?

Pepto-Bismol can be unsafe for dogs for a variety of reasons, though it’s not technically considered toxic. If your dog is experiencing stomach upset you may be tempted to reach into your medicine cabinet for something to help. But this may actually make things worse for your pup.

In my opinion, Pepto-Bismol should be reserved primarily for human GI ailments, and it should not be given to dogs. There are much better options available for stomach troubles in dogs. Plus, Pepto-Bismol, like many medications, does come with some risks and side effects for dogs.

And yet, some sources on the internet—and even some veterinarians!—will say that a dose or two of Pepto-Bismol is probably ok. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty on why I’m not a fan of Pepto-Bismol for dogs.

6 reasons why Pepto-Bismol and dogs don’t mix

To help you understand why I take the stance I do, I want to share with you six potential hidden risks associated with giving Pepto-Bismol to a dog.

1. Pepto-Bismol tablets can look like foreign metal objects on X-rays

You already know this from the abridged version of the story in the introduction, but it still bears repeating. If you administer Pepto-Bismol tablets to your dog and your vet doesn’t know about it, your dog could end up having unnecessary abdominal surgery. The Pepto-Bismol tablet looks exactly like a coin, battery, or other metal object on X-rays.

Please take a close look at this X-ray to see for yourself…

2. Pepto-Bismol can turn your dog’s stool black

It can be concerning as a dog parent to suddenly discover that your dog’s stool is dark grey or black. But that is exactly what can happen to some dogs who are given Pepto-Bismol. In many cases, it is just a harmless pigment change that occurs when the bismuth in Pepto-Bismol combines with sulfur in the digestive tract.

However, dark or black stool can also mean the dog has melena (digested blood in the stool from GI bleeding). If your vet doesn’t know that your dog had Pepto-Bismol, he or she might think the stool is that color because your dog is bleeding from the GI tract. That could lead to a variety of tests and treatments that may not be indicated. It also makes it a bit more challenging to detect actual melena.

3. Pepto-Bismol can cause GI ulcers in dogs

We just finished talking about how Pepto-Bismol can make it look like your dog has GI bleeding, but in some cases it can actually cause gastric ulcer disease in dogs and gastric bleeding, too. One of the ingredients of Pepto-Bismol, subsalicylate (a slightly different form of the active ingredient of aspirin), can increase the risk of stomach ulcers in dogs, some of which may bleed.

The risk of GI ulceration increases if the dog is already taking aspirin or dog-specific non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for arthritis pain in dogs, torn ACL in dogs, hip dysplasia in dogs, IVDD in dogs, or another painful condition. Using Pepto-Bismol with steroids like prednisone for dogs also presents a GI ulcer risk.

Some dogs are especially sensitive to salicylate and may have GI ulceration without any of these other contributing factors.

4. Pepto-Bismol can interact negatively with other medications

In addition to the increased risk of GI ulceration when combined with NSAIDS, Pepto-Bismol also doesn’t play nicely with a variety of other drugs. It can increase the risk of abnormal bleeding in dogs who are on anticoagulants. Additionally, it reduces the amount of certain antibiotics (mostly tetracyclines like doxycycline) that are available for the body to use. This may make treatment for some infections less effective.

Pepto-Bismol also should be avoided in dogs who are taking ACE inhibitors (sometimes prescribed for medical conditions like kidney disease or heart disease in dogs), some diuretics (medications that remove fluid from the body), and digoxin (a medication used for heart conditions).

If your dog is taking omeprazole for acid reflux in dogs, the body may absorb more of the Pepto-Bismol than normal, which could be problematic.

5. Pepto-Bismol is not safe in pregnant or nursing dogs

The salicylic acid found in Pepto-Bismol may be detrimental to the fetus or nursing puppy. That’s why it is best not to give it to pregnant or nursing dogs.

6. Pepto-Bismol may interfere with laboratory tests

In addition to showing up on X-rays, Pepto-Bismol may cause incorrect results on urine glucose and ketone tests. This can make it harder for the vet to get an accurate picture of what is going on with your dog.

If Pepto-Bismol isn’t a good idea for dogs, what should I do for GI upset?

At this point, you have a pretty good idea that reaching for the Pepto-Bismol wouldn’t be the first thing I would recommend if your dog is having some tummy troubles. Instead, consider contacting your dog’s veterinary team for advice.

Depending on the underlying cause of your dog’s tummy troubles, there may be some at-home remedies your vet can recommend. These may include:

• A bland diet for dogs: Dog food should be your dog’s primary food, but temporarily switching to a bland diet (boiled chicken, rice, canned pumpkin for dogs, etc.) may help with GI upset.
• Feeding smaller, more frequent meals: This gives your dog’s GI tract less work at one time and may reduce stomach pain.
• Over-the-counter GI medications that are safe for dogs: This may include famotidine for dogs and omeprazole for dogs, which should only be given based on veterinary advice.

If your dog is having GI issues, remember to contact your vet before attempting any at-home treatments, and absolutely ask your veterinarian before administering any OTC medications. Even human medications that are generally safe for dogs can make it more difficult to diagnose a problem, so follow your vet’s advice!

A note on Pepto dosage for dogs

I have often been asked what an appropriate Pepto dose would be for dogs. My answer is the same amount regardless of the dog’s body weight—zero! You may find recommendations online for amounts to give, but be cautious about following online medical advice. For me, the risks of giving Pepto-Bismol to dogs outweigh any potential benefits.

When to see the vet for GI upset

It can be hard to know what GI issues can be handled at home versus those that need veterinary attention. In general, if you’re not sure whether your dog needs to see the vet, call them and ask! I would rather field 100 calls a day about pets that don’t need me than miss one that should come to the hospital.

There are some general guidelines, however, that can tell us when GI upset is more severe. If your dog exhibits any of the following signs, it’s time for a vet appointment!

• Frequent vomiting, vomiting that lasts more than 24-48 hours, or vomit with blood in it
• Dog diarrhea with blood in it
• Signs of a lethargic dog 
• Not eating for more than 24 hours, not drinking water
• Signs of dehydration in dogs
• A hunched posture, which can indicate abdominal pain

Dogs and cats can be really good at hiding symptoms, so it’s worth repeating that if you’re concerned, ask your veterinary team for guidance.

Pepto-Bismol and dogs FAQ

Pepto-Bismol is such a commonly used medication for people, it’s natural to think of it when your dog is experiencing discomfort. While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some of the most common questions I get about Pepto-Bismol and dogs.

Can puppies have Pepto-Bismol?

No. In fact, you should exercise extra caution with Pepto-Bismol and puppies because they can be more sensitive to some of the side effects.

How much Pepto can I give my dog?

Zero! If your dog is sick, see your vet before giving over-the-counter medications.

Can I give Pepto for diarrhea specifically?

Believe me, I understand wanting to alleviate your dog’s diarrhea ASAP, but this is not the way to do that. Your vet may recommend some of the at-home treatments listed above, or may offer a prescription medication or diet to help.

Can I give Pepto for vomiting or upset stomach in dogs?

Just like for diarrhea, we have better options to treat vomiting in dogs. Medications like Cerenia for dogs do a much better job of treating stomach upset and vomiting than Pepto-Bismol.

What if my dog already had some Pepto-Bismol?

Let me be clear…this article is not intended to scare or shame anyone. So don’t panic or feel bad if you already gave your dog some Pepto-Bismol. Just be honest with your vet about it. At the appointment, ensure you let your vet know:

• When you gave the Pepto-Bismol (date and approximate time)
• The Pepto-Bismol dosage you used
• The total number of doses
• If it was the liquid or the tablets
• If your dog’s symptoms have improved, worsened, or stayed the same

To help you understand the importance of clear communication with the vet about any medications your dog may have been given, let’s circle back around to my Labrador Retriever patient, Stewie.

Tummy troubles for a lovable Labrador Retriever

Stewie’s family brought him to see me because he had been vomiting and hadn’t been eating well. Anyone who has ever met a Lab knows they love to eat, so this was a major red flag.

Physical exam and bloodwork didn’t illustrate a reason for Stewie’s problems. His X-rays, however, did show an abnormality. Stewie had what we call a metal opacity in the region of the stomach. The term metal opacity refers to a bright white spot on X-rays that is typically associated with a metal-containing object.

I couldn’t tell exactly what kind of round metallic object it was based on the X-rays, but there was definitely something in his stomach that didn’t belong there. Some coins contain metals that can make a dog sick. Other objects can cause enough inflammation to cause GI symptoms. Either way, I advised his owners that it probably needed to come out one way or another, so we got him prepped for surgery.

As fate would have it, I took a phone call from a veterinary colleague while my vet nurses were getting Stewie anesthetized and ready for surgery. When I mentioned my case, he asked, “Are you sure it’s not a Pepto-Bismol tablet?” This question seemed completely out of the blue. What does a Pepto-Bismol tablet have to do with this metal opacity? I’ve seen Pepto-Bismol. It’s pink, and I’m sure I could break it with my fingers.

We’re all always learning, and that day I learned Pepto-Bismol tablets look like metal on X-rays! I immediately called Stewie’s parents. When I had taken his history, I asked them specifically if there was anything they had given their dog.

There are plenty of things that dog parents may think are harmless and give their dog without a second thought. But it may turn out that these substances are toxic, could interfere with diagnostics, or may interact poorly with other medications the vet may want to use.

My client had originally said he hadn’t had anything, not realizing at the time that Stewie’s grandmother had given him Pepto-Bismol chewable tablets the previous day. That phone call saved Stewie from unnecessary surgery!

The moral of the story: Partner with your veterinarian

As a dog parent, there are two things I hope you’ll take away from this story:

• First, ideally you should never give your dog any medication without consulting with your vet. Just because a medication works for you doesn’t mean it will be ok for your dog.
• Second, it is important to disclose any medications, supplements, vitamins, treats, or anything else that you give your dog, even if you don’t think it is a big deal. Also, ask family members or friends if they gave your dog anything you were not aware of.

Had I not been talking to a fellow veterinarian just prior to surgery and had Stewie’s mom not dug deeper to find out that he had, in fact, been given Pepto-Bismol, Stewie would have had a surgery he didn’t need. Luckily for him, the events transpired the way they did. He didn’t come home with a line of stitches. But not all dogs will be that lucky.

So before you reach for Pepto-Bismol for your dog, or any other over-the-counter medication, keep this article and this lovable Labrador’s story in mind. A quick call to the vet is better than a regrettable trip to the medicine cabinet.

What do you do if your dog has an upset stomach?

Please comment below.

This post was originally published on September 9, 2021 and updated on August 20, 2026.