🩺 GI Protectant

Pepto Bismol Dosage for Dogs Calculator

Calculate bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) doses for dogs with acute GI upset — with species contraindication warnings, salicylate content table, and frequency guidance.

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CATS: NEVER give Pepto-Bismol to cats. Bismuth subsalicylate contains salicylate, which is toxic to cats (similar to aspirin). Dogs can receive it short-term under veterinary guidance, but avoid in dogs on aspirin, NSAIDs, or anticoagulants.

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About Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

Drug Class

Antidiarrhoeal, Antiemetic, and GI Mucosal Protectant

Mechanism of Action

Bismuth subsalicylate has multiple mechanisms: the bismuth component has local antimicrobial activity and forms a protective coating over GI mucosa; the salicylate component reduces GI secretion and has mild anti-inflammatory effects. It also has antacid properties.

Primary Uses in Dogs

Mild to moderate acute diarrhoea, nausea, GI upset, and non-specific gastroenteritis in dogs. Short-term use only.

Dosing Quick Reference

Indication Dose Frequency
Acute diarrhoea 1 mL/kg q4–6h PO (max 3 doses/day)
GI upset/nausea 0.5 mL/kg q6h PO
Maximum duration Short-term 1–2 days only

Common Side Effects

  • Black or grey stools (from bismuth — normal and expected)
  • Constipation
  • Salicylate toxicity with overdose (similar to aspirin)
  • Tongue darkening (temporary)
  • Vomiting if dose too large

Monitoring

If diarrhoea persists beyond 24–48 hours, seek veterinary assessment — bloody diarrhoea, lethargy, or vomiting require urgent evaluation.

⚠️ NEVER GIVE TO CATS — salicylate component is toxic to cats and can be fatal. In dogs, avoid in those with known aspirin sensitivity, bleeding disorders, or those already on NSAIDs (salicylate stacking risk). Do not use for more than 2 days without veterinary assessment. The black stools are normal and expected.

What Is Pepto-Bismol?

Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) has multi-modal GI effects: bismuth has direct antimicrobial and cytoprotective properties, while salicylate reduces prostaglandin-mediated secretion and inflammation in the intestinal mucosa. It is used short-term in dogs for acute diarrhoea, mild gastritis, and stomach upset.

Standard Pepto-Bismol liquid: 262 mg/15 mL (17.5 mg/mL). Chewable tablets: 262 mg each. Maximum Strength: 525 mg/15 mL — do NOT use the Maximum Strength formulation as dosing errors are common. Do not use formulations containing artificial sweeteners.

Salicylate Content

  • Each 15 mL regular liquid = 130 mg salicylate
  • Each 262 mg tablet = ~130 mg salicylate
  • Max safe duration: 2–3 days in dogs
  • Not recommended for puppies under 6 months

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Confirm your dog is not on aspirin, other NSAIDs, or anticoagulants
  2. Confirm you are using regular-strength (not Maximum Strength) Pepto-Bismol
  3. Enter your dog’s weight in kg or lbs
  4. Select the formulation you have
  5. Click Calculate to get dose and frequency

🧮 Pepto-Bismol Dose Calculator

Pepto-Bismol Dosing Result

Important Safety Notes

  • Do NOT use if your dog is on aspirin, NSAIDs (carprofen, meloxicam), or anticoagulants
  • Do NOT use Maximum Strength formulation — double salicylate content
  • Discontinue if vomiting worsens, blood appears in stool, or dog becomes lethargic
  • Bismuth can cause black/dark stools — this is normal and does not indicate bleeding
  • Not recommended for puppies <6 months, pregnant, or nursing dogs

References

  1. Plumb DC. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2018.
  2. Papich MG. Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 4th ed. Elsevier; 2016.
  3. Twedt DC. Vomiting, regurgitation, and dysphagia. In: Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC, eds. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 7th ed. Saunders; 2010.