🩺 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.

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.