Does your dog have an upset stomach? There are many things that you can do to help settle their stomach.
Most people consider giving their dog some of the same medications that they take when they have an upset stomach and wonder can dogs have Tums!
Tums is a generally safe remedy for dogs’ mild gastrointestinal (GI) issues as long as the formula does not contain xylitol. Depending on the dog’s size, the dosage will need to be adjusted upwards or downwards.
You may be able to get some relief and may even cure your dog’s issues. Many GI issues are more serious, and you may need other medications.
If your dog is experiencing GI issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, or gas, it would be best to consult with your veterinarian before giving this medication to your dog!
Table of Contents
What is Tums Antacid?
Tums is an antacid that many people take to relieve heartburn. This medication is found over the counter in most drug stores.
The active ingredient in Tums is calcium carbonate. This helps neutralize your stomach acid and helps decrease heartburn.
Many people will give this to their dog to help decrease stomach acid and help treat a dog with an upset stomach.
How much Tums can I give my dog?
If you were questioning, can you give a dog Tums, then your next logical question is probably something like “How much tums”!
There is a very wide range of dosages that you can use for your dog. This usually depends on your dog’s body weight and the severity of their GI issues.
This is a typical dosage of Tums for dogs:
- Small dogs will need 1250 mg over a 24-hour period
- Medium dogs will need 2 grams to 4 grams over a 24-hour period
- Big dogs will need 4 grams to 6 grams over a 24-hour period
- Giant dogs will need 6 to 10 grams over a 24-hour period
Before starting any new medications for your dog, it is best to talk with your veterinarian to make sure that it is appropriate for your dog.
Common side effects of Tums in dogs
Tums are usually very safe to give to your dog. There are a few side effects that you may see in your dog after giving them Tums.
You should know these things if you give your dog Tums.
- Some contain xylitol: Some formulations of Tums contain xylitol. This is an artificial that is toxic to dogs. Ensure that there is no xylitol in the Tums you give to your dog.
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Kidney Damage: Kidney issues can be seen with long-term uses of Tums. You can use much safer antiacid options if your dog needs to take something long-term.
While diarrhea and constipation are the most common side effects that are seen with giving your dog Tums, there are other side effects that may happen, such as:
- Bloated
- Belching
- Not eating
- Issues breathing
- Irregular heart rate
- Lethargy
- Electrolyte imbalance
Serious Health Risks
In rare cases, Tums antacids can cause serious health problems in dogs.
These risks are more likely to occur if the dog is given too much Tums or if the medication is given over a long period of time.
Serious health risks associated with Tums antacids in dogs include:
- Allergic reaction: Some dogs may be allergic to Tums or the ingredients in the medication, which can cause symptoms such as swelling, itching, and difficulty breathing.
- Seizures: In rare cases, Tums can cause seizures in dogs, especially if given in large amounts.
- Death: While rare, there have been cases of dogs dying as a result of Tums overdose or prolonged use.
Why does my dog have an upset stomach?
There are many reasons that your dog would have an upset stomach and would need Tums.
Some of the most common causes of an upset stomach are:
- Gastroenteritis
- Pancreatitis
- Sudden Change in food
- GI foreign body
- Organ Failure
If your dog has GI issues that do not quickly resolve or is getting worse, it is always best to see your vet.
What can I give my dog to help an upset stomach?
While Tums is one thing that many people reach for, there are also other medications that you can give to help your dog with an upset stomach, such as:
- Imodium: If your dog is having diarrhea, give them things such as Imodium to help. This medication can stop your dog’s diarrhea if it is caused by gastroenteritis.
- Pepcid/ Prilosec: If your dog is vomiting, other gastric acid reducers such as Pepcid or Prilosec will help calm their stomach.
- Pepto-Bismol: Some people will also consider using Pepto-Bismol. This medication is usually found in a liquid and can cause a very messy situation if your dog is not wanting to take their medication.
- Bland diet: IF your dog has an upset diet, feeding them a bland diet will help calm their stomach. This usually consists of boiled chicken, rice, and scrambled eggs. Just make sure that this is as bland as possible with no added seasonings, oils, or butter.
- Probiotics: If your dog has diarrhea, probiotics can help rebalance the normal GI flora. You can usually find probiotics at your local pet store to give to your dog.
- Prescription GI medications: If your dog is vomiting, your vet will commonly prescribe Cerenia or Zofran to help calm their stomach and stop them from vomiting.
Before starting any of these medications, it is best to talk with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog has no other medical issues preventing them from taking these medications.
When do I need to see my vet for an upset stomach?
You can give many dogs a bland diet and try some over-the-counter medications to help calm an upset stomach. Sometimes no matter what you do at home, your dog continues to get worse.
There are a few signs that would indicate that your dog needs to see the vet right away. These signs include:
- Vomiting for more than 24 hours
- Vomiting more than four times in a 24-hour period
- Bloody diarrhea
- Lethargic
- Not eating
- Unable to walk normally
Most dogs with medical issues involving an upset stomach will also have other issues you see. If your dog is just vomiting but still active, playful, and eating, you can try some over-the-counter and at-home treatment options.
A dog who is not eating, is lethargic and shows signs of being sick should be taken to the vet.
Most vets will want to fully examine your dog, run bloodwork, take x-rays, and give your dog medications to help them feel much better.
If your dog is very sick, your vet will want to keep your dog in the hospital for a few days while they recover. Many GI issues cause your dog to lose more fluids than they are taking in, and they can quickly become dehydrated.
Pet Antacids FAQs
WHAT ANTACIDS CAN I GIVE MY DOG?
There are several antacids that can be given to dogs to help with upset stomachs and indigestion. Tums, Pepcid, and Prilosec are some of the most commonly used antacids for dogs.
However, talking to a veterinarian before administering any medication to your dog is important.
CAN YOU GIVE A DOG TUMS FOR UPSET STOMACH?
Yes, Tums can be given to dogs for upset stomachs. Tums contain calcium carbonate, which can help to neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion.
However, giving the correct Tums dose for dogs by weight is important. It is also recommended to consult with a veterinarian before giving Tums to your dog.
CAN I GIVE MY DOG PEPTO-BISMOL?
Pepto-Bismol can be given to dogs in certain situations, but it is important to talk to a veterinarian before administering this medication.
Pepto-Bismol contains salicylates which can be harmful to dogs in large doses. Additionally, Pepto-Bismol can cause black stool in dogs which can be mistaken for a sign of bleeding.
WHAT CAN I GIVE A DOG FOR AN UPSET STOMACH?
There are several things that can be given to a dog for an upset stomach. Some options include boiled chicken and rice, canned pumpkin, and probiotics.
Talking to a veterinarian before administering any medication or home remedies to your dog is important.
Are there natural antacids for dogs?
Yes, there are natural antacids that can be given to dogs. Some options include ginger, chamomile, and slippery elm. However, it is important to talk to a veterinarian before administering any natural remedies to your dog.
Final thoughts on Tums for dogs
While you can give your dog a Tums, there are many other great things that would be more beneficial for your dog.
Using some of these other over-the-counter suggestions for GI issues or seeing your vet for prescription medication may be better.
It is also always best to consult with your vet before starting anything new with your dog.
Your dog may have underlying medical issues that need to be addressed before starting certain medications.