Q. Is one tablespoon of Pepto Bismol sufficient to give a 70-pound German Shepherd Dog if she has diarrhea?
A. Pepto Bismol is generally safe to give to dogs at the same dose that is prescribed for humans. Unfortunately, it will not be effective for diarrhea, since it only acts on the stomach and is long-dissolved and absorbed by the time it reaches the large intestine.
I generally recommend a 24-hour fast for diarrhea, offering only water, to give the intestines time to heal. Afterwards, offer small amounts of bland diet items, such as plain yogurt, cottage cheese, plain rice or boiled chicken, for one to two days before going back to the regular diet.
However, your dog should be checked first for an underlying problem, such as parasites or an imbalance in the bacteria living in the intestine. Your veterinarian will obtain a small stool sample and examine it under a microscope.
Once an underlying problem is ruled out, a fast followed by dietary management can be very effective.
Best,
Jon Geller, DVM
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