You probably want to know why Alka Seltzer is bad for your dog now that we know it is. The majority of the various forms of this medication contain acetaminophen. This chemical, often known as Tylenol, can seriously harm the liver and stomach lining of your dog. The dosage we commonly see in Alka Seltzer for people is particularly unsuitable for your dog’s physiology, which is not designed for this type of treatment.
Additionally, Alka Seltzer includes citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, both of which can irritate a person’s stomach lining and, in large doses, become hazardous. Although it would take a lot of these components for your dog to become toxic, we do not suggest taking the chance at all. Heartburn and indigestion in dogs can be treated using a variety of dog-friendly, dog-specific, and natural treatments.
What is an appropriate antacid to feed my dog?
A: It would be best to schedule a visit with your veterinarian first to see what is causing your dog’s stomach discomfort. Then, a successful treatment plan can be decided.
Chewable antacids, which people take to treat heartburn, are less helpful in dogs since they don’t have the same strength to neutralize acidity and don’t last as long.
Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and over-the-counter version of Prilosec OTC, is an additional choice. It is the greatest option for treating an ulcer and lowers stomach acid, but it has adverse effects like all medications, so you should only use it if your veterinarian prescribes it.
The H2 antagonist medication class, which blocks histamine type 2 receptors to lower stomach acid, is yet another over-the-counter option. Cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine are brand names for various medications (Tagamet HB). These drugs don’t work as well on dogs as PPIs do.
Less likely to upset a dog’s stomach than what they eat, how often they eat, and parasitic and bacterial diseases are heartburn and ulcers. It is therefore essential to have your dog’s veterinarian identify the reason for their stomach discomfort and provide a successful course of treatment.
Does Tums work for dogs?
Avoid giving your dog anything that contains the sugar substitute xylitol since, according to Dr. Bris, some Tums include it.
Additionally, xylitol-free Tums should be avoided, advises Dr. Bris, because they may conflict with other drugs your dog is on and result in dangerously high calcium levels in the blood (which is particularly detrimental for canines that have kidney problems). Additionally, while this may seem counterintuitive, he adds that Tums can give your dog diarrhea and an upset stomach.
He adds that while occasionally giving healthy dogs xylitol-free Tums is unlikely to cause harm, it won’t have the same effects as in people.
Since calcium carbonate neutralizes stomach acid, Tums function in humans. Dr. Bris clarifies that because dogs digest food considerably more quickly than humans do, any neutralizing effects would last just a short time.
Given the risks and side effects, it doesn’t seem worth giving your dog Tums for this temporary, unreliable comfort.
Alka-Seltzer is it the same as aspirin?
The FDA issued a warning this week about a few over-the-counter antacid drugs. The most typical illustration is of Alka Seltzer Original. These medications include aspirin as well as antacids. Pico Plus and Bromo Seltzer are comparable goods. Many consumers of these goods are unaware that they do, in fact, contain aspirin. In actuality, Alka Seltzer Original has 324mg of aspirin in it, which is the same as one aspirin tablet’s full dosage. Regular use of this medication may cause bleeding and stomach ulcers. The FDA issued the warning as a result of 8 different complaints of severe bleeding among users of these products. As they are likely to exacerbate symptoms and increase your risk of bleeding, we advise against using these products to treat acid indigestion. A safer option for short-term heartburn or indigestion relief would be Tums or Gaviscon.
What risks does Alka-Seltzer pose?
Make sure your doctor is aware of any breastfeeding or pregnancy conditions. If you have diabetes, gout, asthma, arthritis, asthma, or a bleeding problem like hemophilia, let your doctor know. If you experience persistent or recurring heartburn, GERD, or an ulcer, make sure your doctor is aware of this (reflux disease).
If you have asthma, gout, arthritis, diabetes, or are pregnant or nursing, let your doctor know. If you have liver illness, bleeding issues like hemophilia, a persistently unsettled stomach, or a stomach disorder like an ulcer, heartburn, or GERD, let your doctor know right away (reflux disease).
Sodium and phenylalanine may be present in some dosages of this medication. Before using this medication, read the label. If you are on a salt-restricted diet or have phenylketonuria, let your doctor know (PKU).
If you have a fever for more than three days, a sore throat for more than two days, or pain for more than ten days, let your doctor know. Do not use this medication for more than two days if you are using it to treat a hangover.
Make sure any dentist or doctor who treats you is aware of the most recent time you took this medication. Using this medication during procedures or surgery could be problematic.
How can I calm my dog’s rumbling tummy?
Start with a tablespoon of food and build up the amount over the course of two hours. Increase the amount of food to 1/21 cup of bland diet every three to four hours if your dog can manage that.
Your dog can gradually resume eating 100% of his or her regular diet if things start to look up for him or her.
Probiotics
When your dog is able to eat and shows signs of improvement, you might want to give him or her unsweetened, plain yogurt containing probiotics or a canine probiotic like FortiFlora, Prostora, or Proviable. Living gut-friendly bacteria are prevalent in the digestive system naturally and are present in probiotics. Probiotics are intended to be consumed in order to avoid digestive issues and strengthen your dog’s immune system.
Foods that can help
The following foods can calm an upset stomach and firm up your dog’s stools if he or she is experiencing diarrhea:
- standard canned pumpkin
- Oatmeal
- unsweetened, plain yogurt
- The sweet potato
- Bananas
Slippery elm bark
Some veterinary professionals advise giving dogs slippery elm bark. An herb called slippery elm bark is used to treat stomach issues in dogs. The mucilage included in slippery elm bark will coat, lubricate, and soothe your dog’s inflamed stomach mucous membranes.
Discourage your dog from eating grass
When their stomachs are disturbed, some dogs seem to have a natural urge to chew grass. Though not all veterinarians concur, some individuals believe the dog is attempting to cause vomiting by ingesting grass. The fact that many lawns are treated with fertilizers and other chemicals makes them unfit for canines to consume, however, is something that veterinarians DO agree on.
Over-the-counter medication
If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, several over-the-counter drugs may be able to assist, but they should only be administered with your veterinarian’s approval. Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, and Pepcid have all been used to treat canine diarrhea. It is important to consult your vet before using them because they can have adverse effects.
While these natural cures can make your dog feel better, they should never take the place of veterinary care. There are numerous potential causes for your dog’s illness, and only your veterinarian can determine the most likely one and suggest the best course of action for treatment.
What natural solutions have you tried to soothe your dog’s stomach discomfort? Please do so in the comments section below to share with the rest of the Canine Campus community.
What over-the-counter medications are safe to administer to dogs with stomach upset?
For a number of reasons, it is always preferable to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any over-the-counter drugs.
You must first determine the proper dose to deliver because there are differences between the doses for humans and canines. In order to prevent any negative outcomes, your veterinarian should check your dog’s medical history. Drug combinations can be harmful. Third, many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs should not be used on canines. Making the assumption that a medicine is safe for your dog simply because you can buy it over-the-counter might have harmful implications.
Antihistamines. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin), which reduce allergy symptoms or prevent allergic responses. Antihistamines are mostly safe, however some dogs may become drowsy or hyperactive when taking them. OTC antihistamine medications could also have unsuitable components for dogs, including decongestants. Verify that the product solely includes antihistamine by carefully reading the label. Make sure the antihistamine you have is appropriate for your dog by consulting the medical staff at your local animal hospital.
Antidiarrheals/Antinauseants. For stomach problems, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is frequently stored in medicine cabinets and can be given to your dog. Consult your veterinarian healthcare team before administering if your dog has never taken it before. To treat both diarrhea and vomiting, a dose of 1 teaspoon for every 5 to 10 pounds of body weight may be used. However, contact your veterinarian if your dog throws up the Pepto-Bismol. Another anti-diarrheal that calms unsettled stomachs and is normally harmless is kaopectate. A large dog, however, requires a lot of Kaopectate at a dose of 1 ml per pound. You can get a dog-specific medicine from your vet.
Loperamide (Imodium). If given to your dog at a dose of 1 mg per 20 pounds of body weight, it should be safe to treat diarrhea in an emergency. Give just one dosage. Contact your veterinarian if the diarrhea does not stop. The condition can only be effectively treated if the cause of the diarrhea is correctly identified.
Cimetidine plus famotidine (Pepcid AC) (Tagamet). These drugs can be used to treat or prevent heartburn in humans, and they also function in canines. These drugs can improve a dog’s condition by reducing the generation of stomach acids. For dietary transgressions, it is acceptable to use them sometimes; nevertheless, if your dog continues to experience gastrointestinal problems, consult your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause.
creams, gels, and sprays containing steroids OTC steroid formulations are often quite safe and have a lower percentage of active components than prescription steroids. They have the advantage of making hot areas and bug bites less itchy. Steroids have the drawback of delaying healing, particularly if the incision is infected. Have your dog’s wound examined by your veterinarian if it still doesn’t appear to be healing after a few applications.
antibacterial topical cream. A typical topical antibiotic used on minor wounds and scrapes is neosporin. Every first aid kit should contain this ointment because it is generally safe for dogs. Check to be sure the cream only contains antibiotics and not steroids, which can actually slow healing. Before administering the antibiotic ointment, make sure your dog’s wound is clean. Cover the wound to prevent your dog from licking the lotion off.
Sprays, gels, and creams that are anti-fungal. The majority of fungal infections are too complex to be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications, but you can use them while you wait to take your dog to the vet. It’s crucial to rapidly and successfully treat these diseases since some fungal infections can spread from pets to people.
Peroxygenated water. If your dog consumes something he shouldn’t have, hydrogen peroxide can be administered orally to cause vomiting in addition to being applied topically to wipe out a superficial flesh lesion (i.e., your medications, rodenticides, toxic plants). However, vomiting can do more harm than good, so speak with your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital PRIOR to giving your dog an oral dose of hydrogen peroxide to find out how much to give.
a mineral oil There are several applications for this generally safe liquid. To prevent soap stinging your dog’s eyes, put a few drops in his eyes before bathing him.
synthetic tears Your dog may have dry eyes or may have some dust or debris in his eyes if he blinks or squints too much. The smallest speck in your eye or dry eyes can irritate you. Sometimes all that is required to clean junk out is a tiny amount of lubricating eye drops. Take your dog to the vet straight soon, though, if he continues to blink or squint. He might need to have a foreign body removed, have a scratch on his cornea, or have an eye infection. Contact your veterinarian right away if you observe a discharge or if your dog’s eyes appear red or inflamed. A prompt treatment helps ease your dog’s discomfort and could perhaps save permanent visual loss.
What about Pepto-Bismol for dogs?
Although Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) is safe to give to the majority of dogs, AKC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein says he rarely advises it because the medication’s salicylates may cause gastrointestinal bleeding and the bismuth may conceal any ensuing bleeding by turning the stool black. If it must be administered, he advises speaking with your veterinarian first and giving no more than one or two doses. Instead, your vet may advise using the Corrective Suspension bismuth subsalicylate medication designed for dogs. Any form of bismuth subsalicylate should not be administered to dogs with bleeding disorders, those who are pregnant or nursing, or those who are receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Rimadyl and Deramaxx. Bismuth subsalicylate is hazardous to cats and should never be given to them.
- Dr. Klein advises giving dogs 1 teaspoon of pepto-bismol for every 10 pounds of body weight. The dog can have it every 6 to 8 hours, but if the diarrhea persists after a few doses, stop giving the medication and contact your veterinarian. Additionally, if you’ve never administered Pepto-Bismol to your dog previously, clarify the dosage with your vet.
- Pepto-Bismol administration for dogs: Give your dog the medication using a plastic syringe that is empty (no needle). He should first open his lips, insert the empty syringe below his tongue, push the plunger, and then hold his snout for a brief moment to make sure he swallows it.
Another over-the-counter drug that can be given to dogs to treat diarrhea is Imodium (loperamide). Consult your veterinarian before giving Imodium to your dog if they have any medical issues or are taking any drugs. Before administering this drug to a cat, seek veterinary advice. Cats may react to it.
- Imodium Dosage For Dogs: According to Dr. Klein, a dog can take one 2-milligram pill for every 40 pounds of body weight, two to three times each day. To confirm the dosage, please call your veterinarian. Give this drug to patients for no longer than two days. If the symptoms continue, get veterinarian help.
- Imodium administration for dogs: The GreeniesTM brand of pill pockets or food-wrapped tablets should be given to your dog (like cheese). Use just enough food to cover the pill’s taste in order to avoid further upsetting your dog’s stomach.
Many veterinarians advise Pepcid (famotidine) if your pet has problems with stomach acid buildup, gastric ulcers, or other stomach- or GI-related concerns. Although the FDA has not approved this medicine for use in animals, it is common for veterinarians to suggest its usage in some dogs and cats. If your pet is pregnant, nursing, or has a medical problem, talk to your veterinarian before giving it to them.
- Pepcid Dosage for Dogs: According to Dr. Klein, the dosage for both dogs and cats is one 10-milligram tablet for a 20-pound dog every 12- to 24-hours. Giving this medication an hour before meals is recommended. For confirmation that the dosage is correct for your pet, consult a veterinarian. Make sure to choose Pepcid Original Strength if you decide to buy Pepcid (10 milligram tablets). Pepcid Maximum Strength and Pepcid Complete both include more active components and medication per pill, respectively.
- How to Give Pepcid to Dogs: Giving Pepcid with meals can reduce the medication’s effectiveness. Instead, softly touch your dog’s throat or blow into his nose to encourage swallowing while tilting his head back, placing the pill on the back of his tongue, holding his mouth shut for a brief period of time. Ask your veterinarian for guidance if you have never given medicines to your dog without a treat.
Rice and pumpkin are two meals that can aid dogs with gastrointestinal problems. Find out more about that here.
According to Dr. Klein, he has also recommended probiotics like Pro-Viable or Fortiflora to treat diarrhea. “Results are noticed within 24 hours, he explains, if diarrhea is not severe. Ask your veterinarian where you can buy comparable products.
Emergency First Aid for Dogs
A sudden injury or illness cannot always be prevented, even by the most diligent pet owner. Receiving emergency medical care for your pet could mean the difference between life and death. To find out more about what to do in an emergency, download this e-book.
