Bismuth subsalicylate, better known by the over-the-counter band names Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol, can help relieve diarrhea in dogs. It's made from a type of clay called kaolin. The brand name of bismuth subsalicylate for veterinary use is Corrective Suspension. However, it may be easier for a vet to get hold of the human medications.
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Dosage
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Kaopectate comes in liquid and tablet forms. For liquid, shake well because vital contents are sitting on the bottle's bottom. Dogs need 0.5 to 1.5 milliliters for every pound they weigh. This comes to two teaspoons for every 10 pounds that the dog weighs. This is given every 12 hours for up to 48 hours.
Administering Medication
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Dogs may not be able to swallow the full dosage of liquid Kaopectate and may wind up trying to spit it out or struggle to avoid swallowing the medication. Refrigerating the medication may help improve the taste, but some dogs may still not like it. Veterinarian Dr. Mike Papich recommends splitting the entire 12-hour dose into two or three smaller doses given every four to six hours in order to avoid this problem.
Side Effects
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The most common side effect of Kaopectate in dogs is that the stool will turn black. This is normal. Another common side effect is constipation. This means that the dog has had too much Kaopectate. Dog deaths from Kaopectate overdoses are extremely rare but theoretically possible, according to "The Pill Book Guide to Medication For Your Dog and Cat." If the dog exhibits any strange symptoms like vomiting, nose bleeds or coordination problems, contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Drug Interactions
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Never give Kaopectate to a dog or puppy without first contacting a veterinarian, because bismuth subsalicylate reacts badly with medications like aspirin, tetracycline and steroids. Dogs on the antibiotic lincomycin or digoxin (a type of digitalis for heart problems) can take Kaopectate, provided they are given Kaopectate two to four hours before their medications.
Warning
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Kaopectate will not help all dogs with diarrhea. If a dog has very loose or bloody stools, the cause of diarrhea may be a chronic or severe illness that bismuth subsalicylate will not be able to help. Causes of severe dog diarrhea include poisoning, parasite infection or disease. Call a vet anytime a dog has diarrhea for more than 48 hours or has diarrhea in combination with other symptoms like loss of coordination or vomiting.
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