Bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto Bismol) is a medicine used in pets to treat stomach issues like diarrhea, loose stool, nausea, and heartburn and to protect the lining of the stomach and intestines in dogs and sometimes cats. Bismuth products are part of the aspirin (salicylate) family. Your veterinarian also might prescribe it for your dog, cat, or even ferret to treat bacteria called helicobacter, which can cause ulcers (open sores) in the lining of your pet’s stomach.
Bismuth subsalicylate isn’t approved by the FDA for use in animals, so you should never give your pet bismuth subsalicylate unless it’s prescribed by their vet.
Bismuth subsalicylate is available over the counter in veterinary-labeled products, including oral paste, oral liquid, tablets, and caplets. But these also aren’t FDA-approved for pets. Talk to your veterinarian before giving any bismuth subsalicylate product to your dog or cat.
How Is Bismuth Subsalicylate Used in Pets?
Bismuth subsalicylate is available in liquid, chewable tablets, and pills. You should only give it to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. Though you may be using a bismuth subsalicylate product intended for people, the dose for your pet won’t be the same as what’s on the product’s label. Your veterinarian will tell you how much to give. You can give bismuth subsalicylate to your pet with or without food.
Never give bismuth subsalicylate to treat diarrhea in your cat, unless directed by your vet. Most cats are very sensitive to salicylate medicines.
Bismuth subsalicylate has an unpleasant chalky taste, so your pet probably won’t like it. Storing the liquid product in the refrigerator and shaking it well before giving them the dose might help. Talk to your veterinarian if you’re having trouble giving your pet the medicine. Don’t mix it with milk.
Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Tell them about any medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies your pet takes. Talk to your vet before stopping any of your pet’s medicines.
What Are the Benefits of Bismuth Subsalicylate in Pets?
Bismuth subsalicylate has a few benefits, including:
- It’s available over the counter.
- It helps improve symptoms within 24 hours of your pet taking it.
What Follow-Up Is Required With Bismuth Subsalicylate?
You and your vet should watch your pet to see if they improve, as well as if they have side effects. If your pet doesn’t get better, they may need their poop tested. Your vet will probably monitor their fluids and electrolytes (sodium, potassium) if your pet’s diarrhea is severe or if it continues for more than a few days.
Does Bismuth Subsalicylate Have Warnings or Side Effects?
Yes. Don’t give your pet bismuth subsalicylate if they’re allergic to it or they’re allergic to aspirin, or if they’re pregnant or nursing. Don’t give it to your pet if they have a bleeding disorder or ulcers (open sores) in the stomach or intestines. Be very cautious giving it to cats, young animals, or pets that are sick.
Side effects of bismuth subsalicylate are usually mild and may include:
Tongue color. Your pet’s tongue may turn from pink to black. It will go back to normal after they stop taking the medicine.
Poop color. Bismuth subsalicylate might also change the normal color of your pet’s poop to gray-black or green-black. It will go back to normal after they stop taking the medicine. If their poop looks dark black and tarry, contact your veterinarian right away.
Constipation. Some pets get constipated or have a hard time pooping while taking bismuth subsalicylate. Call your vet if your pet can’t poop for several days.
If your pet has any of these side effects, stop giving your pet bismuth subsalicylate and call your vet to discuss other treatment options.
If you think your pet is having a serious side effect or may have overdosed, call your veterinary clinic right away. If it’s outside of regular office hours, contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center. Be aware you may have higher fees for emergency care.
You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
Does Bismuth Subsalicylate Interact With Other Medicines?
Giving your pet more than one medicine at a time can change how those medicines work. It can also raise your pet’s risk of serious side effects. Tell your vet about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements they take.
Before giving your pet bismuth subsalicylate, tell your vet if they also take:
ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors like benazepril (Lotensin) and enalapril (Vasotec) are medicines used to treat your pet’s heart disease and high blood pressure. But they may not be as effective if given with bismuth subsalicylate.
Anticoagulants. Anticoagulants like heparin and warfarin (Coumadin) help thin your pet’s blood and prevent blood clots. They’re more likely to have serious bleeding when this medicine is used with bismuth subsalicylate.
Aspirin. Aspirin can increase your pet’s risk of stomach or intestine bleeding if they take it with bismuth subsalicylate.
Corticosteroids. Steroids such as prednisone help treat inflammation, autoimmune diseases, allergies and some cancers in your pet. But they’re more likely to have bleeding in their stomach and intestines if they take steroids with bismuth subsalicylate.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs such as carprofen (Carpox, Rimadyl, Zinecarp) help treat pain in your pet. But they’re more likely to have serious bleeding in their stomach or intestines when they take this medicine with bismuth subsalicylate.
Tetracycline antibiotics. If your pet is prescribed a tetracycline antibiotic, such as doxycycline (Efracea, Periostat), while taking bismuth subsalicylate, they can’t absorb the antibiotic the way they should. Give the two medications separately; either give the antibiotic first, then wait at least 2 hours before giving bismuth subsalicylate, or give the bismuth subsalicylate first, then wait at least 6 hours before giving the antibiotic.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with bismuth subsalicylate. Always check with your veterinarian.
Are There Safety Concerns for Pet Owners?
Keep bismuth subsalicylate out of the reach of children. Wash your hands after giving bismuth subsalicylate to your pet. Do not handle bismuth subsalicylate if you’re allergic.
What if My Pet Takes Too Much, Overdoses, or Misses a Dose?
Bismuth subsalicylate can be toxic to your pet in high doses, especially cats. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and neurological problems. If you think your dog – or especially your cat – has swallowed more bismuth subsalicylate than prescribed, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic right away.
If you missed a dose of your pet’s medication, give them the dose if it’s close to the scheduled time but skip it if it’s closer to the next dosing time. Give them the correct dose next time. Don’t double it.
How Do I Store Bismuth Subsalicylate?
Store bismuth subsalicylate tablets away from light and at room temperature. Keep liquid in the refrigerator to improve the taste. Protect the liquid from freezing.
