Can I Give Antacid Medicine to My Dog?

Can I Give Antacid Medicine to My Dog?

Let’s say your pet is experiencing heartburn, indigestion, stomachaches, puppy diarrhea or bloody stool. If your dog’s stomach is really upset, you might want to explore when and why you should use puppy diapers. Your next move might be to head to your medicine cabinet and find an antacid. After all, if it were you, eating a couple of Tums might quickly relieve your discomfort and have you on your merry way. A simple and effective solution, antacids work fast to calm down tummy issues.

If you’re a dog parent, you know that stomach ailments are bound to happen. You may have researched why my puppy has diarrhea. From a random throw-up incident to unexplainable diarrhea – dogs definitely do not have stomachs of steel! Often eating as quickly as possible, your pup is prone to digestion issues. In some cases, dogs will lick their bowl clean before you’ve even finished putting it down. This tendency to eat quickly – and just about any scraps they can get their teeth on – means that you will probably run into an instance where you see your pup’s tummy acting up.

So if your dog is having stomach issues, you might be wondering, “Should I give them the same antacid I would take myself?”, “Is it safe?”, “Will it make them feel better?”, "Can dogs have tums?"

Let’s talk about whether antacids are okay for dogs and what better steps you might be able to take to mitigate the issue.

Antacids use calcium carbonate to target excess acid in the stomach to help fight mild stomach problems. By reducing any extra acid, they help reduce heartburn and digestion issues. If you’ve ever taken one – you know it can provide immediate relief! But are the ingredients in antacids meant for human stomachs suitable for dogs?

In short, yes. It is technically “safe” – in minimal and infrequent amounts. The calcium carbonate targets the same issues that it does in a human stomach. But it is not the most effective solution, and the dosage you’re giving them is crucial to pay attention to. Always consult your vet before giving any home medications to your dog.

If you give your dog antacids – you should not do it often and only give them a little. Often dog’s stomach issues will go away on their own, so make sure it’s not just a brief tummy ache. You might also want to read up on signs of pancreatitis in dog to have peace of mind. These are general guidelines of how much antacid you can give your dog based on size – but it is imperative to consult a professional about the specifics when it comes to your dog. Many factors can affect how your pup will react to human antacid medicine.

Although giving them a little antacid won’t necessarily harm them – and might even provide temporary relief – it can have side effects. Knowing the possible risks is vital before giving your dog anything.

Possible side effects from human antacids:

Because of these, you might be causing more issues while trying to fix one. Ultimately, human antacids are not made for dogs; therefore, you should seek specifically dog-friendly alternatives.

Better alternatives than Antacid for Dogs!

If antacids are technically safe but might cause side effects and experts say they aren’t the best option – what is?

Vet-prescribed medications – If your dog has stomach issues – even minor ones – and you want to help them feel better, talking to your vet is your best bet. They might advise you that it is okay to give them a small amount of antacids you have at home, or they will provide you with a more adequate solution. Observing constant stomach issues in your pup might mean a more extensive illness is resulting in side effects. It is good to ask your vet what they think might be the cause – or if something more severe needs to be treated. Pay attention to any other abnormal symptoms you notice; these can inform what is plaguing your pup. Minor tummy issues will likely resolve themselves, so don’t fret!

Changing their food – Stomach problems can often be attributed to a change in diet as your dog’s body adjusts to their new food. If you notice signs of a sensitive stomach after switching your dog’s food type – they might just be getting used to it. If the issues don’t resolve themselves, consult your vet about whether your dog’s food might need to be changed again. Spot even breaks down if fresh dog food is better. Sometimes your dog will have an allergy you’re not aware of! This can result in stomach problems, so look out for ingredients you know cause indigestion.

A plain diet – An excellent natural way to combat tummy problems is to introduce a bland diet for a few days. Feeding your pup white rice, boiled chicken, or something else plain (that is safe for dogs!) can help calm their stomach. If you slowly reintroduce their regular food once they start to feel better, it can allow them to re-adjust from the plainer substitutes. Giving their digestive system this break with simple foods will help them recover and feel better in no time. Just make sure to avoid these seven foods for dogs.

– There are some things you can give your dog that have natural properties to soothe stomach issues. 100% pure pumpkin puree is an excellent example of something you may even have around your house! Pumpkin has been found to help with stomach issues and indigestion. Additionally, ice cubes can help a sick dog. If your dog throws up or has diarrhea, it will likely get dehydrated. To ensure they get enough water while they are sick, give them ice cubes to chew on! This way, even if they are not interested in drinking water, they will be staying hydrated. If you notice your dog has stopped eating and drinking entirely, call your vet ASAP so you can make sure they don’t get dehydrated or need medical attention.

Antacids may be safe, but they are not your best option.

Because antacids are not a permanent solution – and can only be used sparingly – you might want to consider what other resources you can use. Consulting your vet before treating your dog at home is always the first step if their stomach issues don’t resolve themselves. Your vet will likely give you medication to remedy the problem or advice about what steps to take.