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PetDosageChart

Antidiarrheal / Gastroprotectant · For Dogs

How much Pepto Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate) can I give my dog?

Standard Pepto Bismol dose for dogs is 0.5 mg per kg (0.23 mg per lb), given every 6-8 hours. Use the calculator below for your dog's exact weight, or jump to the weight-by-weight chart.

Onset
30-60 minutes
Duration
6-8 hours
Class
Antidiarrheal / Gastroprotectant

Calculator estimate from Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. Not yet vet-reviewed — see our methodology .

This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator · 01

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By Weight

Pepto Bismol dose by dog weight

Pick your dog's weight to jump to a dedicated page with the dose, frequency, safety notes, and FAQ for that size.

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Dosage Chart · 02

Pepto Bismol dosage for dogs by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 0.5mg 1mg 2.5mg every 6-8 hours
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 1mg 2.5mg 4.5mg every 6-8 hours
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 1.5mg 3.5mg 7mg every 6-8 hours
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 2.5mg 4.5mg 9mg every 6-8 hours
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 3mg 5.5mg 11.5mg every 6-8 hours
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 3.5mg 7mg 13.5mg every 6-8 hours
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 4.5mg 9mg 18mg every 6-8 hours
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 5.5mg 11.5mg 22.5mg every 6-8 hours
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 7mg 13.5mg 27mg every 6-8 hours
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 8mg 16mg 31.5mg every 6-8 hours
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 9mg 18mg 36.5mg every 6-8 hours
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 10mg 20.5mg 41mg every 6-8 hours
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 11.5mg 22.5mg 45.5mg every 6-8 hours
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 13.5mg 27mg 54.5mg every 6-8 hours
150 lbs (68 kg) 17mg 34mg 68mg every 6-8 hours

Common Uses · 03

What is Pepto Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate) used for in dogs?

diarrhea nausea upset stomach gas

Administration · 04

How to give Pepto Bismol to your dog

Pepto Bismol can be given as a liquid or chewable tablet. The liquid is easier to dose precisely for smaller dogs. Note that Pepto Bismol will turn your dog's stool dark or black — this is normal and not a cause for concern. Do not give to cats, as it contains salicylates which are toxic to them.

Available Forms

liquid, chewable tablet

Give with Food?

No — can be given without food

Side Effects · 05

Side effects of Pepto Bismol in dogs

Common side effects

dark/black stools
darkened tongue
constipation
mild nausea

Serious side effects — call your vet

  • salicylate toxicity
  • bloody stool
  • severe vomiting
  • tremors

Emergency · 06

When to call the vet

Call your vet immediately if your dog shows any of these signs:

  • Diarrhea persists beyond 48 hours
  • Blood in stool (bright red, not dark from medication)
  • Vomiting increases after giving
  • Dog becomes lethargic or refuses water
  • Signs of tremors or unsteadiness

Related · 08

Related medications for dogs

Sources · 09

Sources & references

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Bismuth Subsalicylate.

Read more about our methodology and how we calculate dosages.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, the reference used in US vet schools. Every dose, frequency, and tablet count on this page is generated from that data, then checked against the published references below.

Sources cited
  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula
Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 0.5 mg per kg (0.23 mg per lb) of body weight, given every 6-8 hours. The calculator multiplies that basis by your dog's weight and rounds to the closest available tablet size.
Last-reviewed status
Automated from Plumb’s, not yet vet-reviewed.

More on our methodology and editorial process — how we source, calculate, and review dogs dosage data.

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

Can I give my dog Pepto Bismol?
Yes, Pepto Bismol is generally safe for dogs in recommended doses for short-term relief of diarrhea and upset stomach. However, it contains bismuth subsalicylate, so it should not be given to dogs on other NSAIDs or aspirin. Never give Pepto Bismol to cats.
How much Pepto Bismol can I give my dog?
The standard dose is about 1 teaspoon (5 ml) per 10 pounds of body weight, given every 6-8 hours. For tablets, the dose is approximately 8.5 mg per pound. Do not exceed 3 doses in 24 hours without veterinary guidance.
Why is my dog's poop black after Pepto Bismol?
Black stool is a completely normal side effect of bismuth subsalicylate. The bismuth reacts with sulfur in your dog's digestive tract, creating bismuth sulfide which is black. This is harmless and will resolve once you stop giving the medication.
Can Pepto Bismol hurt a dog?
At recommended doses, Pepto Bismol is generally safe for short-term use. However, excessive doses can cause salicylate toxicity, especially in small dogs. Never give it to cats, dogs with bleeding disorders, or dogs already taking NSAIDs or aspirin.

Safety · 10

More resources