Tums are antacid medicines used by humans to treat heartburns, stomach issues, and bloating. Unlike humans, dogs also suffer from different medical problems and stomach issues. You might wonder about giving your tums while him suffering from belly aches, diarrhea, and upset stomach.
You want to know “Can Dogs Have Tums?”. We are here to tell you dogs having tums. So, YES, dogs can have tums.
It is safe to give your tums for temporary and quick relief. But you should always consult your dog’s vet before giving him tums because it might increase the blood level of your pup.
To know more about what foods are unhealthy for your dog, give a quick read to dogs having sausages, skittles, corned beef, and cherries.
Can Dogs Have Tums? Safety Concerns About Tums?
Tums are considered safe for dogs, but still, there are few precautions and safety concerns that you should follow while giving your dog tums.
1.1. Beware of Allergic Reactions:
Even though tums are safe for dogs, few breeds are allergic to antacid medicines. They might get severe health issues or gain weight after having tums. So, always consult your dog’s vet before giving him tums.
1.2. Check for Ingredients:
Tums are used to cure kidney diseases but sometimes they may contain toxic ingredients that can make your kidney worse. To avoid any harmful situation, do not give your dog tums without a doctor’s recommendation.
1.3. Pregnant Dogs:
Tums can be harmful to pregnant or nursing dogs. As it contains a large amount of calcium. It can cause cartilage development problems and can weaken the bones of your dog.
Can Dogs Have Tums? How Much Tums Are Safe for Dogs?
If your dog is suffering from an upset stomach and you can’t take him to the vet immediately. Worried about can dogs have tums? Yes, your dog can have tums but there is a proper dose according to the weight and size of your dog.
The safest dose for most dogs is 0.5-5 grams after every hour as per need. Below we have given the recommended dose list of tums usually prescribed by doctors.
- 1250 mg for small dogs having weight 20 pounds and less after every 24 hours.
- 2-4 grams for medium dogs between 20-50 pounds after every 24 hours.
- 4-6 grams for large dogs between 50-85 pounds after every 24 hours.
- 6-10 grams for giant dogs having a weight of more than 85 pounds after every 24 hours.
What to Do If Your Dog Ate Excessive Dose of Tums?
Tums are safe for dogs only in small amounts, it can be harmful if they consume an excessive dose of tums. If you found your dog overdosing tums, keep an eye on him and observe him properly.
Watch out for reactions like vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, and if you observe any of these symptoms take your dog to the vet immediately.
Can Dogs Have Tums? Alternative to Tums
If your dog doesn’t like tums or show any allergic reactions to tums, stop giving him that. Instead, you can try alternate medicines that are safe for dogs. Here is the list of some alternate medicines to tums that you might want to give to your dog in his sickness.
4.1. Pepto Bismol:
Pepto Bismol is safe for dogs suffering from stomach issues, but it can cause gastric bleeding if given an overdose. Hence the recommended dose for Pepto Bismol is 1 teaspoon after every 6-8 hours.
4.2. Imodium:
Imodium is suggested for dogs having diarrhea. Recommended dose by veterinary doctors is one 2 mg pill 2-3 times a day.
Do not overdose on the pill as it can cause reactions. If diarrhea didn’t cure in 2-3 days, take your pet to the vet for a proper checkup.
4.3. Probiotics:
If your four-legged friend is suffering from an upset stomach or other stomach-related issues, you can rely on probiotics for quick relief. Probiotics provide your dog with nutrients absorption and boost GI functions.
4.4. Pepcid:
Pepcid can be used as an alternate to tums. It is also known as famotidine and it comes in 10 mg tablets. It is best for dogs suffering from an upset stomach. You can give 1 tablet to your dog after every 12 to 24 hours.
4.5. Tagamet:
Tagamet is used to cure acidity, stress, and uterus issues in dogs. usually, 3-5 mg of Tagamet tablet is ideal according to the weight of your dog.
Can Dogs Have Tums? Final Summary:
If your dog is having stomach pain, heartburn, or bellyache and you are worried about can dogs have tums? Simply, YES, tums can be a quick reliever for dogs having stomach problems. But it should be given in moderate amounts as overdosing may cause reactions.
Check for possible alternates before giving tums because it is not safe for dogs. And lastly, dogs are also a part of the family as other members, they need care too. So, avoid any kind of self-medication and consult your dog’s vet before giving him tums.