Can I Give My Dog Tums?

Humans take Tums for gas or indigestion. Naturally, owners have wondered whether dogs can have Tums and if Tums are safe for dogs. Many veterinarians still recommend giving a dog Tums to treat an upset stomach. However, it’s not as common anymore because there are other alternatives to Tums for dogs that are made specifically as antacids.

Are Tums Bad For Dogs?

Some people think that they should give Tums to their dogs because it is rich in calcium. Yes, dogs do need to have calcium in their diets, but Tums is not the best way for them to get it. In most cases, unless your vet has recommended dietary supplements for your dogs, they can get the nutrients they need from their food.

In fact, if you give Tums to your dog, you may actually be giving them too much calcium, which is not a good thing. You could be doing your dog a lot more harm than good, even though you have the best of intentions.

Consult Your Vet

A lot of people are well meaning when they give their dogs Tums, but they are not always doing their dogs a whole lot of good. They just figure that Tums can help with loose stools, constipation, decreased appetite, and other stomach issues in humans, so they will help dogs as well. While this can be true in some cases, it is best to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any over-the-counter medications, including Tums.

If your vet does recommend that you give Tums to your dog for stomach upset, make sure that you only use the unsweetened version, and not the flavored types. The sweetened Tums contain the sweetener xylitol, which is known to be toxic to dogs. You vet may also prescribe other antacids made specifically for dogs.

Look At Your Dog’s Diet

In most cases, when dogs have upset stomachs, it is because they ate something that didn’t agree with them. Before giving your dog Tums for their upset stomach, it is a good idea to look at the alternatives, which are much healthier for dogs.

The first thing you need to do is take a look at your dog’s diet. Is the food they are getting of a high quality, and are they on a good feeding schedule? Once you figure out what is causing your dog’s stomach upset, you can then start looking at alternative ways to relieve it.

No, Dogs Can’t Have Tums

It is never a good idea to give dogs medication that is meant for humans, unless it is specifically recommended by your vet. Tums were recommended in the past, but today, vets are recommending alternatives that are healthier for dogs, including dietary changes. If your dog has regular upset stomachs, talk to your vet, have tests done to find the cause, and then work on making the changes in their diet that will help to alleviate the problem.