My Dog Ate Tums, What Should I Do?

Tums are a lifesaver when your stomach misbehaves, and it’s a basic OTC drug in many homesteads.

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It relieves acid reflux instantly and gets you back in your activity.

So, your pup shows signs of an upset stomach, and you wonder, can tums work for them too?

Tums aren’t toxic and won’t harm your dogs unless ingested in large amounts.

If your canine sneaked a few Tums, watch for GI symptoms and adverse reactions to the drug.

Don’t induce vomiting; instead, contact your vet for safer actions.

Otherwise Tums in safe amounts can ease digestion problems in canines.

Understanding over-the-counter drugs (Tums) is essential for dog owners.

This article will guide you on the side effects, the usage, and available alternatives to Tums for dogs.

Are Tums safe for dogs?

Yes, you can use Tums to temporarily relieve mild digestion issues like stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, or constipation in dogs.

Calcium carbonate, the active ingredient in Tums, reduces stomach acid in dogs when they swallow it.

Some vets use Tums to affect phosphorous levels in the blood, which works as a phosphate binder.

At times they use it as a treatment for kidney disease.

A trained vet should only perform these to avoid adverse effects.

Although not effective, some pet owners use Tums as a calcium supplement for their dogs.

One or two Tum tablets won’t hurt dogs, but prolonged exposure would lead to adverse side effects.

What happens if my dogs ingest many Tums tablets?

Ingesting one or two Tums for large dogs isn’t a cause of alarm but could be catastrophic for smaller breeds.

Overeating Tums could lead to complications like;

Gastrointestinal distress

Although Tums eases stomach discomforts in some instances, it worsens the situation if ingested in large amounts. Dogs may experience;

Diarrhea: Magnesium in Tums creates loose stool, which worsens diarrhea in dogs.
Vomit: Some Tums components are incompatible with dogs leading to vomiting after ingesting large quantities.
Constipation: Calcium carbonate and aluminum in Tums can easily worsen constipation in dogs rather than ease bowel movement.

Allergic reactions

Dogs, just like humans, react differently when exposed to a new substance.

An allergic reaction is the most immediate reaction your canine can develop after ingesting Tums.

Tums contain additives that can make sensitive dogs sick.

Symptoms of Tums allergy in dogs include;

Vomiting
Chronic diarrhea
Red eyes
Excessive itching and licking
Drooling and coughing
Skin rashes

Intoxication

Giving too many Tums to your canine friend could cause a deadly intoxication.

Consider their previous and current medications to avoid worsening a situation since a mixture of medications leads to toxicity.

Similarly, Tums may be bad for dogs with some underlying conditions.

Be cautious and consult your vet before giving your furry friend Tums tablets.

Kidney failure

Calcium is a mineral that aids with strong bones and muscles in dogs; however, too much of it will override your dog’s kidneys.

Calcium carbonate is the main component in Tums, and it’s extremely difficult for dogs to absorb in their body.

This puts too much stress on the kidneys leading to kidney stones and eventually kidney failure.

Xylitol poisoning

Some Tums contain xylitol, a sugar element lethal to dogs even in small amounts and can lead to low blood sugar and liver damage.

Always check the label when buying Tums for your canine friend.

What are the symptoms of Tums overdose in dogs?

Tums are safe but unhealthy when ingested in large amounts.

Calcium and vitamin D components in Tums are safe but can cause toxicity in large quantities.

If your dog overeats Tums tablets, observe the following symptoms;

Vomiting
Body weakness
Excess drooling
Diarrhea
Increased thirst and urination

Can Tums be used to treat intestinal upsets in dogs?

Yes, but only in mild conditions.

Intestinal upsets include vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, fatigue, and abdominal discomforts.

These can be treated with a safe dose of Tums.

It can also treat issues like mild acid reflux.

Contact your vet before administering any medication to your furry friend.

Are there safer alternatives to Tums for dogs with an upset stomach?

Natural remedies are always the better alternative to over-the-counter drugs like Tums.

If your dog suffers from an upset stomach, feed them these instead;

Pumpkin: The high-fiber content in pumpkins helps relieve constipation and loose stool, an ideal solution to your dog’s upset stomach.

Cook it thoroughly and ensure it’s unsalted and unseasoned.

Broth: Any plain bone broth solves your dog’s sensitive stomach.

Moreover, it adds flavor and taste to dry dog food. It will also induce an appetite for your dog.

Fasting: Dogs won’t agree with one, but sometimes the best way to treat an upset stomach is by avoiding food.

This helps the body clean itself.

Only give them clean water.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can Tums be used as a calcium supplement in dogs?

Tums are not recommended as a calcium supplement since they provide calcium carbonate, which is not easily digestible in your dog’s body.

You’d better consider other sources of calcium like calcium citrate, which is better absorbed in the body.

Food like milk, salmon, broccoli, yogurt, and black beans, among others, are calcium-rich and preferred to Tums.

Can dogs with kidney failure use Tums?

No.

Other alternatives, such as Prilosec, Rolaids, and Zantac, are safer and more effective than Tums for canines with kidney failure.

These antacids, fairly similar to Tums, minimize phosphate levels in a dog’s blood critical for keeping them alive.

A professional vet should only administer this.

Conclusion

Tums is an ordinary relief for acid reflux and indigestion; thus, they are mostly available in many homes.

Keep it out of your dog’s reach since too much ingestion can make them sick.

If your pet has already over-consumed Tums, observe them for toxicity and contact your vet immediately.

Otherwise Tums in moderated amounts are safe for your dog’s digestion issues.

Alternatively, there are safer natural remedies like bone broth and pumpkin soup for that stomach upset.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.