Dogs get into the strangest things sometimes, including medication meant for humans! Why do they do this? It may be from curiosity, stress, anxiety, separation anxiety, and more. When you consider some of the things they eat, it’s pretty amazing they don’t get sick more often!
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One medication that’s meant for us are Tums. We may sometimes reach for Tums when we have acid indigestion or heartburn. So, you may have it in your own medicine cabinet.
But is Tums toxic to dogs? Can Tums make your dog sick?
What are Tums?
Tums are medicine that’s available without a prescription. You can find it in many places including the pharmacy, convenience stores, or even grocery stores.
The medicine is used to treat heartburn, upset stomach, or indigestion. Tums work to lower the amount of acid in the stomach.
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The active ingredient in Tums is calcium carbonate that usually comes from a mine. Yes, you read that correctly. This is a great option for people (and dogs) who aren’t able to take calcium that comes from fish and shellfish.
While Tums are safe for humans, it’s also used in veterinary medicine. Dogs can take Tums but it’s important to follow the vet’s advice on how much a dog can take.
Tums can be used to treat stomach issues (same as humans’) and can also be used for other health problems. For instance, the vet may give Tums to treat phosphorous levels in the blood. The medication works as a phosphate binder. The drug is also used to treat kidney disease in dogs; however, this must be done carefully, as Tums could make the kidney issues worse.
So, are Tums safe for your dog?
Tums and Dogs
The answer is it depends. Some dogs are allergic to Tums, while regular use can lead to kidney disease. The good news is that if your dog eats a lot of Tums (when you’re not looking), then he may experience some side effects. The chances of overdosing are minimal, though your dog could suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and nausea.
It’s always a good idea to call the vet in this type of situation. Especially if your dog has excessive diarrhea and vomiting.
Whenever you’re worried, be sure to call the vet. They’re the best source of information for these types of issues. They can also offer reassurance when you need it.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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