Pepcid and Prilosec are higher choices than Tums for a canine with an upset abdomen, however all needs to be given solely with veterinary supervision. Credit score: Snizhana Galytska | Getty Pictures
Tums is an over-the-counter (OTC) human antacid composed of calcium carbonate. In case your canine is battling abdomen points, your veterinarian might advocate an antacid for canines to assist with excessive ranges of abdomen acid, nevertheless it’s not prone to be Tums. Mostly, your vet might prescribe an acid blocker resembling famotidine (Pepcid) or omeprazole (Prilosec).
Tums for Canine with Kidney Failure
For canines with kidney failure, phosphorus buildup generally is a severe facet impact. Veterinarians normally prescribe phosphorus binders to cope with this, however Tums could also be prompt as a low-cost different. The calcium in Tums helps to bind a number of the extra phosphorus, which is then handed within the feces. This isn’t the perfect, nevertheless, and dosing instructions must be adopted precisely. Try to be in shut contact along with your veterinarian.
Using Tums long-term with out veterinary supervision can exacerbate kidney illness and/or trigger an extra of calcium. Tums also can intrude with another drugs, typically making them much less efficient. It’s best to at all times examine along with your veterinarian earlier than making an attempt any OTC remedy for a canine with persistent well being issues.
When to Contemplate Tums for Canine
The commonest use for Tums in canines is for calcium supplementation for feminine canines after giving delivery (whelping). Tums shouldn’t be given throughout being pregnant or pre-whelping as it might result in life-threatening hypocalcemia ranges, issues throughout whelping, and issues throughout lactation if given pre-whelp.
Eclampsia, milk fever, or hypocalcemia may be seen in dams who’re nursing. It’s most typical with giant litters and with dams who have been inappropriately supplemented with calcium whereas pregnant. Affected bitches might present muscle tremors and progress to seizures. Conduct modifications often is the first delicate indication that one thing is fallacious.
It is a medical emergency, normally requiring intravenous calcium. Put up hospital care, bitches could also be despatched house with Tums as certainly one of their sources of follow-up calcium supplementation. Instructions needs to be adopted precisely.
If Tums are prompt for calcium supplementation to your bitch put up whelping, make sure to get an applicable dose out of your veterinarian. Examine for the addition of flavorings like xylitol and for any dyes.
Keep in mind, xylitol may be lethal to canines, even in small quantities! Learn the label substances. As well as, Tums preparations typically have dyes added to make them attraction to folks. Some canines are delicate to those meals dyes to offer colour.
Be aware: Tums shouldn’t be authorized to be used in canines however could be used off label for some canines. Off label means the remedy shouldn’t be FDA authorized for that use however typically considered protected for sure makes use of in pets below managed situations.
