Pepcid and Prilosec are higher choices than Tums for a canine with an upset abdomen, however all ought 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 could suggest an antacid for canine to assist with excessive ranges of abdomen acid, but it surely’s not more likely to be Tums. Mostly, your vet could prescribe an acid blocker similar to famotidine (Pepcid) or omeprazole (Prilosec).
Tums for Canines with Kidney Failure
For canine with kidney failure, phosphorus buildup could be a critical aspect impact. Veterinarians often prescribe phosphorus binders to take care of this, however Tums could also be advised as a low-cost different. The calcium in Tums helps to bind among the extra phosphorus, which is then handed within the feces. This isn’t the perfect, nonetheless, and dosing instructions should be adopted precisely. You ought to be in shut contact together with your veterinarian.
The usage of Tums long-term with out veterinary supervision can exacerbate kidney illness and/or trigger an extra of calcium. Tums can even intrude with another drugs, typically making them much less efficient. It’s best to all the time test together with your veterinarian earlier than making an attempt any OTC remedy for a canine with persistent well being issues.
When to Think about Tums for Canines
The most typical use for Tums in canine is for calcium supplementation for feminine canine after giving beginning (whelping). Tums shouldn’t be given throughout being pregnant or pre-whelping as it will probably result in life-threatening hypocalcemia ranges, issues throughout whelping, and issues throughout lactation if given pre-whelp.
Eclampsia, milk fever, or hypocalcemia will 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 could present muscle tremors and progress to seizures. Habits adjustments will be the first refined indication that one thing is incorrect.
This can be a medical emergency, often requiring intravenous calcium. Put up hospital care, bitches could also be despatched residence with Tums as one among their sources of follow-up calcium supplementation. Instructions ought to be adopted precisely.
If Tums are advised for calcium supplementation on your bitch submit whelping, you’ll want to get an acceptable dose out of your veterinarian. Examine for the addition of flavorings like xylitol and for any dyes.
Keep in mind, xylitol will be lethal to canine, even in small quantities! Learn the label components. As well as, Tums preparations typically have dyes added to make them enchantment to individuals. Some canine are delicate to those meals dyes to offer colour.
Notice: Tums will not be permitted to be used in canine however is perhaps used off label for some canine. Off label means the remedy will not be FDA permitted for that use however typically thought to be protected for sure makes use of in pets underneath managed circumstances.
