Soft Stool for Two Weeks: Should I Give My Dog Pepto-Bismol?

Thank you for your question, Joy. It's good news that Bebe is improving, and stopping the treats that upset her was a sensible step.

We'd recommend not giving Pepto-Bismol unless your vet tells you to and gives you the dose. It contains a salicylate, an aspirin-like drug, and there's no established dose for dogs. It also turns stool black, which can hide signs of bleeding.

Two weeks of soft stool is longer than we'd expect from a simple upset, so it's worth a vet visit. Take a fresh stool sample, because parasites such as Giardia are a common cause of diarrhea that lingers. In the meantime, keep her meals plain: roasted chicken skin and pan juices can be rich, so plain boiled, skinless chicken (or her kibble alone) is gentler, and skip treats and table scraps until her stools are back to normal.

See your vet sooner if she starts vomiting, stops eating, seems tired, or you see blood or black stool. Our guide to home remedies for dog diarrhea explains bland feeding.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.