Is Tums dangerous to dogs? Usually not very. Tums is calcium carbonate, a low-toxicity antacid that mostly passes through a dog, so a tablet or two rarely causes more than mild stomach upset. The real cautions are sugar-free versions that may contain xylitol, large numbers of tablets, and puppies. Do not give Tums on your own: ask your vet first.
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Why Tums needs caution
Tums is calcium carbonate, an antacid with low toxicity: dogs do not absorb much of it, and most of a tablet passes through. The catches are that a large number of tablets can upset the gut and calcium balance, some sugar-free versions contain xylitol, and reaching for Tums can mask a problem that needs a vet.
Signs to watch for
Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting; large amounts: weakness, tremors
What to do next
Check the label for xylitol, count how many tablets are missing, and call your vet or poison control rather than giving more.
A tablet or two rarely causes more than mild stomach upset in an adult dog. Larger amounts can cause vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea, and matter more in a small dog or a growing puppy whose calcium balance is easily shifted.
Can I treat this at home?
If your dog ate a tablet or two of a plain, xylitol-free antacid, watch for constipation or loose stool.
When should I call the vet?
Any Tums that could contain xylitol, a large number of tablets, a puppy, or vomiting, weakness, or no stool. Do not dose your dog with Tums on your own; ask your vet first.
Can I give my dog Tums for an upset stomach?
Only if your vet tells you to. Tums does little for the causes of most canine stomach upset, the dose that helps a dog is not the human dose, and giving it can delay proper treatment. Call your vet before using any human antacid.
Compiled from veterinary poison-control and medical reference sources, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the Pet Poison Helpline, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. This is general educational information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for examination by your veterinarian. DogSafe's severity ratings are our own assessment, calculated from published guidance and your dog's weight. In an emergency, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.