How to help a dog with an Upset Stomach?

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How to help a dog with an Upset Stomach?

If your dog has an upset stomach, the first step is to determine the cause of the problem. Possible causes may include dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t have), food sensitivities or intolerances, gastrointestinal parasites, underlying medical conditions, stress or anxiety and more. Speak with your veterinarian to help narrow down potential causes and get recommendations for treatment.

What are the common signs of dogs upset stomach?

Dogs upset stomach have signs that shows your dog is having unusual behavior or symptoms.

Appetite loss

Diarrhea
Floor licking
Flatulence

Grass eating
Gagging stomach sounds
Salivation

Vomiting

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Home Remedy or Vet Consultation, which one you need?

You can often treat a dog’s occasional stomach problem at home. If your dog experiences any of these symptoms or has had multiple incidents, we recommend you immediately take them to the veterinarian.

Signs that you require to a vet visit

Anxious pacing
Bloody stool
Continuous vomiting

Dehydration
Dried stomach
Dry vomiting (nothing comes out)

Fever
Lethargy
Ongoing diarrhea

Uncontrollable drooling
Weight loss

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that needs veterinary attention. Even if your dog is experiencing mild stomach upset, it is important to consult your vet before you try any home remedies.

Tips to Cure Your Dog’s Troubled Stomach

Here are some home remedies for a dog with an upset stomach.

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Find out what caused your upset stomach

Most often, an upset stomach in dogs is due to something that the dog ingested. Dogs love to eat things that they shouldn’t and there are many items that could cause upset stomachs. To help your vet diagnose the problem, try to determine what caused your dog’s upset stomach.

Keep your dog well hydrated

It is important to keep your dog hydrated, especially if they have diarrhea or vomiting. They can become very dehydrated quickly, sometimes in as little as a few hours. Ice chips can be given to your dog every 2 – 3 hrs. You can see if your dog can keep it down with ice chips and water.

You don’t have to offer water to your dog just to keep them hydrated. Dogs require electrolytes and vitamins in order to keep their fluids hydrated. You can give your dog Pediatrician. The same powder can be given to children or you can buy it at an animal feed shop.

Check your dog’s temperature

You can use a rectal thermometer to check your dog’s temperature. Although ear thermometers are available for dogs, they are less accurate. Dogs’ normal temperature is 101.5*F. A fever is a temperature above 102°F. To determine the cause of your dog’s fever, take him to the vet immediately if his temperature rises to 102*F or more.

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Bland diet

If your dog isn’t vomiting and has not fasted for 12-24hrs, then it may be time to introduce the bland diet as dog food. The bland diet includes:

Boiled rice (75%)
White chicken meat cooked without skin or bones or extra-lean hamburger (25%)

You should not add oils, fats, or spices to your bland diet.

Gradually increase how much food you give to your dog. Start with one tablespoon, and wait two hours. Continue to feed your dog 1/2 to 1 cup of bland food every three to four hours if you can manage to keep it down. You can slowly add to your dog’s regular diet until he is eating 100% again.

Probiotics

After your dog has gained the ability to eat and seems to feel better, you might consider giving it unsweetened plain yogurt with probiotics. Probiotics are living bacteria that can be found in the digestive system. Probiotics are intended to improve your dog’s digestive health and immune system.

Helpful Foods

If your dog is suffering from diarrhea, there are foods that can soothe upset stomachs and help to firm up the stool.

Can you use canned or plain pumpkin?

Oatmeal
Plain yogurt, unsweetened
Sweet potato

Bananas

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Dispose of food between 12-24 hours

Canines can go without food at times in the wild. Fasting is a good option if your dog has a stomach upset.

You should not leave food out for more than 12 hours, or even overnight, if your puppy is still young. Maple syrup can be good to rub your puppy’s gums to maintain his or her glucose levels. You should make sure that the syrup doesn’t contain or xylitol.

Slippery Elm Bark

Some veterinarians recommend slippery Elm bark for dogs. Slippery elm bark can be used to treat dogs’ digestive problems. Slippery elm bark has mucilage that will lubricate, soothe and coat the mucous membranes in your dog’s stomach.

Refrain from allowing your dog to eat grass

Some dogs seem to have an instinctive drive to eat grass if their stomach is upset. Some believe the dog is trying induce vomiting by eating grass. However, not all vets agree. However, veterinarians do agree that many lawns have been treated with fertilizers or other chemicals making them unsafe for dogs to eat.

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Over-the counter medication

If your dog is suffering from diarrhea, you may be able to help him or her with over-the-counter medication. However, your veterinarian should always advise you. Dogs have been treated with Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, and Pepcid for diarrhea. Side effects can occur so make sure to consult your vet before you use them.

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Reza Esmati

I’m a long-time animal lover and owner of two dogs and three cats. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior.