The problem with dogs is that they are always chewing or biting into things that they shouldn’t. This causes unwanted things to make their way into your dog’s stomach. As a result, they can get an upset stomach.
Now the question is what should you do when your dog gets an upset stomach? Should you take it to the vet? Or give it some home remedy? We will be answering all these questions in the post below.
If you own a pet dog, you should give this article a read even if your dog is currently not suffering from digestive issues. It is better to stay prepared than to regret later.
What causes upset stomachs in dogs?
Before we talk about “what to give your dog for upset stomach” you need to know what causes it. There can be various reasons that can lead to stomach issues in your dog. But one of the most common causes is that your pet ate something that they shouldn’t have.
Dogs are curious animals and will eat or chew almost anything that interests them. Another possible reason is that your dog starts playing or running around, right after eating.
An upset stomach can also be caused due to gas build-up, parasites, constipation, or bacterial infection. We have listed all the possible causes of an upset stomach in dogs in the pointers below:
- Eating something that is not meant to be eaten
- Bacterial infection in the digestive tract
- Chronic health conditions
- Sensitive digestive system
Some of the many medical conditions that can lead to an upset stomach in dogs are:
- Motion sickness
- Ulcers
- Bloating
- Inflammation
- Obstructions
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Digestive system cancer
- Malabsorption
- Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis
Symptoms of Upset Stomach in Dogs
You should always keep a check on your dog’s behavior and health. This will let you know if they are having any health issues. In case of an upset stomach, you should watch for certain signs and symptoms. For instance, vomiting and diarrhoea are two signs of an upset stomach.
If you see your dog eating grass to induce vomiting or to soothe his stomach, you know there is something wrong with his health. You should watch for these signs to know if your dog has an upset stomach:
- Reduced or loss of appetite
- Less thirsty or drinking less water
- Fatigue
- Stretching more often
- Seeming depressed
- Gulping
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Licking their lips, objects, or the air
Effective Home Remedies for Upset Stomach in Dogs
Before you start giving your dog any home remedies, you should always consult your vet. If he recommends at-home monitoring, then only you should opt for it. We have provided some of the effective remedies to give to your dog to treat its upset stomach.
Here you go with the details:
- Fasting
If your dog is suffering from an upset stomach, you should stop feeding him for a while. During this time, your dog will try to get rid of whatever he has eaten before and empty his stomach. So you shouldn’t burden your furry friend by feeding him more.
You should stop giving any food to your dog for at least 12 to 24 hours. There’s nothing to worry about as they can stay without food for that long without any issues. Since the gastrointestinal system is having issues, it’s better not to force it to digest things.
Fasting is one of the simplest ways to soothe your dog’s stomach. But you should always talk to your vet for advice. That’s because some dogs can’t tolerate fasting as good as others. If your vet recommends fasting, you should ask whether you should break the fast with a bland diet.
- Canned Pumpkin
When your dog is suffering from an upset stomach or indigestion, canned pumpkin can be really helpful. It is also recommended by vets. That’s because it contains a low glycemic index, so it gets absorbed slowly. This will help soothe your dog’s upset stomach better than anything else.
But make sure that you get only 100% canned pumpkin. Do not offer a pumpkin pie mix or anything of that sort. When your dog is having a digestion problem, you shouldn’t feed it spices. Before getting the canned pumpkin, check the ingredients list to be sure.
Larger dogs can be given 1 tablespoon of canned pumpkin, while smaller dogs can have a one-half teaspoon.
- Ice Cubes
Yes, ice cubes can provide relief to your dog’s upset stomach. If you see your pet suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting frequently, you will want to keep him hydrated. But at the same time, giving too much water to your dog may make his stomach even more upset.
This is why you should limit your dog’s water intake. Instead of water, you are advised to offer ice cubes to your dog. This will meet their water requirements.
If your dog can keep down the ice cubes or small quantities of water, you can gradually increase the amount. But keep a track of the times you offer it ice cubes or water to drink.
- Simple rice and protein
Since your dog’s digestive system is troubled, you should feed it something simple and easy to digest. For example: rice and protein. This will help get their digestive system and appetite back.
Simple starches such as millet and white rice are good for your dog’s health. These kinds of foods are not only easy to digest but also soothing for your dog’s stomach. In addition, you can give turkey, steamed fish, cottage cheese, or cooked eggs.
Until your dog’s stomach is fine again, you should avoid feeding it complex meats like pork and beef. This can only worsen the symptoms as they are difficult to digest.
- Apple sauce and banana
When humans get an upset stomach, we often rely on these foods to stay hydrated. Both applesauce and banana are rich sources of potassium and fiber, which can be helpful for the digestive system.
Like humans, even dogs can get benefitted from this. These fruits are good for their health and can soothe their stomach. But make sure not to overfeed these to your dog. Just one teaspoon to every 10 pounds of body weight is perfect. You can also consult the vet for tips.
- Bone broth
Giving small amounts of bone broth to your dog can be helpful. It is not only delicious but will also keep your pet hydrated.
Since bone broth takes a lot of time to prepare, you should prepare and keep it in the freezer. So that, you can feed it to your dog in case of emergencies. This is especially needed for pet owners with dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Probiotics
Once your dog can eat again, you can consider giving him some probiotics like plain, unsweetened yoghurt. This can be extremely beneficial for your canine friend.
Probiotics contain gut-friendly bacteria that are naturally found in the digestive tract. The whole purpose of giving probiotics is to improve the digestion process of your pet. It can also help boost your dog’s immune system.
- Slippery elm bark
Many vets recommend slippery elm barks for dogs with digestion issues. For those who don’t know, it is a kind of herb that helps treat digestive problems in canines.
It contains high amounts of mucilage, which will lubricate, coat, and soothe the inflamed mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
When to take your dog to the vet?
If the home remedies are not improving your dog’s condition and it still feels uncomfortable, you should take it to the vet without wasting any more time. At this point, if you continue to monitor your dog at home, chances are that the signs will worsen.
If you notice any of these signs in your pet, you should call the vet:
- Frequent vomiting
- Episodes of diarrhoea more than twice
- Increasing or consistent discomfort
- Blood in the stool or vomit
- Foreign object in their stool or vomit
- Collapsing due to extreme weakness
These signs can indicate something more serious than just an upset stomach. It could be related to conditions like a severe allergic reaction, pancreatitis, stomach bloating, or internal parasites. If you ignore these signs, it can be very dangerous for your dog.
If you notice that your dog has eaten something like a toy or any other foreign object, you should seek professional help immediately.
In case, your primary vet is unavailable, you should visit a local veterinary hospital. An expert will be able to advise and guide you better with your dog’s health. They will provide the right treatment that your dog needs.
Dogs will eat anything that they will lay their eyes on. As responsible pet owners, you should always keep a watch on your dog, especially what he is eating. This can help you prevent it from eating something that it shouldn’t. At the same time, you should also provide a balanced diet to your dog, especially if it has a sensitive stomach.
