Just like people, dogs are capable of suffering from indigestion, also known as dyspepsia[1]. This ailment is not age-specific, affecting both older dogs and puppies alike occasionally.
The condition normally isn’t very serious and will often disappear on its own. However, the situation is sometimes serious and may even be associated with an underlying health issue. If your pup has a severe tummy upset that has lasted more than twenty-four hours, you should definitely see your veterinarian as soon as you can. Failure to do this can trigger dehydration, anemia, and weight loss, among others.
From how to know if your dog has an upset tummy to knowing what to feed dog with upset stomach, let’s take a realistic approach to care for your canine friend.
How To Know If Your Dog Has An Upset Stomach?
Dog vomiting and diarrhea are the most common dog upset stomach symptoms. However, you may notice any of the following signs and symptoms in a dog with an upset stomach that may be a cause for concern.
- Drooling (sometimes a sign of nausea)
- Fatigue and Lethargy
- Reduced appetites
- Increased body temperature (above 101.5 F)
- Traces of blood in vomit and poop
- Passing gas
- Constipation
- A hard-looking tummy
- Dehydration; lack of water
- Fever
If you notice any of the above cases, keep an eye on your pooch and you don’t see any improvement within one day, contact your vet for a proper examination.
6 Reasons For Upset Stomach In Dogs
There are several reasons why a dog could be showing signs of illness, and it’s hard to identify just one cause. Nonetheless, there are some common causes of a tummy upset and they include:
1. Diet
Diet is a major cause of tummy upsets in dogs. This occurs for many lessons, including eating too fast, too much, or too little, along with eating foods that are not supposed to be eaten, including table scraps. Dogs can also develop tummy upsets from eating too slowly or too quickly. Some also have a tendency of overeating, which can cause further complications.
Canines are scavengers in nature, and it is common for them to experience tummy upsets after consuming spoiled foods from the trash bin. They may also consume non-food items like plastic that can also cause problems. Dogs sometimes ingest foreign objects, which can also lead to cause gastrointestinal issues.
2. Food Sensitivity
Seemingly harmless foods, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, and grapes can sometimes make your adults or puppy dog sick if they are ingested in both small and large quantities. The natural sweetener xylitol is extremely toxic to them and must be kept away from them at all times. Tummy problems can also be caused by food allergies.
3. Poisons
Dogs may also suffer from trouble after accidentally poisoning themselves and they can poison themselves by getting into pesticides and chemicals. Some over-the-counter medications are also poisonous for them.
Other items such as antifreeze and even human vitamins such as D supplements can be dangerous. If your dog tends to stay outside for long periods of time, it means he may eat some plants, which could be poisonous to them. These can lead to diarrhea and vomiting, particularly with nettles and elephant ears. Some also enjoy spending time around the garbage and may ingest potential poisonous parasites, which may be harmful to them. Your dog may get sick if he has ingested something that he shouldn’t eat.
4. Viruses
Viruses are also known to cause abdominal discomfort in pups, these include any serious virus including distemper, corona, and Parvo. These can be extremely dangerous, so if you suspect any of these things, it is extremely important to call your vet immediately.
If your pup’s immune system is weakened or compromised in any way, infections can take over and lead to abdominal pain. Bacteria like e. Coli and salmonella are particularly very common.
5. Dehydration
Sometimes dogs can experience dehydration. This is particularly very common among puppies since their bodies are very small. This is often accompanied by a bout of diarrhea. Perform a simple skin pinch test on your dog if you think they are dehydrated. You can tell that your pup has become dehydrated if their skin stays in the same pinched position for a couple of seconds.
6. Stress & Anxiety
Lastly, stress and anxiety are familiar reasons for a dog s upset stomach. Like humans, pets will often feel anxious in stressful situations. Such feelings can lead to gas, gastrointestinal upsets, and even diarrhea.
If you think stress and anxiety are the root causes of your dog stomach ache, you should look at their immediate environment, and determine the cause of their misery. If you’re unable to eliminate such cause, make sure to contact your veterinarian so they can recommend tailored treatment options and medication to make your pet feel better.
What To Give A Dog For An Upset Stomach?
Feeding your dog the right dog food with proper nutrition can help manage upset stomachs and other health conditions. At the same time, feeding them the wrong food formulas or food with seasoning can worsen their stomach behavior. ‘Help! My dog has upset stomach’ is a cry that a lot of dog owners and veterinarians are familiar with. So, what can you give a dog for upset stomach? Here are several recommendations on what you need to do and what to feed a dog with an upset stomach:
- Starve your dog for around 12 to 24 hours: This kind of fasting will give the bowels time to eliminate any toxins and allow the dog to sleep and recover.
- Reintroduce dog food slowly: By feeding them small portions several times. This is because the ingested food stimulates the gastrointestinal tract. The larger the amounts the greater the stimulation. Therefore, you should feed your dog smaller meals because they are always gentler on the gut and abdomen.
- Provide bland foods: The key is to feed them a bland diet that consists of a mixture of white meat like chicken breast, as well as a bland carbohydrate source like cooked pasta or boiled white rice, or boiled potato. Other option like plain boiled rice and chicken broth, bone broth, or ground beef (with no seasonings, salt, or sugar) can also soothe their tummies. However, avoid any dairy products like milk. You can also try baby food, as long as it doesn’t contain onion or garlic.
- Consider giving them prescription food: A professional veterinarian can recommend specially formulated dog food that helps to speed up the recovery process from tummy troubles or diarrhea.
- Provide your pup with plenty of fluids: This includes liquids like clean water and fresh-water, or ice cubes/ice chips. This will help prevent dehydration, which is in fact often a serious cause of diarrhea.
- Consider adding probiotics: Add this to your upset stomach dogs’ regular diets. Humans have different bacteria in their bodies as compared to dogs, so make sure to keep your probiotic drink away from your dogs. Instead, buy doggy probiotics, which help to repopulate their bowel with beneficial bacteria, provide nutrients, and restore normal function.
When Should You Take Your Dog To The Vet For Upset Stomach?
Now that you know what to give a dog for upset stomach and vomiting, you need to know when it’s time to make appointments with the vet. There are some clear signs that you should take your dog to a vet for abdominal distress. If in doubt, get in touch with professional vets to seek their advice and diagnosis.
These warning signs that require attention from an immediate vet visit include:
- Retching or vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite or lack of interest in their usual food
- Not drinking water
- Blood in their stool
- Vomit material that resembles coffee grounds
- A swollen abdomen
- Bloating
- Fever
- Diarrhea that persists beyond a day
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my dog Pepto Bismol for an upset stomach?
Yes, you can give your dog Pepto Bismol as a remedy to soothe their abdominal problem. Corrective Suspension is specifically formulated for dogs, but they can also get relief by taking the off-the-shelf Pepto Bismol. Just make sure to give the correct dosage based on your dog’s weight. The dosage will vary depending on a dog’s weight. If in doubt, it’s best to call your vet expert and ask.
What can I give my dog to coat the stomach?
You can provide your dog a bland diet to coat the stomach. There are also plenty of other ways to treat and relieve an upset tummy in dogs. For example, you can try giving him boiled chicken and rice. Cottage cheese and yogurt can help boost the good bacteria in the digestive system and balance it out. Some dogs can also benefit from eating grass. You can also try giving him two tablespoons of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) to calm your dog s stomach and alleviate diarrhea.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from an upset stomach?
It takes around 12 to 24 hours for a dog to recover in response from a stomach upset. During this period of time, it will allow the bowel to eliminate the toxic substances, and in addition, give it time to rest and recover.
Conclusion
Dogs experience the unfortunate trails of abdominal upsets from time to time, but as a responsible dog owner, you should be there to help your furry animal. There are many types of effective natural remedies a dog s upset stomach, which help to treat nausea and related abdominal ailments. So, if you have been asking ‘what can I give my dog for upset stomach’ or ‘what can you give a dog for an upset stomach’, now you have the answer.
However, it is important to keep in mind that you’re not best placed to diagnose your dog’s health problem and condition. It’s best to use the tips and resources at your disposal to seek veterinary care for your dog and make sure to use your due diligence to make the right choices for your dog’s safety and long-term health.
