There are plenty of perfectly innocent causes for a dog’s digestive system to go off the rails. Maybe there was a sudden change in your dog’s diet because the pet store was out of the usual brand. Or your well-intentioned friend snuck your dog table scraps or too many treats. Even stress can give your dog an upset stomach or loose bowel movements. And when that happens, you may be scrubbing the aftermath of your dog’s stomachache off the living room rug.
Signs of Upset Stomach in Dogs
There are also many serious reasons why a dog may have digestive system trouble: toxin ingestion, a blockage by a foreign object, bacterial infections, parasites and inflammatory bowel disease, to name just a few. You should be concerned if your dog’s symptoms include blood in the vomit or diarrhea, severe lethargy, abdominal pain, swelling of the abdomen, loss of appetite for more than 24 hours or if the vomiting or loose stool is progressive over time.
Treatment of your dog’s upset stomach depends on the cause and severity. In many cases, a “wait and see” approach can be devastating for your dog’s health. That’s why it’s always best to discuss your dog’s symptoms with your veterinarian before trying to manage the situation at home. If your vet determines it’s a mild case of an upset stomach, there are several things dog owners can do to help their dog feel a little better.
What to Feed a Dog with an Upset Stomach
Your veterinarian may recommend medication to help manage your dog’s upset stomach or probiotics to help firm up stools by restoring the natural balance of beneficial bacteria to the digestive system. While it may be tempting to give your dog human over-the-counter medications to aid in their recovery, don’t do it unless instructed to do so by your vet. Many products that are deemed safe treatments for humans can be extremely toxic for pets.
A Dog’s Upset Stomach Can Lead to Dehydration
Dogs often lose body fluids when they vomit or have diarrhea. If they feel nauseous, they may steer clear of the water bowl and become dehydrated. You can get a general idea of your dog’s hydration by touching your finger to their gums. In a healthy dog, the gums should typically be moist enough that your finger slides over the surface. If your finger sticks to the gum tissue, your dog may be dehydrated — although this may not always be reliable.
A few hours after the last vomiting episode, start by offering a small amount of water. (Allowing your dog to gulp large quantities of water can cause them to vomit.) For small dogs, start with about a quarter cup of water every two hours, or half a cup every two hours for medium to large dogs. You can also replace the water in your dog’s dish with ice, so they can only drink a small amount as the ice melts.
If your dog isn’t interested in drinking water, reach out to your veterinarian for advice. Some dogs may benefit from fluid therapy at the veterinary clinic, especially young puppies, senior dogs and those who are extremely dehydrated.
Once your dog’s stomach can hold down water, it’s time to try solid dog foods.
What to Give a Dog for an Upset Stomach: Home Remedies
When offering food, try small amounts of bland foods like a mixture of cooked white rice and boiled, skinless, boneless chicken or boiled lean ground beef. Be sure to ask your veterinarian for specific directions on preparing bland ingredients for your dog’s upset stomach. Your vet may also recommend trying a dog food specially formulated for sensitive stomachs, such as Diamond CARE® Sensitive Stomach Formula for Adult Dogs.
Like water, you don’t want to overdo the amount of food at first. Start with a small amount of the rice and meat mixture or special food. If your dog’s tummy can hold that down, keep feeding small, frequent meals over the next few hours until your dog has eaten about the same amount they would normally consume. After 2–3 days of the bland diet, you can gradually transition your dog back to their regular food by slowly mixing it in over several days.
Every dog has stomach problems once in a while, especially if your naughty pup eats something they shouldn’t. But if an upset stomach happens often, it may be a sign of something more serious. Discuss the issue with your vet to ensure that it’s not a food sensitivity or chronic illness like cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
