Are you worried about your pup’s stomach? Is he or she exhibiting signs of an upset tummy, such as vomiting or diarrhea? Dogs can experience digestive issues for a variety of reasons, but luckily there are ways to treat the problem and help your dog feel better. In this article, we will discuss what you can do to treat your furry friend’s upset stomach. We’ll cover the most common causes of canine stomach distress and provide advice on how to ease your pup’s discomfort. Whether it be dietary changes, a new food brand, or natural remedies, we have some tips that dog owners can follow to help get their furry friends feeling better in no time. So keep reading to learn more about how to care for your pet when their belly isn’t feeling its best.
What Are Some Common Causes of Upset Stomach In Your Dog?
Dogs are known for their love of eating anything and everything, but sometimes that can lead to a dog’s stomach ache. Whether it’s from eating something they shouldn’t have or from a more serious underlying condition, an upset tummy can be uncomfortable for your furry friend.
Dogs can get an upset stomach in a variety of ways. Some common symptoms to look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can occur separately or in combination and can range from mild to severe.
Vomiting and diarrhea are two of the most common symptoms your dog has an upset stomach. They can be caused by a variety of things, including eating something that is not safe for them to eat, ingesting toxins, food allergies, or even an infection. If your dog is vomiting frequently or has diarrhea for more than a couple of days, or if the vomit contains blood, it’s important to seek veterinary care right away.
Loss of appetite is another symptom of an upset belly in dogs. It can be caused by a variety of things, including nausea, pain, or an infection. If your dog is not eating for more than a day or two, it’s important to seek the care and opinion of a vet right away. It can be a sign of a more serious issue such as liver or kidney disease.
Causes of Dogs Eating Grass
Eating grass is a common behavior among dogs, and it is generally considered to be normal. There are several reasons why a dog may eat it. If your dog is feeling under the weather, if they have nutritional deficiencies, are bored, or have GI issues. Some dogs may simply enjoy the taste or texture, while others eat it as a way to induce vomiting if they are feeling sick.
However, it is important to note that in some cases, a dog eating grass excessively or compulsively could be a sign of an underlying stomach problem or health condition, such as gastrointestinal issues or a dietary imbalance.
What Causes Upset Stomachs in Dogs?
There are many common causes of upset stomach in dogs. Some of the most common include dietary issues, such as eating something that is not safe for them to eat or eating too much or too little of certain types of food.
Dogs can get infections, such as those caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and that can cause your dog stomach pain. These infections can be contracted by eating contaminated food or water, or by coming into contact with other infected animals.
Stress and anxiety can also cause an upset stomach in dogs. This can be due to changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home, or due to changes in their routine, such as the arrival of a new family member or pet. Certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and some types of cancer, can also give your dog an upset belly.
It’s important to note that some breeds are more prone to certain conditions that can cause belly pain, such as deep-chested breeds that are more prone to bloat, and certain breeds that are prone to certain types of cancer. It’s important to be aware of any changes in your dog’s behavior, appetite, and to be aware of the signs of upset stomach.
How You Can Help Remedy Your Dog’s Upset Stomach
There are several things you can do to treat your dog’s upset stomach.
First, try withholding food from your dog for a period of time. This will give your dog’s belly a chance to rest and recover. Depending on the severity and symptoms of upset stomach, you may want to withhold food for 12-24 hours. Offer water during this time to prevent dehydration and be sure to keep your vet updated as you make the decision to give your dog’s belly a break. You can offer your dog ice chips in hope of keeping them hydrated if they won’t drink water.
Next, try a bland diet. Once your dog’s stomach has had a chance to rest, you can start by introducing a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice. This will be easy on your dog’s stomach and will help to soothe any inflammation. Gradually introduce small amounts of this food and watch for any signs of distress.
If your dog’s upset tummy seems to be caused by a specific food, it may be helpful to try a limited ingredient diet. These diets are made with a single protein source and a limited number of ingredients, making it easier to identify which food is causing the upset stomach.
Home Remedies To Help Your Dog
There are also several at-home remedies you can try that may help your dog. Try feeding your dog a small amount of plain, unsweetened yogurt to their food. This can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut, which can help to ease stomach upset.
Some other home remedies can help, like adding a small amount of cooked white rice or a really small amount of plain pumpkin to your dog’s food. Rice is easy to digest and can help to settle a dog with an upset stomach. Plain pumpkin can also help to soothe an upset stomach or clear out anything that is causing your dog to suffer from an upset stomach.
Giving VERY small amounts of ginger (in any form) can help to ease an upset tummy. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, can help to reduce nausea and ease stomach discomfort. Ginger is safe for dogs with the guidance of your vet.
Another way to soothe your dog’s upset stomach is with probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help to support a healthy digestive system in dogs. They can be useful because they can help to balance the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation.
When giving a dog probiotics, it is important to choose a high-quality product that is specifically formulated for dogs. These can be found in various forms such as powders, capsules or yogurt. As always, make sure to consult with your veterinarian before giving probiotics to your dog.
It’s important to note that these solutions are intended to be supportive and to be used under the guidance of a veterinarian. These solutions should not replace veterinary care if your dog is showing severe symptoms or if the symptoms are prolonged.
When You Should Take Your Dog to a Vet
If your dog is vomiting frequently, if the vomit contains blood, if your dog’s diarrhea or loss of appetite is severe, or if it lasts for more than a day or two, it’s important to seek care right away.
If your dog is showing signs of abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, changes in energy level or signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes, dry mouth, or lethargy, it’s important to seek care right away. Make sure to keep your dog near you so you can monitor them and their upset stomach at home.
Be wary of whether or not your dog has ingested something toxic, such as plants or chemicals. Some common toxic plants include lilies, azaleas, and tulips, while common household chemicals that can be toxic include cleaning solutions, pesticides, and some types of medications.
In summary, if you notice any symptoms that last more than a day or two, if they are severe, if your dog is not eating, showing signs of dehydration, having difficulty breathing or showing changes in behavior, or if you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, you should take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Healthiest Dog Food & Treats You Can Feed Your Dog
Obviously, you’ve landed on this article because you want some advice on how to make your dog feel better. Other than all of the suggestions we’ve listed above, there’s one more we think may help. In general, your dog may have some stomach sensitivities, which means you may have to switch their food and the types of treats you give them. We recommend reading more about the Healthiest Dog Foods and Dog Food Brands that you can feed your dog that take these sensitivities into consideration. There are also Healthy Dog Treats you can purchase that are made with oatmeal and don’t contain wheat or corn (which can cause flare ups) in your dog. We hope your dog is feeling better after implementing some of the stuff you’ve learned in this article!
In conclusion, there are many reasons your dog has an upset stomach and why it can be a common problem in dogs. Withholding food, trying a bland diet, and consulting with a veterinarian are all ways to help treat the cause of an upset stomach in your furry friend. Remember, always be vigilant of your dog’s bowel movements, whether or not your dog is experiencing any other symptoms, and consult with a veterinarian if your dog does not improve.
